Why SERVPRO Can Help When Your Sump Pump Fails

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

A malfunctioning sump pump can inundate a basement with water quickly, leaving a messy clean-up.

If you’ve invested in a sump pump, congratulations! A sump pump is your extra layer of protection to keep your basement or crawlspace safe from flooding and water damage. But what happens if your sump pump fails?

Here are 5 common reasons why sump pumps fail and what you can do about it:

An Overworked Sump Pump

If there’s a problem with your switch, or excessive amounts of rain or water flow, there’s a possibility your sump pump could continuously run until it burns out. Typically, sump pumps should only run for under a minute at a time.

Check how frequently your sump pump is running. If major storms will be a common occurrence, you may want to consider installing a secondary pump which can work alongside your first pump and empty the water basin more quickly when there’s heavy waters.

A Clogged Sump Pump

The drain lines that feed into the basin of your sump pump often carry bits of dirt and debris that can build up over time and clog the pump. When this happens, the pump may turn on, but it won’t function properly. 

In order to keep your sump pump running smoothly, it’s a good idea to clean it out once a year. Make sure to use a wet/dry vacuum to remove both water and dirt from the bottom of the basin. 

Power Problems

Power problem are one of the most frequent causes of sump pump failures. If your sump pump runs on electricity, you’ll be in trouble if you lose power during a major storm. That’s why you want to make sure to have a battery backup.

Unfortunately, battery backups can be expensive. As an alternative, consider a manual pump or a water-powered pump as your backup in case of a power outage.

Lack of Maintenance

Admittedly, it’s not pleasant to have to clean a sump pump – they’re typically dirty, smelly, and can be difficult to reach in a tight crawlspace. However, a sump pump that isn’t cleaned and properly maintained will wear out faster.

It’s a good idea to test your sump pump at least once a month to make sure it’s working properly. Then, every 6 months you will want to unplug the unity, drain the basin, and clean it out. Once you reassemble the unit, don’t forget to test it with several bucketfuls of water.

 Older than 6 – 12 Years

Depending on how frequently your sump pump runs, it should last between 6 to 12 years.

If you know your pump is getting older or you’re unsure of its age, it’s a good idea to test and clean it more often. If you start to notice the onset of any problems, you should consider replacing the unit sooner than later to prevent a backup.

If your sump pump does fail, and you find yourself dealing with water damage, at least you can rest assured that SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch is close by to help. Our team of expert technicians have all the tools and training needed to deal with any size disaster, and we offer 24/7 emergency service for when you need it.