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How to Keep Your Sump Pump From Failing You

water leaking into the basement from a failed sump pump

Experiencing a sump pump failure can be a homeowner’s nightmare, especially when it happens at the worst possible moment.

Imagine waking up to a flooded basement during a heavy storm, only to discover that your sump pump, which you relied on for protection, has failed.

This scenario highlights the importance of addressing sump pump issues promptly and effectively.

Sump Pumps 101

Understanding how a sump pump works is crucial for identifying potential issues and preventing failures. Let’s dive into the basics of sump pumps and how they function to keep your basement dry.

open sump pump showing pump and water

Pedestal Sump Pumps

Imagine a tall, skinny pump with its motor sitting proudly above the sump pit. These pumps are easy to service since you don’t have to dig deep to access the motor. However, they can be a bit noisy.

Submersible Sump Pumps

These pumps are placed entirely within the sump pit, quietly and efficiently doing their job. They’re like the strong, silent types of sump pumps, handling water removal with less noise, but since they sit in the mud, they often clog.

Causes of Sump Pump Failure

Understanding the causes of sump pump failure is the first step to preventing it. Let’s explore the common issues that can lead to sump pump breakdowns and how you can address them effectively.

Power Failures and Solutions

Rain pouring on a house

Problem

Imagine a storm raging outside, the rain pouring down in sheets, and your basement starts to flood. Suddenly, the power goes out, and your sump pump grinds to a halt. Power outages during storms can render your sump pump useless right when you need it most.

Solution

To prevent this scenario, consider installing a battery backup system. This backup system ensures that your sump pump continues to operate even when the power is out, providing peace of mind during severe weather events. The battery backup kicks in automatically, keeping your basement dry and your worries at bay.

Overload Scenarios and Prevention

3 sump pumps in a line

Problem

Picture this: heavy rainfall is causing water to gush into your sump pit at an alarming rate. Your single pump is working overtime, but it just can’t keep up with the sheer volume of water. Eventually, it becomes overwhelmed, and your basement starts to flood.

Solution

A multi-pump system can be used to handle excessive water inflow more effectively. This setup involves a primary pump for everyday use, a secondary pump that kicks in during heavy rainfall or if the primary pump fails, and a battery-operated pump in case of a power outage. By distributing the workload, you can prevent overload and ensure your basement stays dry.

Clogs and Blockages

clogged old sump pump

Problem

Imagine checking your sump pump to find that water isn’t properly discharged. Debris or ice has clogged the discharge lines, blocking the flow of water and rendering your sump pump ineffective.

Solution

Regular maintenance is key to preventing clogs and blockages. Make it a habit to clean and inspect your discharge lines regularly, especially before the rainy season. Ensuring that these lines are clear of debris and ice will keep your sump pump functioning efficiently.

By addressing these common causes of sump pump failure with proactive solutions, you can protect your home from water damage and ensure your sump pump is ready to perform when you need it most.

Immediate Actions to Take After Sump Pump Failure

Experiencing a sump pump failure can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if water is already seeping into your basement. Here’s a step-by-step emergency response plan to help you take immediate action and minimize damage.

5-Step Emergency Plan

inspecting the discharge line
  • Remove Standing Water: Use a wet/dry vacuum or mop to remove as much water as possible. This will help with the water damage to your floors and belongings.
  • Check Power Supply: Ensure the pump is plugged in and the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Restoring power could get your sump pump back in action immediately.
  • Inspect the Pump and Discharge Line: Check for clogs, blockages, or damage. Sometimes, debris can clog the discharge line, preventing the pump from working.
  • Use a Backup Pump: Backup pumps can be lifesavers during sump pump failures, helping to manage the water until the primary pump is fixed.
  • Call the Professionals: Contact Foundation Recovery Systems for reliable sump pump replacement. We can diagnose the issue and prevent future failures.

Long-Term Solutions

Once you’ve managed the immediate crisis, thinking about long-term solutions is important to prevent future sump pump failures.

Open pit with single pump
  • Preventive Maintenance: Regular maintenance helps catch issues early before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach can significantly extend the lifespan of your sump pump.
  • Enhanced Capacity: Multi-pump systems are designed to handle large volumes of water during heavy rainfall. By having a primary pump for everyday use and additional pumps for backup, you can ensure your basement stays dry even in extreme weather conditions.
  • Advanced Notifications: Smart sump pump systems come equipped with technology that notifies you of potential issues before they become major problems. These systems can send alerts to your phone or email, allowing you to take action quickly and avoid costly water damage.

Protect Your Home from Sump Pump Failure

FRS truck ready to help

Dealing with a sump pump failure is stressful, especially when your basement starts to flood, and you’re scrambling. The uncertainty and potential costs can be overwhelming. However, you don’t have to face this alone. Foundation Recovery Systems is here to help.

Our team of experts can provide a thorough inspection, diagnose the issue, and recommend the best solutions to ensure your home remains dry and protected. Don’t wait until the next heavy rain to find out if your sump pump will hold up. Schedule a free inspection with Foundation Recovery Systems today and gain peace of mind knowing your home is in the best hands.

FAQs

Yes, we recommend a separate circuit to prevent overload and ensure uninterrupted operation. 

Regular maintenance, installing a backup pump, keeping the discharge pipe clear of obstructions, and ensuring the pump is correctly sized can prevent overflow.  

Sometimes. Continuous operation can indicate problems such as a stuck switch, a malfunctioning float, or an incorrectly sized pump and should be addressed promptly to avoid burnout. However, during heavy rainfall or snowmelt season, your pump may need to run nearly continuously to keep up with the amount of water threatening to enter your basement.

Regular checks and maintenance will help determine the reason for a continuous run.  

Leah Leitow

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

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