Sump pump failure: what to do first
If water is rising in the pit and the pump is silent, check that it is plugged in and that the breaker has not tripped. If it hums but does not move water, or the float is stuck, call. Our 24/7 line takes sump pump emergencies during storms, and a plumber can bring a replacement. Move belongings off the floor and keep away from outlets if water is close.
If the basement is already taking on water, do not stand in it while the power is on. Cut power at the panel only if you can reach it dry. When in doubt, call and we will walk you through it.
Why sump pumps fail
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pump runs but moves no water | Clogged intake or failed check valve | Clean or replace the check valve |
| Pump does not start | Stuck float or power loss | Reposition or replace float, check power |
| Pump runs constantly | High water table or a stuck float | Adjust float, check discharge |
| Loud noise or vibration | Worn bearings or debris | Replace the pump |
| Pump dies in a storm | Power outage | Battery backup system |
Most pumps last roughly 7 to 10 years. A pump that is older than that, or that has been running hard every storm, is due for replacement before it fails.
Why this matters in Hull, Cohasset and Weymouth
Hull's local planning documents note that at least 60 percent of town land sits in the current one-percent flood zone, and that basement apartments are particularly vulnerable to flooding. January 2018's coastal storm surge exceeded the Blizzard of 1978. In a town like that, a basement pump is not optional equipment.
In Cohasset and Weymouth, low-lying properties near brooks, ponds and tidal marsh can see high groundwater after long rain. Weymouth has the Fore River and Back River, and Cohasset has its harbor. If you have a pit and a pump, make sure the discharge pipe goes away from the foundation.
Backup systems and power outages
Storms that bring the most water also bring outages. A battery backup pump sits beside the main pump and takes over when power is lost or the main fails. Water-powered backups also exist where municipal pressure allows, and your plumber can say whether they fit.
- Test the pump every few months by pouring water into the pit
- Check that the discharge goes outside and away from the foundation
- Clean the pit of silt and debris
- Replace the battery backup on the manufacturer's schedule
- Have a check valve so water does not drain back in
Related basement problems
A pump alone does not solve a basement that leaks through cracks or the floor. See basement waterproofing for the larger picture. A pump that discharges into a sewer line is not allowed in many places, and we make sure the discharge goes to the right place.
If the pit overflows because the discharge is frozen or blocked, a plumber clears the line. Heavy rain can also push sewer lines to back up. That is a different emergency, covered under sewer line cleaning.
What sump pump work costs
Prices depend on the pump, the pit and the discharge.
What moves the price
- Pump type and horsepowerSubmersible and pedestal pumps differ.
- Backup systemBattery and water-powered backups add cost.
- Pit conditionA new or resized pit adds labor.
- Discharge routingLong or buried discharge lines add work.
- Emergency timingStorm-night calls are priced for after-hours dispatch.
Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood and groundwater damage, and sump failure may be excluded without a sump or backup endorsement. Ask your agent before storm season.
Want the number for your house? Call (339) 216-9771 and describe what you see.
We repair and install sump pumps in ZIP codes 02043, 02025, 02188, 02189, 02190, 02191, 02061 and 02045. If a pump has failed, call our dispatch line.
Replacing a pump in an existing pit is routine. A new discharge line that must be buried calls for a Dig Safe ticket from 811 and an underground plumbing inspection fee of $60 in Hingham.
Properties near tidal water, such as Crow Point on Hingham Harbor, can see basement water after storms, and the first step is working out whether it is groundwater or a leak.
Questions homeowners ask
Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The float should lift and the pump should start and empty it.
Yes. We take sump pump calls 24/7, including nights, weekends and storms. Call as soon as the pit starts filling and the pump is not running.
Roughly 7 to 10 years, depending on use and conditions.
If your basement floods when the power fails, yes. Storms often cause both.
Yes. Our dispatch is 24/7. Common replacement pumps and check valves are usually available.
The pump usually is not, and water damage from groundwater may not be covered without an endorsement.