Emergency Steps for Sump Pump Failure During a Storm
A sump pump is your last line of defense against flooding and water damage. So, what can you do when your sump pump fails during a storm? By acting fast, you will reduce the severity and cost of water damage, but without a working sump pump, there is only so much you can do. This is why regular sump pump maintenance is important it prevents shutdowns and prepares your system for heavy rains and floods.
In the following blog, Northeast Power Dry’s water damage experts will discuss why sump pumps fail, how to know if your sump pump failed, and what steps you can take after your sump pump fails. Together, we’ll take the appropriate steps to minimize water damage and protect your home against future incidents.
How Do You Know Your Sump Pump Failed?
The easiest way to know whether your sump pump has failed is to look for standing or puddling water around your sump pump. If your sump pump is surrounded by water and isn’t draining any of it, it is either too small or has failed. There are numerous other signs to look for, including:
- Will not shut off and runs even with no water present
- Vibrates or shakes violently while running
- Makes loud clanking noises
- Parts are thoroughly corroded
If your sump pump fails, you should take action as soon as possible, especially if your basement or crawl space is filling with excess water. Quick responses can save you from weeks of renovations and thousands of dollars in water damage. We’ve developed a quick game plan for responding to a faulty sump pump. If you take the following steps, you can avoid additional issues like mold growth.
1. Turn Off the Power
First, you’ll want to protect yourself against electric shocks. You can do this by turning off your home or business’s power. Excess water can often seep into electrical outlets and wiring, so if you don’t turn off the power, you risk accidental electrocution.
2. Inspect the Pump
Next, you will want to inspect your sump pump for obvious defects. Common sump pump issues include broken float switches, clogged filters, and corroded parts. If you cannot find an obvious problem, let’s move on to the next step.
3. Call a Professional for Water Removal
If your sump pump can’t remove excess water, you can’t afford to leave this water alone. Standing water can become hazardous within 24 hours, causing severe structural damage and polluting your air. To make sure your home or business doesn’t suffer unnecessary damage, contact the water removal experts at Northeast Power Dry.
4. Call a Plumber
A water removal and drying company can help you avoid further damage after a storm or flood, but you need a plumber to help prevent future sump pump failures. A plumber can inspect your system and find the root cause of the sump pump failure. Sometimes, the issue is as minor as a rusted switch, and other times, you’ll need your sump pump replaced.
5. Contact Your Insurance
Some homeowners insurance policies cover losses from basement and crawl space floods. Before you contact an insurance agent, be sure you have fully documented the damage. This includes photos, videos, and written reports from a water damage restoration company or plumber.
How Can You Prepare for the Next Storm?
If your sump pump fails once, let’s make sure it doesn’t fail again. By taking the following steps, you can prepare your sump pump for the next big storm (and we have quite a few of them in New Jersey, so there’s no time to waste):
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Many plumbers and restoration companies have sump pump maintenance plans. These may not be worth it in every climate, but areas susceptible to hurricanes and floods demand annual sump pump check-ups.
- Replace Broken Parts: If you notice broken or corroded parts (like a float switch), be sure to replace them as soon as you can.
- Install a Backup System: Homes in high-precipitation areas often have a primary and backup sump pump. During particularly bad storms, a backup sump pump can save you from thousands of dollars in water damage.
- Replacement: High-use sump pumps typically last 5 to 7 years. Less-used pumps last up to 10. If your sump pump is on the older side, it may be time to invest in a new system.
FAQ
1. Does homeowners insurance cover sump pump failure?
Sump pump coverage varies by insurance company. You will need to contact an insurance agent to learn about your options. When it comes to water damage, we can work with your insurance company and file a comprehensive claim to cover the restoration costs.
2. How often do I need sump pump maintenance?
We recommend having your sump pump inspected by a plumber annually. You can also extend a sump pump’s lifespan and prevent shutdowns by inspecting your sump pump’s parts and cleaning the system quarterly.
3. How do I reset my sump pump after a power outage?
This process is relatively simple. Just plug in the sump pump and set the power switch to “on.”
Water Damage Restoration Specialists in NJ
If your sump pump fails during a storm, you shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences alone. Northeast Power Dry is Central New Jersey’s trusted service for water emergencies. We arrive within 60 to 90 minutes to service floods, mold invasions, and sewage leaks, offering superior care at an affordable price.
When your sump pump fails and water rises in your basement, contact Central New Jersey’s drying experts. We can help with floods caused by burst pipes, storms, appliance leaks, and more. We are rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and certified lead-safe by the Environmental Protection Agency, placing your property’s well-being before everything.
If your sump pump fails, let us handle the water damage remediation. Contact Northeast Power Dry’s 24-hour emergency service today.
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