Sump Pump Failure: What to Do When Your Basement Floods

Your Sump Pump Failed. Now What?

Sump pump failure is the leading cause of basement flooding in Illinois — and it almost always happens during a storm, when power goes out, when demand is highest. Here's exactly what to do.

Immediate Steps

1. Do NOT enter a flooded basement if water may have reached electrical outlets or your panel. Call ComEd (1-800-334-7661) to disconnect power before entering.
2. Call APT Water Restoration: (630) 855-3362. We respond within 60 minutes, 24/7, with commercial pump-out equipment.
3. If safe to enter, begin manual removal with buckets, wet-dry vacuum, or a submersible utility pump.
4. Move valuables from the basement floor if you can safely do so.
5. Document damage with photos and video for your insurance claim.
6. Call your insurance company to open a claim.

Why Sump Pumps Fail in Illinois

• Power outage — The most common cause. The storms that flood your yard also knock out power. A standard electric sump is helpless during an outage.
• Overwhelmed capacity — Heavy rainfall can exceed a standard pump's 2,000 gallon/hour output.
• Float switch failure — The mechanical trigger that activates the pump fails, jams, or is blocked by debris.
• Pump age — Average sump pump life is 7-10 years. Older pumps fail without warning.
• Clogged discharge line — Can freeze in winter or clog with debris, leaving pumped water nowhere to go.

The Solution: Battery Backup Sump Pump

Every Illinois home should have a battery backup sump pump. At $200-600 installed, it's a fraction of the typical $3,000-10,000 flood restoration cost. It activates automatically when the primary pump fails or can't keep up — and works during power outages for 6-12+ hours. Quality options: Zoeller 507, Wayne WSS30V, Liberty SumpJet (water-powered, no electricity needed).

After the Flood

APT Water Restoration arrives with commercial pump-out equipment, removes all standing water, sets industrial drying equipment, and uses thermal imaging to map hidden moisture. Full structural drying takes 3-5 days. We handle all insurance documentation. Call (630) 855-3362 — available 24/7.