What to Do When a Sump Pump Fails
Keep people safe first
Keep people and pets away from water near outlets and cords. Do not reach into the pit or handle a plugged-in pump while the floor is wet. If it is safe, check for a tripped circuit, but leave the electrical panel alone if water is near it.
Limit the water damage
Move boxes, rugs and stored items off the basement floor. If a backup pump is installed, check that it is running. Do not lift the pump out of the pit yourself.
Call about a failing pump
Tell the plumber what the pump did before it stopped, how high the water is, when it began, whether the power is out, and whether there is a backup pump. Tenants should tell the owner or manager.
A short outage during a spring storm can let a basement take on water. See what counts as a sump pump emergency or call the referral line.
Keep people and pets away from water near outlets and cords. Do not reach into the pit or handle a plugged-in pump while the floor is wet. If it is safe, check for a tripped circuit, but leave the electrical panel alone if water is near it.
Limit the water damage
Move boxes, rugs and stored items off the basement floor. If a backup pump is installed, check that it is running. Do not lift the pump out of the pit yourself.
Call about a failing pump
Tell the plumber what the pump did before it stopped, how high the water is, when it began, whether the power is out, and whether there is a backup pump. Tenants should tell the owner or manager.
A short outage during a spring storm can let a basement take on water. See what counts as a sump pump emergency or call the referral line.