Preventing Sump Pump Failure

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cecil County has been staying busy with the amount of calls we received from this weekend’s heavy downpour.  Homeowners called us to help with their water damaged basements, some of which were due to sump pump failures.

Failing to maintain your sump pump and inspect it for issues can cause a large problem during a rainstorm and lead to basement flooding like in many of our recent Cecil County emergencies.

Sump pumps can fail for many reasons but most issues can be prevented through maintenance and prevention.  The problems to look out for and solutions below can save you from an overwhelming water damage event in your home.

• If you experience a power outage, your sump pump will not drain the water that leaks into your home.  This problem can be solved by installing a generator in order to keep the pump working in any size storm.
• A mechanical issue can also be to blame. If the pump’s switch becomes lodged or debris gets clogged in the pump, the system will not work properly.  Cleaning and ensuring that the pump is positioned as it should be will eliminate this risk.
• A frozen or clogged pipe can also cause your pump to stop working properly.  If your main discharge pipe freezes, having a backup line installed is an easy solution. Having a grate to catch unwanted debris will also prevent the pipe from clogging.
• Be sure to choose the right pump for your home based on size and the amount of water that it may need to handle.  Choosing the wrong pump can potentially lead to an insufficient system.  Install the equipment properly to ensure its efficiency.
• Maintenance is important.  Cleaning and maintaining the sump pump on a quarterly basis will keep the system running smoothly.

These steps will keep your sump pump running effectively and prevent water from leaking into your home during a storm.  SERVPRO of Cecil County has seen many homes left with water damage due to sump pump failure. These situations can be overwhelming and costly for homeowners, but our water and storm restoration professionals are here to clean up the mess. 

Should you experience a sump pump failure or other water damage event in your home, call our team for our specialized care and guidance.  We’re here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”