When summer storms hit with fast-moving flash floods and heavy rain, your sump pump becomes one of your home’s most important defenses. It prevents water from accumulating in your basement or crawl space day and night, avoiding unplanned water entry during intense downpours. But like any other mechanical device, a sump pump can break down, and if it does during a stormy month, the repercussions could be costly.
Thankfully, a lot of sump pump problems show early warning indicators before they totally fail. By learning to spot these issues early, you can take action before the worst summer weather threatens your house. This article explores the warning signs, common causes of failure, testing methods, backup options, and maintenance strategies to help you better prepare for any summer storms that may hit.
Why Summer Storms Put Sump Pumps to the Test
There’s more to summer than just sunny days. It also brings with it tropical remnants, heavy rains that last for a long time, and strong thunderstorms that can quickly overwhelm drainage systems in many places. Your home’s sump pump, which is designed to divert water away from the foundation, is suddenly under a lot of stress.
Factors that make summer hard on sump pumps:
- High intensity of rainfall: Your pump will need to move water more quickly than usual during storms that can dump several inches of rain in an hour.
- Saturated ground: Water rapidly gathers around your foundation when the soil is already wet from previous rainfall.
- Storms that occur frequently: Pumps may have to operate several times a week, which increases wear and tear.
- Power outages: Strong winds and lightning can cause power outages, which completely prevent electric pumps from operating.
During the busiest storm months, homes near water sources or in low-lying areas are even more vulnerable. Heavy rainfall frequently causes groundwater levels to rise, which causes sump pits to gradually fill up. The pump may run for hours to control seepage from saturated soil, even if the rain has slowed.
Advice: During the months with the most storms, pay close attention to your sump pump and make sure it’s still functioning properly by testing it both before and after major storms. Being proactive can make the difference between a mid-storm failure and safe operation.
Signs Your Sump Pump Is Struggling
Your chances of keeping your basement dry during a storm improve with early problem detection. Warning indications for sump pumps are frequently mild at first, but if disregarded, they can rapidly worsen and lead to total failure.
Be mindful of these warning signs:
- Strange sounds: Humming could be a sign that the motor is operating without moving water, while grinding or rattling could be an indication of internal damage.
- Frequent cycling: A malfunctioning or misaligned float switch is frequently the cause of rapid on-off behavior.
- Slow water removal: The pump’s capacity may be lowered if the pit drains more slowly than normal.
- Evident corrosion or rust: Deterioration symptoms can weaken components and lower performance.
- Shaking or vibrations: These could be signs of an impeller (the rotating component that pushes the water out) that is damaged or unbalanced.
Additional early warning signs include visible sediment at the bottom, which over time may clog the pump, or musty smells close to the pit, which may indicate stagnant water. Another red flag is if your sump pump is running constantly even when it isn’t raining. It could be the result of excessive groundwater infiltration from bad yard grading, a problem with the float switch, or an incorrectly installed check valve.
Continuous use reduces the motor’s lifespan and raises the possibility of failure when you need it most. You can monitor trends and determine when to service or replace the unit by keeping a written record of any unusual behavior, such as variations in noise level, run time, or water removal speed.
Common Causes of Sump Pump Failure in Summer
Although there are numerous reasons why a sump pump might malfunction, some issues are more common during summer storms due to the weather. If a pump fails during a major storm, flooding can spread quickly and require professional help like water damage restoration services in Camden County, NJ, to prevent structural issues and mold growth.
Mechanical problems:
- After years of intense seasonal use, the motors have worn out.
- Impellers that are damaged or jammed make it difficult to pump water efficiently.
- Float switches that are stuck or broken prevent the pump from starting up when it should.
Power-related failures:
- Power cuts are brought on by lightning or strong winds.
- Breakers tripped due to short circuits or pump overloads.
- Power spikes harm the motor or control panel.
Installation or maintenance issues:
- Choosing a pump that isn’t big enough for the amount of water in your house.
- Water cannot leave the system due to blocked discharge pipes.
- Failing to clear the sump pit of sediment and debris.
