How to Handle a Broken Sump Pump
Finding out that your sump pump has failed can be an extremely stressful situation. Chances are that you found out by seeing water in your basement. This can be increasingly stressful if you had property in your basement that is now damaged or ruined. However, while you may be in a state of duress, it is important to take certain steps to ensure that you have the best possible experience with having your sump pump fixed or replaced.
The first thing you will need to do is find a reliable plumber that has experience with sump pumps. If you already have someone that you use, then you can contact them for service. They should be willing to come to your residence as soon as possible, as the longer the pump is not working, the more water there will be entering your basement. If you do not have a plumber that you already use, or your usual option is not immediately available, you will want to take the time to find one that can handle the emergency situation.
It can be tempting to just pick the first plumber that you find, but it is important to take the time to do some research. All professionals are not of the highest quality when it comes to their performance and quality of work. Taking some time to read through the reviews of the options in your area is important. You should also take some time to verify that they are licensed and have a positive standing with the BBB. These steps will reduce the chances that you will get poor service.
Once you are sure you have found a quality company to service your sump pump you are ready to call for emergency service. Depending on the state of your pump it may be able to be repaired or may need replacement. If you had noticed the pump running more frequently than usual or any weird noises you will want to be sure to let the plumber know. This can help them to identify the problem. There is also a chance that you will need a more powerful pump in place of the one that you currently have.
It is important to follow the advice of the professional servicing your sump pump system. They have the knowledge and experience necessary to reduce the chances that you will deal with a flooding situation again in the future. Once they have rectified the situation with your pump your work begins. It is important to take action immediately to remove all of the water that remains.
One of the easiest ways to do this is with the use of a vacuum that is safe to use for water removal. This will reduce the amount of time that it will take you to remove the water, which is critical for preventing the growth of mold and mildew. You then should place powerful fans around your basement. A dehumidifier can also help to speed the process of removing the remaining moisture. If you do use a dehumidifier you will want to check the retaining bucket hourly so that it is working as fast as possible.
You will also need to remove everything that has been damaged by the flooding. If there are items that are very important or valuable you may want to consider hiring professionals to try and save your property. Otherwise, it is likely best to throw away everything that came in contact with the water. Not only will they likely be a source of mold or mildew, they also could be infested with dangerous bacteria from the water.
If you had carpeting or other organic materials, such as drywall, in your basement you will want to hire a professional for mold remediation or completely remove the materials. Mold is a serious threat to the health of those that live in your home and can grow very quickly. Dark, moist surfaces are prime locations for mold to grow. Taking action immediately will prevent the growth from getting out of control.
Having a sump pump fail is a less than ideal situation. The key is to take the right steps immediately. Doing so will reduce the amount of damage done, ensure your health and safety, and save you money in the end.
