WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SUMP PUMP FAILS DURING A STORM
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If your sump pump stops working during a storm, stay out of any standing water that may be in contact with outlets, cords, or electrical equipment. If the area is dry and safe to access, check that the pump is plugged in, inspect the circuit breaker or GFCI outlet, make sure the float can move freely, and look for an obvious blockage in the discharge line. Switch to a battery backup if one is available, and call a plumber if the water continues to rise or the pump will not restart.
Do not touch electrical equipment or attempt to unplug the pump while standing in water. If water is approaching outlets or appliances, leave the area and contact a professional for help.
Common Reasons a Sump Pump Stops Working
There are many reasons your sump pump might fail including:
Power outages: Without a battery backup, a power failure during a storm can render your pump useless.
Incorrect sizing: The pump might be the wrong size and unable to handle the volume of water.
Improper installation: Faulty installation can lead to operational issues.
Lack of maintenance: Debris can clog vents and air holes if not regularly maintained.
Float switch issues: A misaligned float switch may fail to activate the pump effectively.
When the pump stops working, you need to start working.
Sump Pump Failure Troubleshooting Guide
What you notice | Possible cause | Recommended next step |
|---|---|---|
The pump has no power | A power outage, tripped breaker, or tripped GFCI outlet | Use a battery backup if available. Check the breaker or outlet only if the area is completely dry. |
The pump is silent even though power is available | An unplugged pump, stuck float, failed switch, or failed motor | Confirm the plug is secure and make sure the float can move freely. Schedule service if the pump does not start. |
The pump hums but does not remove water | A clogged intake, blocked discharge line, or jammed internal component | Turn the pump off and check for a visible blockage only if it is safe. Call a plumber if the problem continues. |
The pump runs, but the water keeps rising | An undersized pump, blocked discharge pipe, failed check valve, or unusually heavy water flow | Contact a plumber or water-removal professional as soon as possible. |
The pump starts and stops repeatedly | A stuck float, check-valve problem, or incorrectly sized pump | Have the pump and discharge system inspected. |
There is standing water near outlets or appliances | A potential electrical hazard | Do not enter the water or touch electrical equipment. Contact a qualified professional. |
HOW TO HANDLE A SUMP PUMP POWER FAILURE
When a sump pump stops working, water can quickly enter the basement and should be removed as soon as it is safe to do so. Move furniture, rugs, boxes, and other belongings to a dry area only if you can reach them without entering standing water.
Do not touch outlets, cords, appliances, or other electrical equipment if they are wet or if you are standing in water. If water is near electrical equipment or other hazards are present, leave the area and contact a qualified professional.
If the amount of water is manageable and the area is electrically safe, use towels, a mop, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. Dispose of collected water at least 20 feet away from the home.
With excessive amounts of water, use one of the following methods to get rid of it as soon as possible:
Hand Pumping
If you have a wet/dry vacuum, a power outage will render it useless. You can remove the water using a hand pump instead.
Put the hand pump into the sump pump hole, then attach a garden hose to the threaded discharge end of the hand pump. Run the hose outside the nearest window and drain the water outside. If your hose doesn't reach 20 feet, you'll need to let it drain into buckets and then carry it out. You should be able to find a hand pump at your local hardware store.
Trash-Water Pumping
In the case of serious flooding, you might require a trash-water pump, a portable powerhouse that can pump large amounts of water that also contains soft solids (e.g., mud, organic debris, sand, sludge). This type of pump is gas-fueled and can remove thousands of gallons of water per hour.
Never operate a gas-powered pump or portable generator inside a basement, garage, crawlspace, shed, or other enclosed area. Keep the equipment outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Contact a Professional
Call in expert water removal specialists to pump the water out of your house. Be warned, however, that if there is widespread flooding in your area, they may not be able to get to you for several days.
While it's important to get water out as soon as possible, if flooding leaves water standing in your yard around the house foundation, you won't be able to pump effectively until it recedes.
Drying out
Remove standing water and begin drying the basement as soon as it is safe. Fans and dehumidifiers can help once the electrical system has been confirmed safe to use.
Porous materials such as drywall, carpeting, insulation, and upholstered items may need to be removed if they cannot be fully cleaned and dried. Contact a water-damage professional if the flooding may contain sewage or other contaminants.
MAKE YOUR SUMP PUMP A PRIORITY
Having an adequately sized sump pump, properly installed with a battery or gas generator backup, is your best bet in most situations. Consult a trusted local plumber to advise you on the right equipment for your needs and help make sure it's maintained and ready for when you need it.
