When you fill the pump basket and fire the pump does it drain the basket quickly as it normally would do?

Yes, it seems pretty much the same in that regard.

Any sign of overheating on the basket lid or pipe fittings at the pump?

Don't think so but I really don't know what this would look like.

Normally overheating of the basket area would occur when the output is blocked and you're just churning water in the basket and getting the water hot.

This could well have happened not because of blockage necessarily but because of starved for water.

Did your sister have to open the basket lid for any reason while you were gone? Look at the basket lid first then valves and finally the piping and bonded joints.

Really doubt it but I'll check that seal again.

Thanks for the help and followup response to my responses are Always appreciated.

Mike