Sump Pump Failure and Sewer Backup

Many of us take for granted that we have a sump pump and that it works effectively. Some of us don’t even know what a sump pump looks like, but when a water problem arises in our home, we soon realize their importance. Although sump pumps have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years, they may fail unexpectedly for various reasons.

One of the most common causes for sump pump failure is an electrical power outage. To safeguard yourself from this potential situation, it is wise to have a backup generator that can be manually activated. This measure alone, however, is not a guarantee against sump pump problems. It is also possible that your primary pump can mechanically fail and a generator cannot help in this situation.

If you have an incorrectly sized pump, or if the pump is not installed properly, you will most likely encounter a problem. Contrary to the common belief that bigger is better, a small sump pump can be just as effective as a big one. In fact, in some cases when a sump pump is too big, the pump is forced to work harder resulting in a shorter product life span. Alternatively, a pump that is too small may not be able to adequately pump out the water - again resulting in a shorter life span. Choosing the correct size for your home will ensure maximum life expectancy for your sump pump.

Installing a sump pump must be done right. It is of utmost importance that the manufacturer’s instructions be carefully followed for the installation in order to avoid severe water damage down the road. The sump pump pit should not be set in dirt or gravel as this can cause debris to enter your pump. Debris can result in interference with the pump’s on/off switch or the float arm.