Sump pumps are a great item to have in any home or business, as they help keep the structure dry by pumping water away from it. Sump pumps are especially useful during the spring months when melting snow saturates the ground and builds-up around the structure’s foundation. However, while sump pumps are a great commodity to have, they can fail from time to time, so it is essential to learn what common issues may cause sump pump failure, as this may save you time and costly repairs down the road.
 

What Is a Sump Pump?

Have you ever seen a small, drilled or dug-out space in the basement floor that has water collected in it? I remember when my husband and I were house hunting and came across a few homes that had this space dug-out in the basement floor. This small space is actually called a sump pit, and is home to the structure’s sump pump. The job of the sump pump is to collect water into the sump pit that is absorbed through the ground, then once the sump pit fills-up, the sump pump turns on and pumps water out of the pit through discharge pipes that lead away from the structure. The water then drains into a location that keeps the water away from the structure; therefore, reducing moisture and basement flooding.

Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure

You and your family just get home from dinner and movie, when you run down to the basement for something and discover all your items covered in water. What happened?! You have a sump pump and it should have prevented any basement flooding or excessive water from leaking into the basement. After having the issue examined by a certified professional, it appears the sump pump failed due to clogged discharge lines. Now, not only do you have to endure costly repairs due to water damage, but the discharge lines need to be unclogged. Unfortunately, this type of situation occurs frequently here in New Hampshire (NH), and causes a stressful and frustrating situation for home and business owners. A few other common causes that may lead to sump pump failure are:

• Power outage (during a power outage, it is beneficial to have a generator handy that can power the sump pump).
• Incorrect size (sump pumps that are too big or too small will not work properly and will oftentimes fail due to the sump pump working too hard).
• Failing to provide routine maintenance (such as keeping discharge pipes free of debris)
• Clogged or broken discharge pipes.
• Improper installation (it is important to follow the manufacturer’s step-by-step installation instructions).
• Defect with the sump pump.

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website to learn more about inspecting and maintaining your sump pump.

Soil-Away Is Here for Your Flood Damage Cleanup Emergency!

Soil-Away is a family-owned and operated business that has 25 years of water removal and flood cleanup experience, and is the only certified Esporta Soft-Contents Restoration Operator in NH. If your home or business is claimed by a flood or water damage and you need fast water mitigation, contact our 24/7 water cleanup and restoration emergency line. From Bedford to Laconia to Hampton Beach, we are always here for you
Written by: K. Gnatowski