A problem with my sump pump?

Its overheating because its running continuously and that's the smell. most likely the float is hung up, check it. if its accessible. Your basic sump pump is pretty simple. If you have to lift it out of a deep pit or something unplug it 1st. Then when you get it out operate it by moving the float up and down. If it don't work like it supposed to (float up-runs/float down-stops) get a new one. They arn't that exspensive. You'll probably find the float is just caught on something. Don't let it run continuously if its not pumping water or it will burn out. Doubt if it will cause a fire. But you never know.

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq...

The float could need adjustment or there's something in the pump. Does your laundry water go through here? if so, I've taken woman's panties, hose, socks, you name it, out of sump pumps.

I just dug a sock out of mine, my spouse said disappeared weeks ago.

Check to see if the float is at the proper height. If its to low the pump may be sucking air.

Sounds bad to me.

Unplug it and have it checked out.

You might have to replace it.