Take charge even when the power’s out
Sump pumps can take credit for saving many basements from becoming flooded messes. However, in harsh weather, that electric lifesaver is prone to failure when the power grid goes down. To avoid the damage and resulting mold growth that comes with standing water, you should know how to drain a sump pump without electricity.
A sump pump sits in the basement or first level of a home and wards off excess water during a weather-related flood or one caused by a plumbing mishap. When installed properly and hooked up to a series of pipes that transport the water out of your home—either to a storm drain or to irrigate your lawn or garden—a sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding.
The cost to install a sump pump depends on the type of pump and its location. A pedestal sump pump ranges between $60 and $170, but a submersible pump’s more complex installation costs between $100 and $400.
Labor for sump pump installation costs between $45 and $200 per hour, plus the cost of the pump itself. If you’ve ever had to deal with a basement flood before, then you’ll know the cost of installing a sump pump is worth it for your peace of mind.
When there’s no power, it’s time to pitch in and bail out your pump—quite literally. Luckily, there are a few ways to do it.
Attach a garden hose to a hand pump. Make sure the garden hose will divert the water either in the direction of a storm drain or your lawn/garden, then insert the pump in the sump pump basin and start pumping.
If you catch trouble with your sump pump early, grab a bucket—a child’s sand bucket or even a large cup can do in a pinch—and bail out the excess water.
This won’t work in a flood, but when there’s just a little bit of excess water to contend with, grab the most absorbent hand mop you can find. Mop up the water, wring it out in a bucket, then go outside and dump the bucket. You might need to use the bucket to bail out some water first, but then you can mop up what’s left.
A regular corded wet/dry vac is useless when the power goes out. However, if you’ve got a cordless version, make sure it's charged when there’s lots of rain in the forecast. If the power goes out and your sump pump needs help, flip on the wet vac and get rid of the water.
If you’re in a flood zone, it’s a good idea to have a gas-powered trash pump on hand to stop water from accumulating in your basement. Not only can this type of pump eliminate thousands of gallons of water per hour, but it can also get rid of not-so-clean water if the flood is the result of something other than rainwater.
Calling a pro is always a good idea, but this is especially true if your basement floods because of a plumbing failure. In the aftermath of a weather-related event, you might have to wait a bit longer for assistance. However, in the case of a pipe breaking or some other non-weather issue, a professional plumber or sump pump installer can quickly troubleshoot and work to keep the problem from returning.
Unfortunately, no one can control the weather or prevent a power failure, which can happen even on a fair day. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your sump pump is operational and ready for business.
Test it: No, don’t cause a flash flood in your basement. Just dump a bucket of water into the pump basin and watch while your sump pump does its job. Aim to test it at least twice a year, but if you’re in a flood zone, do it once per season. If it doesn’t work properly, call a pro for replacement as soon as possible.
Inspect the components: If any blades are worn out or missing, call a sump pump pro near you to fix or replace them.
Examine the discharge piping: Your sump pump might be just fine, but if the discharge pipes are cracked or off-kilter, the excess water can’t leave your home properly. Check the piping every time you test your sump pump.
Make sure you have the right pump size: Pumps are measured in horsepower and gallons per minute (or hour). Ensure that your pump is the right size for your space.
Install an alarm: A battery-operated alarm that detects rising water levels will give you a heads-up when your sump pump isn’t performing.
Your home’s sump pump should drain out directly into a storm drain or, if that’s not accessible, into your lawn or garden. Do not connect it to the sewer because excess water can overwhelm sewers (this is even illegal in some areas). A sump pump also shouldn’t drain out into your septic tank because it could make it overflow and cause even more trouble for your home.
If you don’t have a gas-powered generator on your property, you might want to rely on a sump pump with a battery backup. When the power goes out, the sump pump automatically switches over to battery power so that it can continue to do its job. Those who live in or near a city might consider a water-powered sump pump, which relies on the city’s water pressure when the utilities are down.
Any improvement made to a home for its protection and longevity offers an increase in value, not a decrease. Don’t be alarmed if you’re house hunting and spot a sump pump in a basement. While a flood zone map will give you a better idea of how prone that property is to flooding, consider it a well-made decision by the current homeowner to install a sump pump for peace of mind.
