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Sump Pump Failure

What Causes A Sump Pump To Stop Working?

The sump pump is one of the most important fixtures, as they protect homes from excess water from flowing into the basement. However, the truth is that all sump pumps will eventually fail. They will need to be check perodically to confirm the sump pump is operating, espcially before a stormy season. If neglected, chances are that you may not know it is broken until a disaster occurs, leading to water damage and a flooded basement.

A few things that can cause a sump pump to fail include:

  • Power Outage

    The most common cause for sump pump failure is an electrical power outage. It is recommended to have a battery backup sump pump for emergencies like this. Although it's an additional cost, a battery backup sump pump can be the key difference in having a clean or flooded basement.

  • Clogged Discharge Line:

    The pump must be kept clean and free of debris. An inlet screen prevents the passage of dirt and other solid material from entering the pump, but it can become clogged. Cleanings should occur often for pumps that run constantly.

  • Broken Float Switch

    Making sure the float is not tangled or jammed in one position. The job of the float is to throw a switch to trigger enable the sump pump. A sump pump with a jammed float is useless because it will not sense when it should turn on and shut off.

  • Rust

    Over time, even corrosion-resistant sump pump parts will rust. The sump pump float moves up and down on a rod that, if pitted and corroded, will prevent the float switch from properly functioning.

  • Bad Installation

    Installing a sump pump must be done according to manufacturer’s instructions. If done improperly, this can lead to severe water damage down the road.

If you find yourself with a flooded basement due to a failed sump pump, we're here to help. Water removal is something that needs to be dealt with promptly and efficiently. That’s where ServiceMaster by Singer comes in to the picture.

Water Damage Restoration and Water Removal

Our IICRC trained technicians are experts when it comes to water damage restoration and water removal. Our company has a 24/7 response time, so whenever you need water removal and restoration services, we're just a phone call away. Some of the services we offer include:

Contact us or call (410) 346-9336 today to learn more on how we can save your basement from a sump pump failure.