What To Do If Your Sump Pump Fails

The latest rainstorm is working its way through the GTA, and you suddenly notice the absence of sound of your sump pump from the basement. Going downstairs, you find that your sump pump has broken and your basement is flooded. Prevention is preferable to cure, so what should you do before your sump pump fails?

How Do You Know If Your Sump Pump Is Failing?

There are very telling signs that your sump pump is on the verge of failing. Hearing unfamiliar grating or droning sounds coming from the pump is a strong sign. If the sump pump is operating without stopping, running with unusually short or long cycles, or being unable to pump water out of the sump pit are also indicators. 

Preemptively, warning signs that the sump pump may fail in the near future include finding a tripped breaker which could point to a short. If you see rust or metallic decay on the pump or its parts, that could mean that the pump is reaching the end of its lifespan. Since the maximum number of years that can be expected from any sump pump is about 10 years, age could be a factor.

Causes Of Failure And Solutions – What Happens When Sump Pump Fails

Power disruptions

The lights go out and power to the pump goes with them. Solution: many sump pumps today can have an additional battery backup attached for outages.

Stuck float switch

Occasionally the float gets stuck on with the pump constantly running, or off with water not being pumped. Solution: turn off power, remove pump, clear debris, and check switch for impeded movement and clean.

Clogged intake pipe

Water isn’t being taken in because of debris or sediment in the intake line. Solution: turn off power, remove pump, and clean the intake screen and/or filter according to the recommendations by the pump manufacturer.

Clogged output pipe

Water is rising in the pit or spilling out onto the floor but the pump seems to be operating as it should. Solution: turn off power, remove pump, disconnect output line, and check for/remove debris. If this doesn’t improve conditions, a plumber’s snake or a jet of water from a garden hose could clear blockages.

Plugged weep hole

The output pipe is obstacle free but the water isn’t discharging as it should. Solution: The weep hole may be plugged. This small hole allows air to leave the output line and prevent air lock. Air lock can halt the ejection of water.

Pump can’t keep up

The pump seems to be working as it should, but water continues to rise in the pit. Solution: it sounds like the sump pump is too small to expel the amount of water and may need to be replaced with a larger one.

Lack of maintenance

Sump pumps require regular testing and maintenance so that they don’t fail you in the time of greatest need. Solution: turn off power, remove pump, and clear debris on a regular schedule. Test the pump by filling the pit with water to check the efficacy of the removal.

Storm Related Failure

While having a sump pump fail at the best of times is a major nuisance, having the pump cut out when it is needed most is almost treasonous. However, what do you do if your sump pump fails during a storm?

1. Safety first – electricity and water do not mix, so if there is water all over the basement floor, use flashlights and turn off power to the affected area.
2. Cover up – because water in the basement could include backflow and contamination from other lines, wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect yourself.
3. Water removal – if there is a minimal amount of water in the basement, towels and mops may suffice for the duration of the storm. Consider having a hand pump on a shelf nearby to manually empty the sump pump through a hose. If there is substantial flooding, you might be best served contacting a professional water removal team after the storm.
4. Inspect the sump pump – With the power off, check for obstructions, check the float switch, and clean out the sump pit of particles the best you can. Reassemble, get clear of the area, and restart the power. If that doesn’t address the issue, it’s time for damage control.
5. Pre-empt greater damage – before walking into any standing water, make sure that power to the area is off.
   • Take photos of the area for your insurance provider before, during, and after you start any rescue missions involving your belongings. Camera storage can be immense, so it is better to have too many photos than not enough.
   • Move your electronics, art, and other valuables up out of the basement to prevent water damage. Furniture that has been soaking in water may be beyond restoration.
   • Once the storm has passed, call in a respected sump pump repair team to determine the problem, and repair or replace your sump pump.
   • Open windows and blow fans to dry the room to keep mould from taking hold.

An Ounce Of Prevention…

To be one step ahead of any problem that may occur, it is best to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. What can you do to reduce basement flooding due to sump pump failure?

• Check into having a battery backup for your sump pump, so your sump pump can continue during any power outages.
• Organize a maintenance schedule and stick to it. If the schedule is not followed, it can be a wasted effort. Clean out the filters, sump pit, check intake and output lines, and make sure the float is working as it should.
• The only constant in life is change, and your sump pump may have reached the end of its lifespan. If your pump is over 10 years old, even the highest quality pumps may need to be replaced.

Be Proactive – Prevent Sump Pump Floods

We, at Waterproof Basement, want the same thing that you do for your home: a water-free basement. We install, replace, and repair sump pumps, and with installation comes a 25-year transferable warranty with a 10% discount for first-time customers. Call us today for a free estimate and keep your basement right as rain.