A sump pump is one of your home’s first lines of defense against water intrusion – especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall, high groundwater, or poor drainage. It quietly sits in your basement or crawl space, ready to direct water away from your foundation before it causes flooding, mold, or structural damage.
But like any piece of mechanical equipment, a sump pump can fail – and when it does, the consequences can be serious. What happens when yours stops working, and how can you eliminate sump pump failure?
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump should be in the lowest part of your crawl space or basement, inside a pit known as the sump basin. When water collects in this pit – from rain, groundwater seepage, or internal drainage systems – the pump should activate and direct water away from your home, typically to a storm drain or dry well.
The process is automatic, controlled by a float switch that triggers the pump when water reaches a specific level. Once the sump pump removes the water, the pump turns off until the next storm or flood.
What Can Happen if a Sump Pump Fails?
If your sump pump fails, it won’t successfully remove water from your crawl space or basement, potentially leading to:
- Flooding during heavy rain or snowmelt
- Water damage to floors, walls, and belongings
- Mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture
- Increased humidity and poor indoor air quality
- Foundation damage from prolonged water exposure
The longer the failure goes unnoticed, the more extensive – and expensive – the damage can be.
Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?
Like all machines, sump pumps are susceptible to wear, damage, and poor installation. Here are some common causes of sump pump failure.
1. Power Outages
Storms that bring heavy rain can also knock out your power. Without a battery backup, your sump pump won’t operate when you need it.
2. Lack of Maintenance
Sump pumps need routine testing and cleaning. Dirt, debris, or stuck float switches can keep the pump from activating.
3. Pump Burnout
Your sump pump can overheat and fail prematurely if it runs constantly – either due to a high water table or undersized pump.
4. Clogged Discharge Line
The pipe that carries water away from your home can become blocked with dirt, debris, or ice, preventing proper drainage.
5. Improper Installation
Poor placement, incorrect sizing, or lack of a check valve can lead to poor performance or early failure.
6. Old Age
Most sump pumps last a decade or less. If yours is older, it’s at higher risk of failure – even if it hasn’t caused problems before.
How to Stop Sump Pump Failure
The good news is that many sump pump failures are preventable. Here are six proactive ways to protect your home.
1. Install a Battery Backup System
A battery backup ensures your sump pump keeps running even when the power goes out. Some systems also include alarms to notify you of any issues.
2. Test Your Sump Pump Regularly
Pour water into the sump pit to ensure the float switch activates and the pump runs properly. This simple test can help you spot problems early.
3. Schedule Routine Maintenance
Have your sump pump professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year, including checking the float switch, cleaning the pump intake, and clearing the discharge line.
4. Upgrade When Necessary
If your current sump pump is frequently overwhelmed, consider upgrading to a more powerful model or installing a backup unit for added protection.
5. Add a Water Alarm
Water alarms alert you if water starts to collect in your basement or crawl space, giving you time to act before damage occurs.
6. Work With Professionals
Proper installation is vital to reliable sump pump performance. A trained expert will size the system correctly, place it properly, and integrate it with other moisture control measures like vapor barriers and drainage systems.
Don’t Wait for a Flood to Discover Your Sump Pump Doesn’t Work
Crawl Space Ninja specializes in sump pump installation, replacement, and maintenance as part of our comprehensive crawl space waterproofing solutions. Whether you need a new sump pump, a battery backup, or a customized encapsulation system, our team has the experience to do the job right.
A failed sump pump can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Don’t take the risk. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and find out how we can eliminate sump pump failure and keep your home protected – no matter what the weather brings.