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Water Removal Metro DetroiFlooding tends to occur as the rain season approaches, and it’s an experience many homeowners have had to deal with and remediate. Fortunately, carrying out effective water removal in Metro Detroit is possible with professional help and advice. 

Prepare for Heavy Rain Flooding by Checking and Testing Your Sump Pump

Make sure your basement is safe from excessive flooding with a fully functioning sump pump. Below, we’ll delve into the signs that you’ll need to tend to your sump pump.

 

What Is a Sump Pump?

The sump pump is a small pump installed usually in a pit located in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. It prevents groundwater from getting into the area. Water flows through drains into the sump pit, and the sump pump moves the water away from it, keeping the basement or crawlspace dry.

Water can get into the basement and foundation walls if a sump pump begins to deteriorate. It can lead to the growth of mold and mildew and, worse, basement flooding.

 

5 Signs of Your Sump Pump Is Going Bad

 

To avoid spending a hefty sum on water restoration, it’s crucial to check your sump pump before the rainy season sets in. You can watch out for the following signs and continue down below for ways to deal with a sump pump failure:

 

1. Your Sump Pump Is Constantly Cycling

Excess cycling is one of the first warning signs of a problem with your sump pump. This could be happening due to a stuck float switch, faulty check valve, or problematic discharge method. If it continues to cycle on and off, your sump pump motor might burn out – which would entail replacing the entire unit.

 

2. Sump Pump Is Making Loud Noises

Loud motor noises, such as grinding or rattling, signal that something is wrong with your sump pump. Typically, you should hear the sump pump emit a soft hum when operating or mild thumping noise when turning off. If the unit is making loud noises, it’s best to investigate if there’s a problem with the bearing or impeller.

 

3. Foul Odor and Smells in the Sump Pump Trap

Sump pumps have a drain trap designed to hold water. There should always be enough water to cover the drain lines and pumps. However, the water can evaporate during hotter weather, causing the trap to release unpleasant smells.

 

4. The Sump Pump Not Turning On When It Should

Is your sump pump not turning on? A stuck float switch could be the cause. These switches are prone to get stuck, while the floats tend to break due to flimsy composition. If removing the obstruction does not free the float switch, it may be time for a sump pump replacement.

5. You Notice That the Sump Pump Water Is Brown

The rust or bacteria in the water (also called iron bacteria) can cause brown water in the sump pump. While it’s not a serious health risk, brown water can turn into gel, which then clings onto debris and clogs drainage pipes.

 

How Bad Can the Water Damage Get if Not Remedied?

Water seeps in through the basement or foundation walls when your sump pump fails. It can cause flooding, leading to a total mess. This usually happens during a rainstorm and it can cost thousands of dollars in damage.

 

What To Do After a Sump Pump Fails?

In the event your sump pump fails, here are a few things you can do:

  • Water Extraction: This involves the removal of much of the standing water using a vacuum or water pump. 
  • Water Restoration: To remove the remaining standing water, you need the help of professionals. It’s best to call your local experts specializing in water removal in Metro Detroit to get things back to normal. Despite your best efforts, you won’t be able to remove all the standing water. For that, you need to call a local water damage restoration company.
  • Repairs or Replacement: If your sump pump fails, you should have repairs done or replace it altogether by sump pump installation experts.

Schedule a Sump Pump Evaluation with Restoration 1 Metro Detroit!

During a heavy storm, keep the number of your go-to experts in water removal in Metro Detroit, Restoration 1. Our team, certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIRC), will be at your doorstep within the hour. We combine advanced restoration equipment and a thorough process to help you effectively address sump pump issues. 

Contact Restoration 1 of Metro Detroit today to schedule an appointment for a sump pump replacement.