Why won’t my Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump turn on?

There are a few possible reasons why the Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump will not turn on:

  • There is not enough water in the sump pit. 
    • The pump needs to be submerged 5 inches below water before activation.  
  • There is no power/voltage to the pump. 

If the GFCI is tripping with the Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump, is it replaceable? What caused the GFCI to trip with the Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump? Is it safe to use the GFCI with the Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump if it has tripped?

  • The GFCI with the Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump is not replaceable. The entire pump needs to be replaced.  
  • Some causes could be electrical faults, moisture issues, or overload protection. 
  • It is no longer safe to use.  

Can my Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump handle pumping oil, dirt, and sediment?

  • The Little Giant 6-CIA sump pump cannot handle pumping oil, dirt, and sediment. That will damage the pump. 
  • Switch to the Little Giant FL/FS series, Little Giant 6EC pump, or the Little Giant BSWC Series instead.

Why does the horizontal diaphragm switch on my Little Giant 6-CIA sump not want to switch off?

If the horizontal diaphragm switch on the Little Giant 6-CIA sump does not want to switch off, follow these steps:

  1. Check the diaphragm switch. 
    • The diaphragm switch might be faulty. Inspect the switch for any signs of wear or damage. If the rubber diaphragm is weak or hardened, it may need to be replaced.
  2. Clear the vent tube.
    • A blocked vent tube can prevent the switch from operating correctly. Clear any obstructions from the vent tube to restore proper function.
  3. Clean around the diaphragm.
    • Dirt or sediment lodged between the retainer ring and the rubber diaphragm can cause the contacts to remain closed, preventing the pump from switching off. Clean the area around the rubber diaphragm to remove any debris that might be causing the issue.
  4. Check for air lock.
    • The pump might be air locked. To clear an air lock, shut off the power to the pump for approximately one minute, then restart it. Repeat this process several times to clear any air from the pump.
Our Brand Promise

There’s a reason we’ve been the go-to pump for HVAC, Plumbing, Pool, and Hydroponics professionals for generations: experience. For 80 years, Little Giant® products have stood the test of time, pumping a steady flow of proven reliability in the most demanding applications.