Essential Tips and Strategies to Ensure Your Sump Pump Stands Strong Against Spring Rain

Spring showers, while a sign of warmer weather, can also bring a potentially damaging aspect: water. If your basement is prone to becoming wet during the rainy months, it's crucial to check on the status of your sump pump. This essential device plays a crucial role in safeguarding your basement from potential flooding, keeping it dry and safe.

Understanding the inner workings of your sump pump can offer a sense of comfort during uncertain times. Typically situated at the lowest point of your basement within the sump pit, this essential device plays a crucial role in safeguarding your home. As water infiltrates your home's foundation, it is guided into a drain system encircling your basement. From there, it seamlessly funnels into the sump pit, where your dependable sump pump springs into action, efficiently ejecting the water toward storm drains, retention ponds, or dry wells.

What causes your sump pump to fail?

Power outage: The reliance on electricity leaves sump pumps vulnerable during power outages, which can occur due to various reasons such as heavy rains, strong winds, or even unexpected factors like animal interference or construction activities.

Stuck Switch: The most common mechanical failure for a sump pump is the switch or float switch. This glitch can cause your sump pump to either run incessantly or remain idle. While the remedy might be as simple as replacing worn parts, it's wise to inspect this component regularly.

Motor Burn Out: Inadequate appliance quality or undersized motors can cause overworking, leading to motor burnout. Ensure the pump matches the workload to prevent this common issue.

Casing Failure: Damage to the protective casing around the pump motor can result from various issues such as failed motor bearings, impeller debris, or cracked casings. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial to identify and address these issues promptly.

Discharge Piping Failure: Periodic inspection of discharge piping for cracks or breaks is essential to prevent blockages and ensure efficient water expulsion.

How can you prevent sump pump failure?

Backup Battery:

When it comes to dealing with unexpected power outages, having a backup battery can be a game-changer. This little lifesaver ensures that your sump pump keeps running smoothly even when the electricity decides to take a break. With a backup battery, you can confidently tackle potential water damage head-on.

Regular Testing:

Don't wait for a crisis to find out if your sump pump is up to the task. Make it a habit to test it out at least twice a year. Simply pour some water into the sump pump pit and observe how it handles the load. This simple step can give you the confidence that your pump is ready to spring into action when needed.

Proper Sizing:

Size matters, especially when it comes to your sump pump. Make sure you're not skimping on the size of your appliance in relation to the size of your home. Having a pump that's too small can spell disaster, leading to burnout and potential water damage. So, take the time to ensure your pump is up to the job of protecting your home from unwanted water intrusions.

My Sump Pump Failed...What Now?

Discovering that your sump pump has failed can be a real downer. But don't worry, you're not alone. If you caught the problem before it turned into a watery nightmare, that's great! Now, it's time to roll up your sleeves and get to the bottom of it. Check for common issues and troubleshoot. It might just need a new part or, worst-case scenario, a replacement altogether.

But what if you didn't spot the problem until it was too late, and water had already made its grand entrance? Here's what you should do:

1. STAY SAFE! The most important step is to maintain your and your family's safety. If the water presents an immediate danger, leave the area. Don't wade into standing water or handle anything connected to the electrical system in the affected area unless you are sure the electricity to the area is shut off.
2. Contact your Insurance Company - If you do start a claim, make sure to keep track of your claim number, agent name and number, and policy number. Modernistic will work with your insurance company to make the process as Simple & Quick as possible for you.
3. Stop the Source! - If safe to do so, make sure the source of the water has stopped and been repaired. In order to best serve you, the source of the water needs to be stopped before we can start the mitigation process, otherwise, we will be fighting an uphill battle. This means taking action to shut off the water to a leaking pipe, stop an overflowing toilet, get a plumber on the way, etc. as soon as possible. As soon as the water has stopped coming in, we can begin removing it.
4. Move Sensitive Contents Out of Impacted Area - If you can do so safely, begin moving your dry, unaffected belongings out of the flooded area to prevent further damage. Cardboard boxes and electronics are especially susceptible to rapid water damage, so make these items a priority to move away from rising water. If an item is already wet, leave it; you want to avoid spreading moisture to unaffected areas. We will also want to document this damage for insurance claim purposes.

If you do experience water damage in your home, Modernistic is standing by 24/7 ready to serve! Call us today at 800-609-1000.