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Sump Pump Failure: why and how it happens—and what to do to get your sump pump back up and running in no time

Sump Pump Failure: why and how it happens—and what to do to get your sump pump back up and running in no time

If you’re one of the many people who has experienced a failed sump pump, you know how frustrating this can be. But before you lose your cool, take a deep breath and simply keep reading. You’ll learn all about what’s going on and how you can get it fixed quickly and easily.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a pump that’s used to remove accumulated water in a water-collecting sump basin, most often found in the basement of a house. Sump pumps eliminate moisture and prevent flooding.

Although not all houses have sump pumps, houses that are likely to flood usually have one. If you live in a city that’s prone to heavy rains or you live in a low area (like at the bottom of a hill), a sump pump is a particularly good piece of equipment to have in your house.

What causes a sump pump to fail?

There are four main reasons that a sump pump can fail.

  • Power failure: The most common reason that a sump pump fails is because of power failure. Some sump pumps have a battery backup, which is especially helpful when the main power is out for an extended period of time.
  • Switch problems: Another reason a sump pump can fail is due to switch problems. This happens when a sump pump moves out of its position inside the basin, which makes the float ineffective. The float ensures that the on/off switch operates correctly. Without the switch and the float arm mechanisms operating effectively, a sump pump won’t work.
  • Improper installation: The third reason that a sump pump fails is because of improper installation. If the manufacturer’s instructions aren’t followed to a T, severe water damage can happen. There are three things that most manufacturers require: (1) a check valve installed on the discharge line, (2) the drilling of a small air relief hole in the discharge line and (3) that the sump pump pit is not set in dirt or gravel. If these three rules are followed during installation, sump pumps usually work well.
  • Lack of maintenance: The final reason sump pumps can fail is due to lack of maintenance. Many manufacturers recommend that the pump is run at least every two to three months, and that this is always completed just before the rainy season hits. When testing your sump pump, it’s important to go outside and make sure that it’s releasing water. When the motor is running, listen for any unusual noises. It’s also important that the battery on the backup sump pump is replaced every two to three years. This maintenance is usually super-easy and helps you save money in the long run by either letting you avoid replacing your sump pump or allowing you to avoid an expensive project due to water damage.

If your sump pump does fail and the water level rises too high, many sump pumps have a simple, battery-powered water alarm that goes off to let you know.

What should you do if your sump pump fails?

If your house has suffered water damage due to a failed sump pump, our experienced team at Calloway Cleaning and Restoration is here to help. Before water can wreak havoc on your home and belongings, give us a call.

At Calloway Cleaning and Restoration, we know that reaction time is critical and that we must act quickly to best minimize any damage. That’s why our expertly-trained technicians are on call 24/7. First, we’ll contact you within 15 minutes of your call, let you know what to do until we arrive and then quickly be on our way to your house with our powerful, state-of-the-art equipment that extracts the water from your house. Plus, we’ll help you get your sump pump back up and running like new.

Don’t let a failed sump pump ruin your day! At Calloway Cleaning and Restoration, it’s our mission to help. Give us a call any time at 513-505-4656

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About Calloway

At Calloway, we specialize in making your home look great, feel amazing and be healthy for everyone who lives there. That’s why we focus on five types of cleaning—carpet cleaning, air duct/vent cleaning, furniture cleaning, tile/grout cleaning and odor removal—as well as five types of restoration—water/flood damage, fire/smoke damage, mold remediation, biohazard/crime scene/trauma cleanup and wind/storm damage.

We happily offer 24/7 services in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio (both Cincinnati and Dayton). When you work with Calloway, you can rest easy, knowing that we’re a committed leader in the service industry. Quality service and superior customer care are just the beginning! Experience the magic of Calloway today.

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