What to Do if a Sump Pump Fails?

If your sump pump fails to pump enough water out to prevent flooding, try to establish what stopped the pump from working.

Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure Include:

• Power source outage (Power source: the pump cannot work without power, electric or generator)
• Float/pressure switch failure (Float switch: switch that is activated by water pouring water into the basin and starts the pump)
• Clogged pump strainer (Pump strainer: strainer at the bottom of the pump) may become clogged keeping water from getting to the pump
• Obstructed discharge pipe (Discharge pipe: brings water safely outdoors), when obstructed the blocked water flows back into the sump basin and the sump pump is reactivated repeatedly, eventually this causes the sump pump to fail

Once the problem has been identified, you can fix it yourself, or if you need help call a certified plumber to fix your sump pump. If you cannot find the source of the problem yourself your plumber should be able to help locate the issue as well.

Sump Pump Failure Sometimes Causes Mold

If the flooding is minimal then you should be able to dry the affected area yourself by opening windows, using fans to help dry the area, and by using a wet/dry vacuum to suck up left over standing water. If you can dry the area within the first 48 hours of the flooding, then you most likely will avoid mold. However, when standing water is not addressed for 48 hours toxic mold growth can start which over time can cripple a building's infrastructure while causing a variety of health risks to the occupants of the building. Mold remediation services may be necessary to remove the threat of mold within the home or business if the area is not dried within the first 48 hours of flooding. Even if mold cannot be seen it is recommended for a professional to check for mold because mold spores can be present even if the mold is not detectable to the naked eye.

While most professional residential and commercial mold remediation companies can provide an estimate with visual observation of mold growth, it is always recommended that a third-party, independent industrial hygienist or home inspector provide a thorough test of the affected property. Independent hygienists and inspectors offer an unbiased look at how aggressive the mold growth has become in a property. Their inspection and test results can provide a detailed scope of work for a remediation company to follow to attain a successful post-test.

Why is it so important to have an independent mold inspector?

Having a residential or commercial property tested by a third-party is crucial to the integrity of the mold remediation project. Having an independent test will eliminate the opportunity for a conflict of interest with the test results. What this means for the consumer is that test results will be complete and honest - providing the property owner with peace of mind in knowing whether extensive remediation must be done or not. If a remediation company provided the test themselves, the results could be tampered with to benefit the company providing the work. Hiring an independent firm for testing eliminates that possibility.

Sump Pump Failure & Flood Damage

Flood damage in and of itself is extremely dangerous to the structural integrity of a home or building. In floods water can destroy buildings and homes by the force of the rushing water and or debris being carried by the current. In flood restorations the certified emergency restoration company that you work with should be able to ensure the structural integrity of your building was not compromised and fully restore parts of the building that where compromised.

Hiring a certified mold remediation specialist is key to ensure the job is done right the first time. At SI Restoration, we follow strict guidelines for mold removal and water damage restoration by adhering to IICRC S520 and S500 guidelines. With IICRC Certified Technicians completing the job, home and business owners can be rest assured that their property is in good hands. It is highly recommended that property owners carefully research their mold removal company to ensure the technicians are properly trained and certified. Removal guidelines for Mid-Atlantic states require extensive training to ensure effectiveness and safety.

When dealing with a sump pump failure, call (fully certified) SI Restoration to complete and oversee the entire project based on IICRC guidelines. Call 443-701-0111 or email info@si-restoration.com for more information.

SI Restoration water damage services from sewer backs ups in the following Maryland areas  : 

Towson          

Pikesville 

Catonsville 

Bel Air 

Baltimore City 

Baltimore County 

Dundalk 

Essex 

Laurel 

Parkton 

Westminister 

Aberdeen 

Hyattsville 

Burtonsville 

Bowie 

Chevy Chase

Elkton 

Gaithersburg 

Rockville 
Germantown 

Hampstead 

Manchester 

Mount Airy 

Sykesville 

Takoma Park 

Upper Marlboro