What Happens When Your Sump Pump Fails and How to Fix It

If you have a basement, chances are, you have a sump pump. Designed to pump ground water away from your home's foundation, the devices are designed to prevent extensive basement flooding and damage. When downpours occur, water can and will get in spaces and crevices, and the sump pump is your fail safe to ensure that excess water gets diverted to a storm drain and not your basement.

If It Fails, What Should I Do?

As you may have guessed, a failed sump pump can leave a basement with several centimeters of water that presents with both extensive damages and is an electrical hazard. The first step to fixing this issue is determining how high the water is and whether it has compromised the electric system in your house. If the water level is higher than your basement outlets, do NOT enter the water: call the fire department or a retailer with a heavy-duty pump immediately.

If one of these services is for some reason unavailable, your house must be disconnected from the power grid before entering the basement.

Assuming the water level is lower, grabbing a shop vacuum and slowly beginning to remove the water is the first step to repairing damages. While this won't work for bigger floods, it can quickly remove smaller amounts of water and prevent any electrocutions.

What Can Be Salvaged?

Most professional associations agree that any water damaged gas or electrical appliances should be replaced as the risk for malfunction or fire is too high. This means that any outlets, switches, wiring or appliances must be discarded. Similarly, any drywall or insulation that becomes wet should also be replaced along with water logged carpet and possibly wood trim. Despite the inconvenience, health issues that can arise from mouldy carpets or walls are much less desirable than replacing the damaged materials.

Preventative Measures

If you never want to encounter the above scenario, make sure to test your sump pump on a regular basis (or at least when you know a big storm is on its way). To do so, locate your pit in your basement and pour a small bucket of water into the sump pit. Then, check that the pump not only turns on, but drains the water and automatically shuts off within 3-5 seconds. At this time, you should also make sure the pit is debris-free and the valve is movable. For more information, go to websites like http://www.slaterpumpsmelbourne.com.au.