Water damage can occur in your property as a result of various sources. There are natural causes like heavy rainfall and the flooding it can cause, and there are also internal property issues like pipe leaks and sewage backups.
Your basement, in particular, is one area of your home that is especially prone to water damage — both due to natural and internal sources.
Natural flooding can happen in your basement if there’s excessive rainfall that leaks into the basement and it can also become flooded if a pipe leaks. You can prevent basement flooding from many possible sources by installing a sump pump.
A sump pump can effectively protect your basement from flooding, but only when it’s functioning properly. Just like any appliance or device, a sump pump can malfunction. If it overflows, then it cannot properly protect your basement from flooding. So, if you have a sump pump overflow, you need to respond immediately to figure out the issue.
Continue reading to learn more about how sump pumps work, why they might fail, and how to respond to a sump pump overflow.
What is a Sump Pump?
A sump pump is a pump designed to keep water away from a property so that it does not become flooded. T
he pump is installed in the lowest part of the basement so that any excess water that accumulates drains to the sump pump. The water will accumulate in the pit where the pump is installed and the pump then directs the water away from the property.
What Causes Sump Pump Failure?
Improper Installation
If your sump pump is not installed properly, then it may end up failing because it cannot work like it is supposed to. It may work for the time being but eventually stop functioning.
Clogs in the Valve and Discharge Line
Dirt and other debris can accumulate in the sump pit, the valve, discharge line, and other parts of the pump. With regular cleaning and maintenance, these clogs can be avoided.
Power Loss
Sump pumps need power to run, so it cannot function if there is a power loss. For example, if a severe storm knocks out the power in your home, then your sump pump cannot perform, leaving your basement vulnerable to flooding.
It is recommended to invest in a backup sump pump that is battery powered or a backup generator. This will ensure that your basement is still protected from flooding even when you have no power.
How Do I Respond to a Sump Pump Overflow?
If your sump pump overflows, then there can be various reasons for this issue.
Check the Power
If there’s a sump pump overflow, one potential problem is that it might not have the power it needs to pump the water out of the pit. Instead, the water will accumulate in the pit until it overflows.
That said, check the power. See if the pump is plugged in. If it is, then check whether there was a circuit breaker trip or a power outage.
Reset the Sump Pump
A common attempt at solving an issue involving a powered device is to just unplug the appliance and plug it back in. Sometimes, all a device needs is to be reset. Unplug the sump pump’s plug and wait for a few minutes before plugging it back in. Then activate the pump to check if the reset has restarted the pump.
Check the Float Switch
The float switch of a sump pump plays an important role in detecting the volume of water in the pit and activating the pump to direct the water away from the property.
As more water is gathered in the sump pit, the float switch will rise with it. At a certain point when the volume of water is great enough, the float switch activates the sump pump to remove the water. If there is a problem with the float switch, your sump pump can fail to expel the water, resulting in an overflow and potential basement flooding.
If there is a sump pump overflow, inspect the float switch for potential damage and to check that it works properly. If there is an issue, you will likely need to replace the switch.
Remove Clogs
The discharge line, valve, and sump pump can all become clogged with dirt and debris. If this happens then the pump cannot function properly which can cause an overflow.
You should regularly check the sump pump parts for clogs. To do this, unplug the pump to empty the pit, inspect the pieces for any clogs, and clear out whatever debris you find.
Professional Water Damage Restoration and Sump Pump Overflow Cleanup
If you experience basement flooding as a result of a sump pump overflow, then you need to address the problem right away. The damage will only worsen the longer the water remains as structural issues and mold growth become a possibility.
Get in touch with a professional water damage restoration company right away.
ServiceMaster by Restoration Contractors can help you recover from basement flooding with the professional water damage restoration services we offer in Warsaw, IN. Our professionals have the training, knowledge, and equipment needed to provide effective and efficient water restoration work that returns your property to its previous state.
Following your call for help, we will promptly arrive at your property to assess the damage. From there, our technicians will use advanced equipment to extract the water and moisture and thoroughly dry damaged materials. We also perform mold remediation if necessary.
Call us as at (260) 420-1502 soon if you experience a sump pump overflow or similar flood cleanup emergency in Warsaw, IN.
