What's a sump pump and what does it do?

2/13/2025 (Permalink)

If a sump pump fails in your home causing a water backup, your homeowner’s insurance will more likely cover those damage costs.

You may have heard from your neighbors, friends, family, or coworkers about how their sump pump saved their home during a thunderstorm but not have a clue as to what they’re talking about! So…what is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a kind of pump typically located in a basement or crawl space that removes excess accumulated water to a place outside to be safely drained.

The water may enter into a sump pump from drain backups, rainwater, or flooding.

The device is equipped with valves that sense rising water levels and automatically pump out excess water to a designated discharge area.

Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Having a sump pump can be somewhat of a lifesaver in times of heavy rain and storms in your area.

Living around Greater Cincinnati, installing a sump pump to your home may be a good idea due to the heavy rain and snow we get throughout the year.

It can be especially helpful if your home is in a flood-prone area, you’ve experienced water problems in the past, or if your basement is finished.

Here are some advantages of installing a sump pump in your basement:

• prevents and defends your home from flooding
• reduces mold, mildew, and fungus growth
• improves indoor air quality
• keeps the basement or crawl space drier
• meets a requirement for homeowners insurance coverage of basement flooding

Sump Pump Failure

Sump pumps are not a perfect preventative or protective solution to your home or business.

Sump pumps do have a chance of malfunctioning, or "failing", should discharge lines become clogged or frozen.

The most common mechanical failure is a stuck or faulty switch, or the motor may become burnt out.

If a sump pump fails in your home causing a water backup, your homeowner’s insurance will more likely cover any damage costs due to the water damage.

As always, should your Cincinnati home or business need water damage restoration, you know who to call: SERVPRO of Central Cincinnati, your local full restoration service company.

We work directly with property owners and insurance companies for a smooth claims process. 

Our crews are ready 24/7 for emergency restoration services.