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Sump pump trips the GFCI or breaker

A GFCI that trips with a sump pump is usually detecting real current leakage from a pump motor taking on water, a damaged cord or splice, or another load on the same circuit. Isolate the pump from the circuit before blaming the GFCI, and never bypass the protection on a pump in water.

Single source ~45 min moderateBrands: All

Before you start

  • Unplug the pump before touching it or the pit water.
  • Do not plug the pump into a non-GFCI outlet or extension cord to 'fix' the trip; the leakage path is a shock hazard.
  • If the house floods while you diagnose, use a temporary pump on a GFCI-protected outlet.

Diagnostic steps

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