Environmental challenges:
- During storms, too much silt and sediment are carried into the pit.
- Long-term rain causes a steady flow of water, straining the pump to its breaking point.
Pump age is one element that is often disregarded. With the right maintenance, sump pumps typically last seven to ten years, though they may not last as long in places with heavy rainfall. Under the strain of consecutive summer storms, older pumps are more likely to fail, particularly if they haven’t had a professional inspection. You can concentrate your maintenance efforts where they are most needed by being aware of the most frequent failure points.
How to Test Your Sump Pump Before a Storm
One of the easiest and most efficient ways to make sure your sump pump is ready for action is to test it before the summer’s strongest storms.
Step-by-step testing process:
- Examine the power source: Verify that the pump is connected to a functioning GFCI outlet.
- Examine the pit: Clear away any debris that might obstruct the pump’s intake, such as leaves and dirt.
- Manually add water: Pour a bucket of water into the pit gradually until the float comes on.
- Keep an eye on the discharge: Make sure water travels smoothly through the line and out of the house.
- Verify shutoff: As soon as the pit is empty, the pump should stop.
During testing, if you observe slow operation, strange noises, or no response at all, take quick action to fix the issue. Waiting until a storm has already begun can be dangerous.
Extra advice: Test your installed backup systems as well as your primary pump. Make sure the battery is fully charged and able to run for several hours if your backup pump is battery-powered.
You can increase your confidence that your pump will work when you need it most by scheduling these tests once a month during storm season. For severe flooding events, working with a trusted water removal company in Mount Laurel, NJ, gives homeowners fast solutions to keep basements dry and protected.
Backup Options for Sump Pump Reliability
A power outage, clogged line, or mechanical failure can cause even a well-maintained sump pump to stop working. Backup systems offer an additional degree of security during the strongest storms of the summer.
Backup system types:
- When the power goes out, battery backups provide several hours of operation, providing vital protection.
- If your water supply is still available, these backups can function for prolonged outages because they use municipal water pressure.
- Secondary electric pumps are placed next to the primary pump to provide redundancy in the event that one fails.
Combining two backup systems, like a battery pump and a backup electric pump, provides the highest level of security for many homeowners.
Other protective upgrades:
- To be informed before the pit overflows, install a high-water alarm.
- To stop water from returning to the pit after the pump stops, install a check valve on the discharge line.
- Have extra piping or discharge hoses on hand in case a storm damages a section.
Redundancy is not a luxury in times of frequent and severe storms; rather, it is a wise preventative measure.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Your Pump’s Life
The best strategy for making sure your sump pump continues to function dependably during the hottest and rainiest months of the year is to perform routine maintenance.
Monthly storm-season tasks:
- Check the pit for silt and debris.
- Add water to test the pump’s activation.
- Make sure all connections are tight and inspect power cords for wear.
Seasonal tasks:
- If your model calls for it, lubricate the moving parts.
- To reach the impeller and inlet screen, take out and clean the pump.
- Check for freeze damage from the previous winter, cracks, or clogs in the discharge pipe.
Annual tasks:
- To check the wiring, float switches, and pump capacity, schedule a professional service.
- Replace backup batteries as advised every two to three years.
The sump pump will be prepared to manage the foreseeable and unforeseen demands of summer storms if it is kept clean, lubricated, and clear of obstructions.
Count on Safer Home Services, LLC for Sump Pump Solutions
The level of care and preparation you give your sump pump determines how dependable it will be. Your system is subjected to additional strain during summer storms due to heavy rainfall, saturated ground, and increased stormwater demand. Installing a backup, conducting routine testing, and identifying warning indicators can mean the difference between expensive repairs and a dry basement.
If you’d like a backup sump pump or if your sump pump has failed or shows age-related wear consistent with equipment near the end of service life, get in touch with Safer Home Services, LLC. to arrange for your sump pump installation. We offer a variety of models for every budget, including pedestal pumps, submersible pumps, and battery backup pumps, so your basement stays dry when it matters most!