Erratic weather patterns and seasonal storms often spell trouble for homeowners and business owners relying on a sump pump. Heavy rains, flooding or even fast-melting snow may lead to a power outage, in which case your pump will stop running and your basement may become wet or flooded. Read on for a few tips about what to do if a power outage deactivates your pump.
Think safety
When your entire home loses power, and you don't have a pump that runs on a backup battery, the pump will lose power, too. Even if the power stays on, it's also possible for an influx of heavy rains to overpower the pump's capacity and bring it to a grinding halt.
When this happens, consider the following tips to ensure your safety. Your first notion may be to go down to the basement and try to fix the problem. If there's standing water in your basement, however, it's best to avoid wading through it. Put your safety first: Assume that, if the water comes into contact with electrical equipment, it may be energized. The standing water also could become energized if the power comes back on while you're dealing with the situation.
Get expert help
In general, homeowners should avoid dealing with a failed pump. Instead, contact a plumber, who will have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose the problem. A plumber also will ensure that power to the home is shut off before attempting to enter the basement and assess the situation.
Invest in your future
The best course of action for avoiding a failed pump — and the water damage that comes with it — involves purchasing and installing a battery-operated backup pump. Such a device is useful when the primary sump pump is running but can't keep up with the volume of water. The backup pump will automatically cycle on when water levels rise above the first pump. It will take over when the primary pump loses power, as well. Most backup pumps can run between eight and 12 hours if they're properly maintained.
If you're thinking about investing in a backup sump pump to protect your home, contact an expert at RooterPLUS! We specialize in plumbing services, septic systems, sewers and drains, and we're happy to walk you through options that meet your needs and your budget. We also provide maintenance services for sump pumps to ensure they're ready for action at any time.