How Flooding Can Affect Your Sump Pump

Given the rains and winter weather in Indiana, precipitation and moisture are inevitable. This can lead to extensive flooding and water damage in homes. That is why many houses have sump pumps installed in their basements. These devices help clear flooded basements of water, helping to reduce damage and potential fire hazards. However, what happens to the sump pump with excessive flooding? In order to understand how flooding affects a sump pump, we need to know how one functions.

A sump pump is a device placed in the lowest point in the home, usually the basement. The sump basin catches the water that gathers in the basin. Once the basic is full, the floating switch triggers the pump that starts expelling water. The device comes in two forms – a pedestal and a submersible. A sump pump is effective for helping defend your home from extensive water damage. However, flooding does take a toll on the tool.

Sump Pump Damage and Flooding

Too much of anything can turn into a bad thing. This is especially true when it comes to excessive flooding in your home, particularly in the basement. While many people worry about the damage that water can cause to the basement and other objects in the home, few consider the harm a sump pump can experience. Like many other things, if overworked, flooding can cause plenty of damage to the tool.

Some damages flooding causes you sump pump include:

• An overwhelmed sump pump – If you have a lot of flooding and only one sump pump, the device will have to work harder than usual. The constant use can cause the pump to slow down or stop working because of prolonged usage. If you live in a particularly wet area of Indiana, consider getting two sump pumps to lighten the load off that one you have.
• Sump pump continues running – When your basement has heavy flooding, your sump pump may go into overdrive, meaning that it constantly runs. This may be a problem when there is no longer any water in the home. You want to make sure that the device stops once the threat of the water is gone.
• Clogged sump pumps – Flood water tends to carry a lot of debris and particles as it moves across your home. As the pump filters the water out, the sump pump lines and switches can become clogged, causing the unit to either slow down or break. Make sure your device is clear after you experience a flood.
• Lost power – Constant movement in your basement or crawlspace where your pump is located can disconnect the pump from the power line. Make sure that the unit is connected to an outlet. However, never touch electrical units when there is water present. Wait for the water to leave and then proceed with caution.

At Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling, we want to make sure that your plumbing and sump pumps work effectively to prevent extensive water damage in your home. If your pump is not functioning the way it should be, contact our Indiana plumbers today. We offer services such as battery backup, sump pump replacement, repair, and installation. Call today for a free estimate!