Sump Pump Leak: Identifying the 5 Signs of a Serious Problem

2/27/2023 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 to help mitigate your sump pump leak!

A sump pump leak can be a significant problem for homeowners, leading to costly repairs if not identified and addressed quickly.

The professionals at SERVPRO of South Cobb want to ensure that you combat water damage at all times of the year. Therefore, property owners must recognize signs of sump pump leakage to take proactive steps to identify sump pump problems before they worsen. 

In this article, we will discuss five signs that indicate a sump pump leak at your property. These signs include soggy spots in the yard, water seeping into foundation walls, musty odors coming from inside the home, a sump pump constantly running or not working correctly, flooding in the basement or crawlspace, as well as water stains on walls and floors. So without further ado, let's dive into everything you need about sump pump leaks!

What is a sump pump, and why do they leak?

Sump pumps are designed to remove water collected in a sump basin, typically found in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. The sump pump then pumps the water out of the sump basin and away from the home's foundation through a discharge pipe. Sump pumps are essential for keeping basements and crawlspaces dry and can prevent flooding.

However, sump pumps can fail for various reasons, including age, improper installation, power outages, clogs or debris in the sump basin, and even freezing temperatures. These issues can lead to sump pump leakage that can cause costly damage to your home.

Five signs that indicate a sump pump leak

1. Soggy spots in the yard: if you notice wet spots on your lawn that weren't there before, it could be a sign of sump pump leakage. You will want to pay attention to saturated areas near the sump basin. 
2. Water seeping into foundation walls: water may seep into your home's foundation walls if the sump pump leaks. Water in the foundation walls can cause various problems, including structural damage, foundation settlement, and mold growth.
3. Musty odors: if a sump pump leakage has occurred, a musty smell will likely come from inside your home. A musty odor usually indicates mold and mildew growth due to soggy conditions. 
4. Sump pump running constantly: if your sump pump is continuously running or not working correctly, this may mean sump pump leakage. It could also signify that the sump pump is clogged with debris. 
5. Flooding in the basement or crawl space - If a sump pump leakage has occurred, there will likely be some flooding in the basement or crawl space. Flooding can cause costly problems, including mold growth, wet floors and walls, and even structural damage.

How the professionals at SERVPRO can help

When your property suffers from sump pump leakage, the professionals at SERVPRO of South Cobb can help. We have the knowledge and experience to identify sump pump problems and take proactive steps to repair them before they become costly repairs. We can help even if there is severe water damage! We have the tools and equipment to mitigate sump pump leakage and other water damage. 

We understand how stressful sump pump issues can be, and we're here to help every step of the way. When we arrive at a sump pump leak, we will: 

• Inspect the sump pump and sump basin to assess the situation and identify any sump pump problems. 
• Repair the sump pump, sump basin, or discharge pipe if necessary. 
• Extract any standing water from your basement or crawl space. 
• Remove wet materials, including carpets and drywall. 
• Use specialized equipment to dry the area and prevent mold growth. 
• Replace any damaged materials.

Wrapping up

Today we reviewed sump pump leaks and the signs indicating a pump leak at your property. Signs of sump pump leakage include soggy spots in the yard, water seeping into foundation walls, musty odors coming from inside the home, sump pumps constantly running or not working correctly, flooding in the basement or crawl space, and water stains on walls or floors. Homeowners must take proactive steps to identify sump pump problems before they become costly. 

When sump pump leakage occurs, the SERVPRO of South Cobb professionals can help, even if there is severe water damage. We have the tools and equipment to mitigate sump pump leakage and other water damage. So if you are experiencing sump pump problems, don't hesitate to contact us! We're here to help you every step of the way.