When the fierce December storms hit, and suddenly your home’s sump pumps fail, lead to property damage, flooding, and can also cause costly repairs. It is the type of situation that no homeowner ever wants to experience. Knowing what to do and what not to do can save you from a lot of costly damage, such as structural issues, and keep your home safe this winter.
Reasons Why Sump Pumps Fail The Most In December Storms
Several reasons contribute to the failing of sump pumps in the pounding storms, a few of them are discussed below.
Increasing Rainfall During The Winter Months
As we know, winter brings intense moisture levels and rainfall, which is why sump pumps are forced to run for a longer period of time, which increases the likelihood of burnout, overheating, or mechanical failure.
Power Outages And Overloaded Pump Motors
Winter windstorms are the main cause of power outages. Even a slight flicker or a sudden power spike can cause an overload on the pump’s motor, which leads to failure. Homes without battery backup systems are most vulnerable because the pump instantly becomes nonfunctional when the electricity goes out.
Frozen Or Clogged Discharge Lines
Temperatures at night fall below the freezing point in December, which can cause the freezing or icy pipe exits. When the pump tries to push water out, the blockage causes backflow that shuts down the pump entirely.
Lack Of Annual Maintenance
Homeowners skip the sump pump maintenance during the year, which can cause the build-up of sediments, worn parts, and loose wiring that can go unnoticed. December storms put strain on a pump that isn’t prepared for the winter workload.
How Drain Drainers Prevent Avoidable Breakdowns
Drain Drainers performs seasonal inspections, clears discharge lines, tests pump motors, and the float operations that help homeowners avoid preventable sump pump failures during winter storms.
Immediate Steps to Take If Your Sump Pump Stops Working
- Disconnect Power and Check the Outlet: When the sump pump stops working, don’t immediately rush to check. It is necessary to disconnect the power supply to prevent electric shock. Check the GFCI outlet. Storm moisture or a minor surge may have tripped the outlet. Press the reset button to see if the pump responds.
- Manually remove water to Slow Damage: In case the pump won’t start again, you should start taking out water on your own with the help of buckets, wet/dry vacuums, and mops.
- Inspect The Basin For Debris Or Obstructions: Debris such as decaying leaves, sediment, and small construction can clog the pump intake. If there is visible debris, remove it and try to recycle the power to the pump to see if it functions properly.
- Examine the Float Switch & Tether: Float switches can become clogged because of storage bins during a holiday, slack wires, and decorations that are inappropriately positioned around the pump. These issues can be solved quickly by making a few simple adjustments, such as gently lifting the float to check whether you can make the pump switch on. Removing any clutter that may hinder the float also helps.
- Inspect The Discharge Line For Clogs Or Ice: Winter storms bring many challenges. Runoff and freezing conditions can cause ice to form in the discharge line or at the exit. The obvious signs of a blocked line include the pump running and water is retained in the basin. There is a gurgling or bubbling noise near the discharge pipe. Water flows back into the basin.
After this, you should call emergency drain cleaning to fix it.
When NOT to DIY Fix Your Sump Pump
There may come a situation where attempting your own repair can be unsafe, especially during winter storms. This can make the damage worse, and you should stop immediately if:
- The flood level has reached above 2-3 inches.
- You notice an electrical spark or an overheating motor.
- The basement plumbing system starts to back up.
- Water is rising and reaching outlets, electrical panels, etc.
In this case, call an emergency Plumber for emergency repair.
How Professional Restores The Failed Sump Pumps?
When you contact sump pump specialists, here is how they restore your failed pumps:
Full Inspection And Basin Cleaning
The sump pump specialists remove sediment, debris, and ice pockets that are preventing the pump from operating.
Switch Calibration And Motor Testing
The professionals check whether the float switch and the motor are responding or not recalibrate or repair components as needed.
Drainage Line Clearing
They use specialised tools such as jetting steamers for clearing the frozen and clogged drainage lines without damaging the pipes.
Emergency Backup Pump Or Temporary Solution
If the sump pump specialist notices that your pump is completely dead, they will install an emergency pump or temporary setup to stop flooding immediately.
Recommending Battery Backup Systems
For preventing future storm-related failures, experts suggest a winter-ready backup pump with long-lasting battery power.
Protect Your Basements This December
The effectiveness of a sump pump relies on how well it is prepared for the winter months. Use this checklist to remain safe and protected throughout the storm season:
- Winter Preparation Checklist.
- Install or upgrade battery backup systems.
- Make sure to schedule inspections of the sump pump annually before winter.
- Make sure to remove debris and ice from the pathways of the discharge.
- Ensure that the pump basins are cleaned at least every 3 to 6 months.
- Install high-water alarms to gain a head start on the warning system.
- Find a reliable service provider that has winterisation experience for sump pumps.
- If the home is susceptible to flooding, additional sump pumps should be considered.
Avoid Flood Damage with 24/7 Excellent Sump Pump Service
Many homeowners experience the discomfort and anxiety that the december rain and snowstorms can bring. These storms can be very damaging, and if your sump pump fails, flooding can occur. All of our technicians are on standby 24/7 to mitigate flooding and protect your home from expensive damage. Urgent repairs, backup pump installations, and drainage clearing are just some of the services we can help you with in a timely manner.
If you are in need of urgent assistance that impacts your home, give us a call to help you protect your home from potential damage that can occur during these winter storms.
Get ready for winter weather with our Emergency Inspection Discount.