Sump pump installation is targeted at protecting your home against flooding. However, if your sump pump fails, especially during a storm, your basement can be easily and quickly flooded.

The problem may not stop at that as the structural integrity of your home may also become comprised. Fortunately, if you can act on time, you may be able to salvage the situation and prevent your home from experiencing further damages.

Here are the things you should do if your sump pump fails:

• Foremost, you need to be careful because flooding can lead to electrocution hazards. Therefore, look for the source of electricity into the basement and shut it off. If you don’t know how to do this, let an electrician help you. Once electricity is shut off, you can enter into the basement.
• Get rid of the minor pooling. You can do this by utilizing a dry or wet vacuum. As an alternative, you can mop the area.
• Check the plug of the pump to be certain that it is still working. Similarly, you should check the switch and ascertain it is in the right place.
• Use a bucket to bail out the basin. Make sure you take a look at the pump inlet screen to see if any debris or items are not blocking it. Before returning the basin, bring out the pump and ensure that the inlet screen is cleaned.
• Perform the sump pump installation again. Now, ascertain the automatic actuation of the pump by pouring about 5 gallons of water into the basin. The pump motor should automatically start operating. If otherwise, the float switch or motor has a problem. Get in touch with an experienced plumber immediately to replace or repair the defective component.
• However, if the pump motor actuates immediately, you need to determine whether water is coming out of the discharge pipe or not. Notably, the discharge pipe is usually outside of the basement. If water is not coming out of the pipe, it may be blocked. So, inspect the pipe carefully to find any obstructions. If there is no obstruction, the problem may be a faulty pump impeller. In most situations, you need to replace the sump pump with a new one.
• However, the sump pump may send the water out of the basin and go off. Also, there may be a backflow of water into the basin via the pipe. You should examine the valve immediately. If the valve is the cause of the problem, you should call a plumber to replace the valve.

Even though there are many things you can do whenever your sump pump fails, it is vital to be mindful of your action. Firstly, make sure that the power source is turned off before you enter the basement or start touching any part of the sump pump. Also, you should understand what your ability covers as you continue troubleshooting. If you are not careful, you may end up causing more problems to your sump pump.

In conclusion, whether you need help with sump pump installation or want to fix a failed pump, don’t underestimate the assistance you can get from a professional plumber.