What Happens When a Sump Pump Quits Working?

A sump pump is found in many homes with a basement, to collect water and prevent flooding. When a sump pump stops working, water is no longer collected and pumped from the sump pit.

Function

• A sump pump is designed to prevent water entering the basement of a building. Drains collect water from soil surrounding the home and filter the water to the sump, a collecting hole in the basement. The sump pump turns on when the water collects to a certain level and pumps the water through a drain that leads away from the house.

Significance

• Without the sump pump removing water from the sump, water can enter the basement. Water from the soil around the house is still collected and drained to the sump. If the collected water is more than the sump can hold, the water will overflow onto the floor of the basement.

Prevention/Solution

• A backup sump pump works to prevent basement flooding. In the event the main pump fails, the backup turns on to remove the water. Regular testing of the pump to make sure it's working properly is also recommended.