Can a Sump Pump Failure Cause Serious Basement Flooding?

A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of your basement, collecting groundwater that seeps through the soil. When it works, it pushes that water out and away from your home. If the pump stops, water has nowhere to go but up and over the pit's edge.

Heavy rain or melting snow can fill the pit faster than a broken pump can handle. Within hours, standing water can cover your floor and wick up into drywall, insulation, and stored items. The longer water sits, the more damage it does.

If water is already in your basement, stay safe. Turn off power to the area if you can do so without stepping in water. Avoid contact with standing water, as it may contain bacteria or debris. See a doctor if you feel unwell after exposure.

Remove as much water as possible with a wet-dry vacuum or a sump pump that still works. Move wet items to a dry place. Then call local water damage pros to handle the cleanup and drying.

Regular maintenance reduces the risk of failure. Test your pump every few months and clean the pit of debris. Consider installing a battery backup or a water-powered backup pump so your home stays protected during power outages.

If you live in Newark, keep your shutoff valve location written down. Also, check your pump before winter, as snowmelt can be heavy. A little attention now can save you from a flooded basement later.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Review your homeowners policy to see if sump pump failure is included, and consider adding a rider if it isn't.

• Test the pump monthly with a bucket of water
• Clean the pit and inlet screen of debris
• Install a battery backup system
• Check the discharge line for ice in winter
• Replace the pump every 5 to 7 years as a precaution