Sump pump failed and the basement is flooding?
First, keep clear of water near outlets and the electrical panel. If it's safe, check whether the pump has power. A tripped breaker or unplugged cord is a common cause. If the pump is running but water keeps rising, or it won't run at all, call for help with the water and have the pump repaired or replaced by a plumber.
Why sump pumps fail
- Power outages during the same storms that send water into the pit
- Stuck or tangled float switches that keep the pump from turning on
- A pump that's too small for the amount of water during heavy rain
- Age and wear: motors and switches eventually burn out
- Clogged or frozen discharge lines that stop water leaving the house
- No battery backup to keep the pump running when power fails
Our post on why sump pumps fail covers the warning signs to watch for.
What sump pump water damage cleanup involves
- Removing the water with pumps and extractors. See emergency water extraction.
- Assessing materials: sump water is generally treated as gray water (Category 2), so porous materials such as carpet pad may need removal.
- Cleaning and antimicrobial treatment of floors and lower walls.
- Drying the basement with dehumidifiers and air movers until readings are normal.
Because most of this happens in the basement, it overlaps closely with flooded basement cleanup.
Sump pumps and Chesterfield storms
Sump pumps work hardest during the heavy downpours the St. Louis area gets, and that's exactly when power is most likely to go out. On July 26, 2022, about 9 inches of rain fell at Lambert Airport by noon, a new daily record. That's the kind of event that overwhelms pumps without a backup. A battery or water-powered backup pump, plus regular testing, is the most common way to prevent a repeat. Sump failures are one of the most frequent reasons people need local water damage restoration in the area.
Preventing the next sump pump failure
- test the pump each season by pouring a bucket of water into the pit
- add a battery or water-powered backup pump for power outages
- keep the float free of debris and cords that could snag it
- make sure the discharge line carries water well away from the foundation and can't freeze shut
- consider a high-water alarm that warns you before water reaches the floor
A plumber can check whether your pump is the right size for your home and replace an aging unit before it fails.
Is sump pump failure covered by insurance?
Often not under a standard homeowners policy alone. Water that backs up or overflows from a sump is commonly excluded unless you've added a water backup endorsement. Check your policy, and read our post on sump pump failure and insurance before you file.