Preparing For The Worst: Steps To Take When Your Sump Pump Fails

Owning a sump pump is a great way to ensure that your basement doesn’t get flooded during a storm. After all, the basement is the part of the house most at risk in the event of a storm since it’s located below the water table level. In fact, 98% of basements in the U.S. will experience some type of water damage during its lifespan.

Sump pumps are highly effective in preventing flooding, but like all mechanical equipment, they are not completely reliable. In the event that you face the horror of sump pump failure during a storm, don’t panic; here are some simple steps you can take to minimize water damage.

Mop away

If a small amount of water has entered your basement, you don’t need a sump pump to avoid catastrophe. Grab a bucket and a mop and start mopping. This might take a while but it’s best to dump the bucket away from your house to ensure it doesn’t leak back into your basement.

Use a wet/dry vacuum

In order to prevent a flooded basement, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck the water into the tank. The average wet/dry vacuum can only hold up to 4 to 5 gallons of water so make sure you keep emptying the tank regularly.

Utilize a hand pump

Just because your sump pump isn’t working doesn’t mean it’s useless. If the amount of water in your basement is minimal, a hand pump can help.

Insert the hand pump into the sump pump hole and start pumping! Make sure a garden hose is attached to the discharge end of the hand pump so the water is dumped away from your house.

Trash pumps

There’s no doubt that sump pumps are the most effective way to deal with serious flooding. However, when sump pumps fail, your next best bet is to utilize a trash-water pump. These pumps require special hoses but have the power to remove thousands of gallons of water per hour.

Thrash pumps not only pump water out but are also equipped to handle debris and other solids which is why they are considered ideal for handling floods.

Sump pump failure during a storm can lead to major flood damage. It can cause severe harm to your property in quick time and you could face losses up to thousands of dollars to your drywall, carpeting and belongings.

If you’re facing a storm in Fort Worth, TX, and your sump pump starts malfunctioning, call a reliable plumbing service immediately. Pro Serve Plumbing is a plumbing service in Fort Worth, TX, that has experts that are experienced in minimizing flood damage and repairing sump pumps.

Reach out to us at 817-244-0614!