When Your Sump Pump Fails
According to restoration estimates, flooding and water damage happens to about 98 percent of homeowners who have basements. Basements can flood for a number of reasons: plumbing failures, burst pipes, heavy rain, and failing sump pumps. However the water gets in, homeowners need an expert to get it out and dry the moisture before the water damage spreads and causes extensive damage.
What Does A Sump Pump Do?
Sump pumps are indoor equipment used by homeowners to stop indoor flooding from happening. Sump pumps pull water away from a home that experiences water buildup. They are typically found in the lowest level of a home, basements, and crawlspaces.
Installing a sump pump requires a bit of work. A 2 ft+ pit has to be dug up beneath the flooring where the sump pump is housed. If the pit fills with water, the sump pump kicks in and redirects the water away from the home. Of course, not all sump pumps work the same but they all have the same purpose.
When A Sump Pump Fails
Sump pumps do fail! When a sump pump goes out, so does its ability to redirect water away from a home. Sump pumps require regular maintenance – even so, failures happen.
When a sump pump fails, be sure to contact Restore More immediately to remove the water and dry the wet spaces before the damage spreads and mold begins to grow.
If your sump pump does fail or doesn’t seem to be working as efficiently, there are a few things you can check:
- Is the sump pump right for what you need? Sometimes a sump pump won’t work because it isn’t the right size. If a sump pump is too small to alleviate the amount of water coming toward your home, the sump pump can fail from being overworked. Be sure to check with a professional who knows what your home needs before you buy and install a sump pump.
- Is your sump pump outdated? Any piece of equipment is going to suffer from wear and tear. Sump pumps can last, on average, around 10 years. If your sump pump is nearing this age or has passed it up, it is probably time to invest in a new one.
- Is your power out? Sump pumps run on power. If your power goes out, so will your sump pump. Get a backup generator to help keep it running smoothly.
- Is your sump pump installed correctly? Depending on how the sump pump was installed, you may experience difficulty with it. The manufacturer’s instructions need to be followed exactly!
- Are the pipes clogged? Sump pumps contain a discharge pipe that allows the water to be released away from your home. Sometimes, this pipe can get clogged from dirt and debris and backup. There are handy elements that you can add to the pipes like protective mesh or grates that can keep debris from settling inside the pipe.
- Has your pump had a maintenance check recently? Without regular maintenance, your sump pump can suffer avoidable failures. Be sure to have your sump pump checked and cleaned 3-4 times each year to keep it running smoothly.
- Is the activation working properly? Sump pumps are equipped with a cool little float switch that can get jammed and stop the pump from activating when it needs to. Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure that the switch is working properly.
If you do experience water damage due to a sump pump failure, at RestoreMore, we provide 24/7 emergency services for homes and businesses around Racine and Milwaukee areas. Call us today for more information.
(262) 456-3718
Frequently Asked Questions