Dealing with flooding in the basement is hard enough. This time, the sump pump isn’t working. Things are quickly going from bad to worse.
You have to get ahead of the situation now and head off long-term water damage.
For more than 28 years, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore has cleaned up basements flooded after sump pump breakdowns. We can help. Read on.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re dealing with a flooded basement due to a sump pump breakdown, the problem may be a loose pump line connection, damaged float switch, clogged discharge line, faulty impellers, or pump motor failure.
- Head off future pump problems with regular maintenance, a battery backup system, a leak detector and a black water valve.
- More than 2 inches of water or the aftermath of storm flooding should be taken care of by industry-certified professionals like ServiceMaster by Lake Shore.
Important Need-To-Know
The difference between minor and major basement flooding is measured in inches. Most homeowners can handle minor flooding, classified as 2 inches of water or less. However, it needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Anything deeper than 2 inches is classified as major flooding. The contamination and damages spread quickly, so it needs to be taken care of right away by restoration professionals.
Immediate Steps for Minor Basement Flooding
1. Establish Safe Working Conditions
Start by turning off the basement’s electric supply. Let everyone know that the downstairs is currently off-limits.
Ensure your safety by wearing non-slip work boots and heavy gloves. The air in a flooded basement is usually compromised by airborne contaminants, so add an OSHA-rated respirator to your protective gear.
Power Tip: If the breaker box is in the flooded basement, call a licensed electrician. They can safely shut it down and check the condition of your home’s electrical system.
2. Confirm the Source of the Flooding
You probably know why the basement flooded, but double-check the source of the water. If it’s a burst pipe or broken appliance, shut down your home’s water supply so that you can take care of repairs.
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of storm flooding or a heavy snow melt, be patient. Stay out of the basement until you’re sure the severe weather threat is over.
Power Tip: Most homeowners can handle DIY pipe repairs, but you may be more comfortable letting a professional plumber take care of the job.
3. Remove the Standing Water
Remove water standing in the basement with a shop vac. If the electricity is still off, check the equipment’s manual for details about safe operation using heavy-duty extension cords.
A mop and bucket should take care of residual water. You can also use old newspapers and large towels to soak up water in tight corners and hard-to-reach spaces.
Power Tip: Take a break, and call your insurance company. Explain the situation, and then take pictures of the damages. Start a digital file that supports your homeowners insurance water damage claim.
4. Circulate Fresh, Dry Air
Mold begins to grow on wet basement surfaces very quickly, so you need to start drying out the area right away. Set up large box fans in opposite corners, and let them run 24/7. A heavy-duty dehumidifier helps speed up the drying process.
It can take three or four days for the basement to completely dry, so plan your work accordingly.
Power Tip: If it isn’t too humid outside and your basement has windows, opening them up helps increase fresh air circulation and decrease drying time.
5. Clean and Remediate
All surfaces affected by the basement flooding must be thoroughly cleaned. This prevents long-term damage in materials like drywall and wood framing as well as mold growth in porous materials.
Scrub walls and floors with appropriate products. If you see any signs of fungal growth, take care of it with distilled white vinegar. Spray affected areas, let the vinegar set for an hour, and then rinse with warm water. Finish remediation by spraying the areas one more time, and leaving the application to dry.
Power Tip: Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, Restoration professional and founder of ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, adds, “Always wear some type of respiratory protection when cleaning up mold. This reduces your exposure to harmful airborne spores that can cause health problems.”
What to Do for Major Basement Flooding
As we’ve noted, more than 2 inches of water in the basement is classified as major flooding. Don’t try to handle it by yourself. The work can quickly become dangerous, so stay safe by following these steps.
1. Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Agent
Explain the emergency to your agent, and ask about coverage details specific to your homeowners insurance policy. Let him or her know that you’re calling in flood cleanup professionals right away. Be sure to get a claim number too.
2. Call a Certified Restoration Company
Call an experienced restoration company that responds to flooded basement emergencies 24/7. If you live in the Chicago area, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore can be at your door within 90 minutes of your call to our headquarters at (312) 707-8597.
Our teams quickly address the situation and get things back to normal with:
- Basement water removal using powerful truck-mounted extraction systems
- Industrial-strength drying and dehumidifying equipment
- Our industry-certified mold removal and remediation process
- Complete basement cleanup, disinfection and restoration
- Help with your homeowners insurance claim for water damage
3. Document the Damage and Your Losses
Once the restoration team has pumped out the flooded basement, take pictures of the damage and any losses resulting from the sump pump breakdown. The documentation helps support your water damage claim.
Common Sump Pump Repairs
Now, you need to figure out why the sump pump stopped working. If the failure was caused by a power outage, test the pump to make sure it’s operating correctly. Otherwise, check for these common sump problems with easy fixes.
- Loose Line Connection – Disconnect the discharge line from the pump, and tighten the connection.
- Faulty Float Switch – Fix by following the pump manual’s directions on how to adjust or reposition the switch.
- Backed-Up Discharge Line – Remove accumulated debris, or break up clogging inside the discharge line.
- Damaged Impeller Blades – Remove and replace the damaged impeller blades, or install a new sump pump.
- Pump Motor Burnout – Replace the old pump with a new unit that’s better sized for your basement.
Preventing Sump Failures
You can’t control the weather or predict a plumbing breakdown. You can head off most sump pump problems with a few smart strategies. These recommendations help reduce the risk of your pump shutting down when you need it most.
Keep Up With Pump Maintenance – Put routine sump pump maintenance on your to-do list every spring and fall. Make sure you keep the basin clear, clean the drain guards, and check the impellers and their filters.
Consider a Battery Backup – Keep the unit running during power outages with a battery backup system designed for sump pumps. This strategy works well for general pump failures too.
Use a Smart Home Leak Detector – Most homeowners aren’t in the basement when the sump pump stops working. A leak detector keeps you connected 24/7 with real-time alerts wherever you are.
Install a Black Water Valve – If your main sewer line backs up while the sump pump is out of commission, the basement fills up with hazardous Category 3 water. Installing a black water valve on the sewer line reduces the risk of dangerous contamination.
Stay Weather Aware – When the forecast includes heavy downpours and possible flooding, test the sump pump so that you know it’s ready to go to work. A simple pump repair before the storm can keep your home safe.
Dealing With a Flooded Basement in Chicago? Let Our Pros Help!
If you’re facing minor flooding in the basement, you don’t have to take care of it by yourself. Our teams can respond immediately and get the situation under control.
If you’re dealing with major basement flooding, we handle everything, from deep water extraction to complete restoration, even in finished basements.
Our industry-certified services are available for flooded basements all across Chicago. We’re standing by, ready for your call: (312) 707-8597.
FAQs
How can I prevent basement flooding?
Routine gutter cleaning, roof inspections and yard grading can help prevent flooding in the basement. Make sure the sump pump is in good condition, and think about installing a pump battery backup.
Is sump pump failure covered by insurance?
Typically, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover sump pump overflows. However, you can usually add coverage for this type of water damage to your policy. Talk to your agent about the details.
What sump pumps are best for preventing flooding?
It depends on your basement, but both submersible and pedestal sump pumps work well in all types of homes. Submersible pumps feature powerful motors, while pedestal pumps are easier to install and maintain.
