How to Slow Sump Pump Output

Inspect the sump pump to look for corrosion. If the pump is corroded or clogged, it is running faster to compensate for lower efficiency. Cleaning the pump and eliminating obstructions helps increase the pump's efficiency, and it should slow down as a result. Follow the cleaning instructions in the manual for your specific pump, because it varies somewhat model to model.

Verify that all the hoses are connected tightly to the pump. A loose hose or a leak also contributes to the pump working more. Tighten any hoses that appear loose.

Check that the pump is pumping water when it runs. If it is running when there's no water, the motor overheats and the pump can fail. This is likely caused by a faulty float or valve. Open the pump cover and you'll see a mechanism similar to the float in a toilet tank. Make sure the arm and float moves smoothly up and down. If the arm is stuck, the valve stays open and the pump continues to run. Replace the float device and the connecting arm.

Elevate the pump slightly so it takes more water to cause activation. This slows the pump output as well.