With the consistent rain we've been experiencing across Minneapolis and the surrounding Twin Cities area, sump pumps are working overtime. When the ground becomes saturated and water continues to collect around your home's foundation, your sump pump can quickly become one of the most important pieces of equipment in your basement.

Unfortunately, heavy and prolonged rainfall is also when sump pumps are most likely to become overwhelmed or fail.

A sump pump failure can turn into a flooded basement quickly. Knowing what to watch for and what to do when something goes wrong can help limit the amount of water damage to your home.

Why Do Sump Pumps Fail During Heavy Rain?

Your sump pump is designed to collect groundwater around your foundation and pump it safely away from your home. During periods of frequent or heavy rain, significantly more water may enter the sump basin than usual.

Some common causes of sump pump failure include:

• The pump can't keep up. Heavy rainfall can cause water to enter the sump pit faster than the pump can remove it.
• Power outages. Storms can knock out power, leaving a standard sump pump unable to operate.
• Clogged pumps or discharge lines. Dirt, debris, or other obstructions can prevent water from being pumped away properly.
• Mechanical failure. Like any appliance, sump pumps can wear out or stop functioning unexpectedly.
• Float switch problems. If the float becomes stuck or fails, the pump may not activate as the water level rises.
• Improper drainage. If discharged water isn't directed far enough away from the foundation, it can make its way back toward the home and into the sump system.

What Should You Do If Your Sump Pump Fails?

If you notice water beginning to enter your basement or your sump pit overflowing, acting quickly can help reduce the extent of the damage.

1. Put safety first.
If standing water is near electrical outlets, appliances, your electrical panel, or other electrical equipment, don't enter the affected area until you know it is safe. Water and electricity can create a serious hazard.

2. Check whether the sump pump has power.
If it is safe to do so, determine whether the pump is plugged in and whether a breaker or GFCI outlet has tripped. If the home has lost power completely, a standard sump pump will not operate without a backup power source.

3. Check the sump pit and pump.
If the pump has power but isn't running, there may be an issue with the float switch, pump, or discharge system. Avoid attempting repairs you're not comfortable or qualified to perform.

4. Stop additional water when possible.
If you can safely identify and reduce the source of incoming water, do so. Groundwater intrusion caused by saturated soil may continue until water levels around the home decrease.

5. Call a water damage restoration company as soon as possible.
The longer water remains in a basement, the greater the potential for damage to flooring, drywall, insulation, contents, and other building materials.

Why Fast Water Removal Matters

Even after visible standing water is removed, moisture can remain trapped inside building materials and areas you can't easily see.

Water can travel underneath flooring, wick into drywall, soak insulation, and enter wall cavities. Simply removing the standing water doesn't necessarily mean the structure is dry.

Professional water mitigation may include water extraction, moisture detection, removal of unsalvageable materials, cleaning procedures when appropriate, and the placement of professional drying and dehumidification equipment.

The goal is not only to remove the water you can see, but also to properly dry affected materials and help prevent additional damage.

How Can You Prepare Your Sump Pump for the Next Heavy Rain?

Before the next round of storms, take a few minutes to check your sump pump.

Pour water into the sump pit and make sure the pump activates and removes the water properly. Check the discharge line for visible obstructions and make sure water is being directed away from the foundation.

Homeowners may also want to consider a battery backup sump pump or another backup system. A secondary system can be especially valuable during severe weather when power outages and high groundwater levels can happen at the same time.

If your sump pump is older or you're unsure whether it is operating correctly, having it inspected before the next major rainfall can provide some additional peace of mind.

Already Have Water in Your Basement? ServiceMaster Restore Can Help.

If the recent rain has overwhelmed your sump pump or caused water to enter your basement, ServiceMaster Restore of Minneapolis is available to help.

Our water damage restoration team can assess the affected areas, extract standing water, identify moisture that may have traveled into surrounding materials, and establish a professional drying plan for your property.

Water damage can get worse the longer it sits, so don't wait for everything to dry on its own.

If your sump pump has failed or you're dealing with basement water damage in Minneapolis or the surrounding Twin Cities area, contact ServiceMaster Restore of Minneapolis for 24/7 emergency water damage assistance.

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