Can Your Sump Pump Keep Up With Heavy Rain?
Rainy days in Pensacola, FL, can be relaxing as you enjoy a break from the heat and pitter-patter of raindrops hitting the roof. But, they can also be dramatic displays of nature’s fury as rain pelts the windows and creates currents as it flows through the streets.
Your home should feel like a refuge during those times, and knowing that you have a sturdy roof overhead and drainage system at your feet helps you relax. Unfortunately, there are times when sump pumps fail during storms. Knowing what to do if heavy rain overwhelms your home’s sump pump and what to do to prevent it from happening gives you confidence in future storms.
Note These Key Takeaways
Finding out the answers to your biggest sump pump questions can help you relax. These key takeaways give you insight into how to promote proper drainage around your house.
- Sump pumps can absolutely fail in a major rainstorm.
- Most sump pump failures are preventable with routine maintenance
- Hearing your sump pump running means it’s working.
- Proper sizing and installation are critical for sump pump efficiency.
How Do Sump Pumps Work?
Sump pumps are designed specifically for stopping stormwater from flooding your home. To work efficiently, they should be in the lowest part of a building. This might be a basement or a crawl space.
If your Florida home lacks a basement, then we may use other areas, such as low-lying ground, to install sump pumps. Our expert plumbers have several options to choose from for sump pump installations in Pensacola, but they all work in similar ways.
Whether it’s a pedestal or submersible sump pump, the machine uses a motor to create suction. As the water gets sucked up, it is then forced through a discharge pipe and away from your home’s flooring and foundation.
Should I Be Worried About the Sump Pump Constantly Running?
The sump pump in your home is designed to start operating once rainwater starts to reach a specific level in the basin or pit. A properly functioning sump pump can generate a soft hum that might be noticeable during heavy rain.
In fact, it’s not uncommon for sump pumps to seem like they are constantly running for a couple of days after the heavy rain stops. This is because the ground may be saturated with water. However, you will need to worry if the sump pump runs constantly when the rain has stopped for a period of time.
Sump pumps that are running but not clearing the water are also cause for concern. Any water that doesn’t flow through the pump can lead to serious damage fast.
What Causes Sump Pumps to Fail During Heavy Rainstorms?
If you have the right size and type of sump pump professionally installed in your home, then it should stand up to prolonged or heavy rain. If you notice that yours isn’t functioning, then you can run through this quick checklist to begin figuring out the reason why.
Keep in mind that timing is critical for preventing water damage on your property. Moving quickly by reaching out to our local Pensacola plumber can help you get the water pumping out of your house faster than many DIY ideas.
Know How to Handle Power Outages
During severe storms, you might notice the power going out with a huge clap of thunder and flash of lightning. But, power outages might only create a subtle flicker.
Since this is one of the most common reasons we find for a sump pump not working, we recommend checking the power source first. A tripped circuit breaker could cause the sump pump to stop sucking up water.
If the power to the area is restored, then try turning off the pump and switching it back on. Even if the sump pump starts working, you may still need us to come out to check for damage to the electrical components.
Watch Out for Overwhelmed Capacity
Heavy rain could actually overwhelm the sump pump’s capacity. But, this is usually due to fixable problems. For instance, a newer sump pump could lack the proper horsepower to manage water flow in high flood zones.
Our technicians can check out the issue, and we could recommend installing a more powerful pump. We could also suggest using a second pump as a backup.
Inspect the Pump for Blockages or Clogs
Similar to a toilet or sink, sump pumps need drain lines to send the water out and away from your house. If the discharge pipe gets filled with debris, then the clog could halt water from flowing through.
Check the Float Switch
The float switch is a component that signals the sump pump to start working once the water level reaches the designated height. If it gets stuck or tangled, then the sump pump won’t switch on.
What Are the Most Noticeable Signs of a Sump Pump Failure?
Failing sump pumps often send out these warning signs that let you know when to call our crew for an inspection that prevents flooding.
- Abnormal noises
- Strong vibrations
- Rising water levels
- Constant running beyond normal times
How Can Pensacola Benjamin Franklin Plumbers Stop Sump Pump Issues?
Some sump pump problems respond quickly to routine maintenance, such as clearing a discharge pipe clog. Others might take more time to complete. When we visit your home, we might suggest one or several of these options for resolving sump pump problems.
- Preparing for power outages with a backup battery
- Installing a second or more powerful sump pump
- Repairing or replacing float switches and other components
- Correcting faulty installations
- Cleaning the pump to remove debris
- Adding grates or covers to the discharge pipe
Work With Our Experienced Plumbers to Prep for the Next Florida Storm
In Pensacola, it’s not a matter of if we’ll see heavy rain, but when. Since time is of the essence for preventing storm damage through the use of an efficient sump pump, we stand by our promise that if there’s any delay, it’s you we pay. Don’t sit through another storm worrying about floodwater.
Reach out to our team today to schedule a sump pump inspection and repair service. You can trust our punctual plumbers to recommend the ideal solution for sump pump installations and maintenance that allows you to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the next rainstorm.
