What Happens If Your Sump Pump Fails?

A sump pump is one of those devices you rarely think about until it lets you down. Its job is simple but important: pump water away from your foundation before it floods the lowest level of your home. When it fails, water has nowhere to go, and the results can be costly. Understanding why pumps fail and how to prevent it keeps you a step ahead.

Why Sump Pumps Fail

Pumps quit for a range of reasons, and many of them are avoidable with a little attention.

• Power loss. Since pumps run on electricity, the storms that bring heavy water are also the ones most likely to knock out power right when you need the pump most.
• A stuck float switch. The float tells the pump when to run. If it jams, tangles, or gets stuck against the basin wall, the pump may not turn on at all.
• Clogs and debris. Dirt, gravel, and grime can block the intake or the discharge line, choking off the flow of water.
• Overwhelmed capacity. A pump that is too small or a truly heavy downpour can simply produce more water than the unit can move.
• Age and wear. Motors and moving parts wear out over time, and an older pump is far more likely to fail under pressure.

What Happens When It Fails

The consequence of a failed pump is usually flooding, and it tends to arrive at the worst possible moment. Water can seep across floors, soak into walls, ruin stored belongings, and damage flooring and drywall. Left standing, that moisture also invites mold, which can begin to grow within a day or two. What starts as a quiet malfunction can become a major cleanup.

How to Stay Protected

The best defense is preparation, and a few habits make a real difference.

• Install a battery backup so the pump keeps running when the power goes out.
• Test the pump regularly by pouring water into the basin to confirm it switches on, pumps the water out, and shuts off properly.
• Keep the pit clean by clearing debris that could clog the intake or float.
• Check the discharge line to make sure water is carried well away from your foundation and nothing is blocking it.
• Know the age of your pump and plan to replace it before it reaches the end of its service life.
• Consider a secondary pump for extra insurance in flood-prone areas.

A little routine care goes a long way toward keeping your lower level dry through the next big storm.

If a pump failure leaves you with water damage, Tri Tech is ready across Burbank and Greater Los Angeles, any hour of the day or night. Call our 24-hour line and we will help you pump out, dry up, and restore.