WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR SUMP PUMP FAILS?
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A sump pump is a very important device that helps get the water out of your basement during a serious storm or flood. Without it working properly, you will most likely experience some major damage to your basement. The lasting damage caused by a flooded basement, could end up costing you thousands of dollars in replacement costs. When your pump fails, what should you do? Learn everything you need to know about sump pump failure, including what to do if your sump pump fails, signs of sump pump failure and what happens when a sump pump fails.
Signs of Sump Pump Failure
There are many signs of sump pump failure to know if your sump pump is about to fail.
Check For A Clog
A clogged pump or discharge pipe is one of the most common causes of sump pump failure. Before a rainstorm, flood warning, etc., be sure to check your sump pump and discharge pipe for clogs.
Dirt and other debris can clog your sump pump leading to pump failure and a flooded basement. If you see that your sump pump pit is clogged, clear the clog before the next major rainstorm. Then make sure the pit is covered at all times to prevent debris from entering in the future. Similarly, keep your discharge pipe from clogging by installing a grate over the line to keep out small animals, leaves, and other debris.
In colder northern climates such as Rhode Island, drainage pipes may clog as a result of the pipes freezing. Properly insulating the pipes can help prevent them from freezing and causing sump pump failure.
Check For Aging
If you notice that the lifespan of your sump pump is coming up, do not hesitate to get a new one. Rust is also another way to tell if your sump pump has aged past its peak functionality. If your basement begins to flood without a sump pump, you may be looking at potentially thousands of dollars in initial damages. Whereas if you spend the money on a new pump instead, you will be saving all that money and then some.
Listen for Constant Strange Noises
Random noises coming from the sump pump may be a sign of a few things wrong with your system. If this is the case, be sure to check where the sound is coming from and have a professional come in to check if it needs to be repaired or replaced entirely.
A More Obvious Sign – Constant Flooding
If your sump pump is working normally, there would be no flooding. Flooding is what happens when a sump pump fails so if you notice that it is taking a while for the pump to drain the water, this is a sure sign of a sump pump failure.
What to Do if Your Sump Pump Fails
Try and Get the Water Out Yourself
This could be very tricky because depending on the amount of water that is flooding into your basement or crawlspace, this can be very difficult. Try your best to remove as much water as possible before a professional restoration service is able to come out to your home. Rhode Island Restoration offers 24/7 emergency service restoration for a situation exactly like this.
Depending on How Much Water Was Removed, Begin to Dry the Area
Once water gets into your basement, it will also get into the walls and any floorboards you have. Mold will begin to grow- very fast, which is why it’s important to try and dry the area as much as possible. You can use any and all fans you may have to dry it or hire a professional service to use equipment to dry the area much quicker.
Try to Make Quick Repairs to Your Sump Pump
Getting your sump pump back online, most likely will be your second priority just after trying to get as much water out of your basement as you can. If it is beyond repairable, do not touch it any further. You will want to leave it in the condition it was in at the beginning of the flood, that way your insurance company can add it to an insurance claim. Also, be sure to take pictures of the scene.
Speaking of an Insurance Claim – Get a Public Adjuster on the Phone!
If you already called your insurance company after the flood and your sump pump failed, do not worry. A public adjuster, such as one from Performance Adjusting, will be able to take the entire insurance claim process of your hands, relieving you of any stress you may have.
Hire a Professional Restoration Service – Rhode Island Restoration
When a flood impacts your home and your sump pump fails, call Rhode Island Restoration to help restore your basement back to normal. If the flood impacted any other area of your home, we will be able to fully repair any damages it touched. For 18+ years we have seen countless homeowners impacted by floods, all who came to us, trusting we will repair everything. The bottom line, if you need us do not hesitate to contact us or call us today! For any other type of damage, you may need help with being sure to check out our services page. Call us today at 401-414-1111 for a free quote and any questions you may have.
