We Have a Sump Pump. Why Did Our Basement Flood Anyway?

If you have a sump pump, your basement should remain dry no matter how hard it rains, right? Right??

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Unfortunately, your sump pump isn't always Ol' Reliable. You may find yourself dealing with a flooded basement even if you do have a sump pump installed.

Why Did My Basement Flood With a Sump Pump?

The last thing you expect is a flooded basement when you have a sump pump, but it can fail for many reasons. Common causes of sump pump failure include:

• Power outage to a sump pump that doesn't have a battery backup

• Burnt-out sump pump motor

• Issues with the float switch, including incorrect positioning or blockage due to buildup

• Clogged, leaking or disconnected discharge line

Sometimes, your sump pump works correctly but can't work fast enough to remove all the water. This can happen with an unusual amount of rain. However, there are often contributing factors that increase the amount of water around your home. Some of those issues include:

• Clogged gutters

• Misdirected downspouts

• Cracks or damage to the foundation that lets water in

• Incorrect grading on the ground outside or concrete that slopes toward the house

• Sewer backup

• Undersized pump that can't keep up

When a sump pump fails, the priority is stopping the water and minimizing the damage. Once you've handled the immediate water issue, it's important to figure out why the pump failed so you can take steps to prevent it from happening again.

What Happens When a Sump Pump Fails?

When your sump pump fails, it can't remove the water from your home like it should. The results could range from a little dampness to a completely flooded basement. You may need to remove the water manually if the sump pump can't catch up.

The water in your basement could cause significant damage. If your basement is finished, it might damage the drywall, flooring and other materials. It can also damage furniture and other items, including the HVAC equipment and water heater.

Mold and mildew are often a problem with flooding. It doesn't take long for mold spores to grow with that much moisture. You may need to throw out anything that comes into contact with the water because of the potential for mold growth.

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How Do You Prevent Sump Pump Failure?

There's always a possibility of a sump pump failure, but you can take steps to prevent issues in the future. Here are some suggestions:

• Replace an old or small sump pump: Larger sump pumps may be more effective for excessive water events. If you have an older sump pump, replacing it with a newer model increases its reliability.

• Install a battery backup: Installing a battery means your sump pump can work even if the power goes out, which is common during storms. It gives you peace of mind and increased reliability in all conditions.

• Fix contributing factors: Look for issues such as gutter and downspout problems or cracks in your foundation that direct more water to your home. Repairing those issues can reduce the amount of water your sump pump has to remove during weather events. Those repairs also offer other benefits. For example, fixing your gutters and downspouts reduces the risk of damage to your foundation. Repairing foundation cracks increases the efficiency of your home.

• Have your sump pump inspected: If you're worried about the condition of your sump pump, have it inspected by a plumber. They can tell you if any of the parts are worn and how much life the sump pump has left.

• Inspect the discharge pipe: It's a good idea to check the discharge pipe regularly to ensure it's still connected and in good condition without any clogs.

• Install a sump pump monitoring system: These devices keep an eye on your sump pump for you. They can alert you to a problem early before your entire basement floods.

Does Insurance Cover a Failed Sump Pump?

Standard homeowners and flood insurance policies don't typically cover sump pump failure. However, you can get coverage by adding a rider or endorsement to your homeowners insurance. If you choose this option, make sure you understand what is and isn't covered.

There may be limitations to what the sump pump coverage will pay for. It may only cover the damage caused by the failure and not the repairs to the sump pump itself. Contact your insurance agent to see if you already have this coverage and to get a quote to add it if you don't.