a man inspecting a sump pump

Got sump pump problems? Get expert solutions

Have you ever experienced sump pump problems that led to a flooded basement and damaged property? Install a backup sump pump in your Alpharetta home to avoid the operational problems that cause sump pump failure.

Sump pumps are a great resource for keeping water out of the basement. A properly sized and installed pump will keep up with heavy rains and groundwater accumulation. However, it's not uncommon for a sump pump to stop working — often when you need it most.

  • Power outages. Sump pumps will only work if they're powered by electricity. If the power goes out in your home and it's raining heavily, water will quickly accumulate in your basement.
  • Mechanical malfunctions. For example, the float can get stuck on the wall of the well where the pump is installed. Then it will fail to signal the pump to power on and take care of rising water levels.
  • Improper size. A homeowner who installs the pump in do-it-yourself fashion must ensure it can deal with the home's water overflow. If the pump is overwhelmed, it won't be able to keep up with water disposal. If you installed the sump pump yourself and your pump is running almost continuously — or if your home is in an area with a high water table — you should invest in a larger pump. It's best to consult a licensed Marietta plumber to assess if the pump is the right size.

Prevention is the cure

Face sump pump problems head on and install a backup that will automatically cycle on when the primary pump fails for any reason. Furthermore, battery backup systems don't rely on electricity, so they are a must-have for any home.

Get expert advice before installing a primary or backup sump pump. For optimal protection, select a pump that's sized appropriately for your home. For example, a home that's located in a high water table area might need a dual sump pump to ensure the system can handle the water volume.

A plumber can inspect your Alpharetta home to guarantee that other factors aren't contributing to basement flooding and to look over the home's drainage system, the grading of the floor and more.

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