Why do Sump Pumps Fail?

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

Spring has sprung, and while we always hope that will mean sunny skies and warm weather, we in the Midwest know that that can also bring rainstorms and lots of wet weather. Many households in Madison County have sump pumps to help prevent flooding in rainy weather or in even in the case of other types of flooding. A sump pump typically kicks on when water is detected in an area and diverts that water to somewhere that it can safely drain. There are many different parts and variables to a sump pump, and if one of those is not working correctly, the entire system can fail. Some other thoughts to consider for sump pump safety are -  

• Installation – It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully while installing a sump pump. Improper installation can void the warranty and potentially cause your sump pump to fail.  
• Maintenance- It is important to check your sump pump 3-4 times a year to ensure that it is still working properly. It may also be helpful to check on it before the start of a rainy season or if a large rainstorm or other weather event is predicted. This helps to ensure that your pump will be working and ready to go when you may need it most. 

• Power outage – Sump pumps typically do not have their own power system and are plugged into the homes power supply, so if the power goes out, the sump pump also shuts off. Some things to consider are to purchase a sump pump with a battery backup system, a sump pump that has an emergency alarm that will alert you if there is no power to the sump pump, or having a backup generator that can supply power in the case of an outage.  
• Ensure that your sump pump is the correct size for the space – It is important to choose the correct size sump pump for the area it is being used for. It may be useful to consult with a professional in order to ensure that the sump pump you choose will be efficient for your home or business. A pump that is too large may have to overwork to adjust for less water being drained and wear out more quickly. One that is too small will likely not be able to keep up with the amount of water produced. 

If you have any questions or concerns about water damage in your Collinsville home or business, call SERVPRO of Collinsville/Troy at 618-667-8648. Our friendly and experienced team is available 24/7 because we know that emergencies can happen at any time.