Sump pump failure

Common reasons pumps fail

• Power outage during a storm, with no battery or water-powered backup.
• Stuck float switch or debris in the pit.
• Undersized pump that can't keep up with a heavy inflow.
• Frozen or clogged discharge line outside.
• Worn-out motor. Pumps are often forgotten until they fail.

What to do right now

• If the pit is overflowing and the pump is plugged in, unplug it only from a dry spot. Don't stand in water near it.
• Check whether the float is stuck. Gently free it if you can do so safely.
• If power is out, a generator must run outdoors, away from windows. Never indoors or in a garage.
• Document the water, the pump and the pit with photos before replacing anything. Insurers may ask about the cause.

Local advice on backups

Lake Forest, Glencoe and Highland Park all recommend a battery backup for your sump pump, along with regular inspection. Wilmette's resident flood assessment checks whether a home's sump pump is adequately sized, whether there's a secondary power source, and where the discharge goes.

Where your sump water goes matters

Sump pumps should discharge to the storm system or yard, never the sanitary sewer. Deerfield calls these connections illegal and says they put storm water into the sanitary system and cause backups. Wilmette's Stormwater Incentive Program has offered 50% (up to $5,000) toward disconnecting sump pumps and downspouts from Village sewers.

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