Causes of Sump Pump Failure

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

“Causes of Sump Pump Failure”

You can usually find sump pumps in commercial buildings’ basements, working to drain water from the basement and pump it out, away from the building. Sump pumps play a critical role in protecting buildings from flooding and water damage. This is why a sump pump failure can be devastating and lead to a costly cleanup. In order to prevent a sump pump failure in your commercial building, it is important to first gain an understanding of why sump pumps fail.

Causes

Old Age

First, consider the age of your building’s sump pump. One of the most common reasons for sump pump failure is that the unit is old. After 7-10 years, sump pump failure is inevitable. Therefore, it is paramount that sump pumps be replaced when they begin to show signs of wear and tear in order to avoid disaster.

Power Outage

During these stormy summer months and hurricane season, a common reason as to why sump pumps fail is a power outage. Rain water from storms alone can overwhelm sump pumps, but major problems can occur if the storm causes a power outage, as it will prevent the sump pump from being able to do its job. In order to prevent your building’s basement from flooding during a power outage, be sure to hook your sump pump up to a backup generator. 

Infrequent Maintenance

Finally, sump pumps can fail if they are not receiving regular maintenance. To avoid a failure due to infrequent maintenance, make sure that you run a vinegar solution through the unit and check that its vents are functioning properly.

Sump Pump Failure? Call SERVPRO

In the event that your commercial building experiences water damage due to a sump pump failure, look no further than SERVPRO. We are experts in commercial water damage and have years of experience in our tool belt to provide you with effective restoration services unique to your building. We’ll also protect your building from the growth of mold and mildew through our advanced drying techniques. Read an overview of our water damage services by clicking here. Call SERVPRO of Harrisburg West today at (717) 510-6779 to schedule a consultation.