WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SUMP PUMP FAILS DURING A STORM
July 01, 2018
The primary purpose of a sump pump is to prevent basement flooding, especially during storms when the risk is highest. During these times, you rely on your sump pump to redirect water away from your basement and your home's foundation.
Most basements sit below the water table level, and especially during a storm, as groundwater levels rise, the water is diverted to the sump pit, where a float activates a switch when it rises above a certain level. A failed sump pump can result in damage and costly repairs.
There are many reasons your sump pump might fail including:
- Power outages: Without a battery backup, a power failure during a storm can render your pump useless.
- Incorrect sizing: The pump might be the wrong size and unable to handle the volume of water.
- Improper installation: Faulty installation can lead to operational issues.
- Lack of maintenance: Debris can clog vents and air holes if not regularly maintained.
- Float switch issues: A misaligned float switch may fail to activate the pump effectively.
When the pump stops working, you need to start working.
HOW TO HANDLE A SUMP PUMP POWER FAILURE
With a dormant pump, there's going to be water coming into the basement which needs to be removed quickly. Start by unplugging electronics in the area and move anything you have stored in the area, like furniture, rugs, or boxes, to a dry area away from the water.
If the amount of water is manageable, use what you have at your disposal to get rid of the water. You can mop it up, deposit it in a bucket, and dump it at least 20 feet away from the house. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum like a shop vac, towels, or a mop to clean up the water. The faster you remove the excess water, the better.
With excessive amounts of water, use one of the following methods to get rid of it as soon as possible:
Hand Pumping
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, a power outage will render it useless. You can remove the water using a hand pump instead.
Put the hand pump into the sump pump hole, then attach a garden hose to the threaded discharge end of the hand pump. Run the hose outside the nearest window and drain the water outside. If your hose doesn't reach 20 feet, you'll need to let it drain into buckets and then carry it out. You should be able to find a hand pump at your local hardware store.
Trash-Water Pumping
In the case of serious flooding you might require a trash-water pump, a portable powerhouse that can pump large amounts of water that also contains soft solids (e.g. mud, organic debris, sand, sludge). This type of pump is gas-fueled and can remove thousands of gallons of water per hour.
Contact a Professional
Call in expert water removal specialists to pump the water out of your house. Be warned, however, that if there is widespread flooding in your area, they may not be able to get to you for several days.
While it's important to get water out as soon as possible, if flooding leaves water standing in your yard around the house foundation, you won't be able to pump effectively until it recedes.
Drying out
The longer water stands in your basement, the more damage it's going to cause, providing an optimal environment for mold and mildew to stain walls, and damage furnishings, creating a musty odor.
Even after you get all the water and moisture removed from your basement, experts recommend replacing any drywall and carpeting to avoid mold growth. Your local health department can provide tips on reducing the risk of mold.
After the water has largely been removed, use fans and dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of your basement. If the storm has settled, you can open the windows.
MAKE YOUR SUMP PUMP A PRIORITY
Having an adequately-sized sump pump, properly installed with a battery or gas generator backup is your best bet in most situations. Consult a trusted local plumber to advise you on the right equipment for your needs and help make sure it's maintained and ready for when you need it.
