Sump Pump Failed in a Power Outage? What to Do

If your sump pump stopped because the power went out, check the basement from the stairs first. Do not walk into water that could reach outlets, cords, the furnace, or the electrical panel. Once it is safe, move water out, photograph the damage, and dry everything within 24 to 48 hours.

Late spring is a wet time here. At the Cincinnati airport, May and June are the two wettest months of the year, at 4.67 and 4.75 inches of normal rain (NOAA 1991-2020 monthly normals). The same thunderstorm that drops heavy rain can also knock out power. Your sump pump runs on house power, so it quits right when the pit fills fastest. Here is what I tell homeowners to do, in order.

Is it safe to go into the basement?

Water and electricity are the first danger. Gas appliances are the second. Use this checklist before you step off the stairs:

1. Look for water near anything electrical. If water is at or above outlets, extension cords, the furnace, or the panel, stay out. Call an electrician or your utility.
2. Do not touch the panel while you are wet. Duke Energy says to never replace a fuse or touch a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet or damp surface.
3. Shut off power only from a dry spot. If rising water threatens the house, Duke Energy advises turning off power at the breaker panel. Do that only if you can reach it from dry ground.
4. Smell for gas. If you smell rotten eggs, leave. Duke Energy says to evacuate everyone and call 911 and Duke Energy from a safe location. Do not flip switches on the way out.
5. Treat dirty water as contaminated. If the water came up through a floor drain or smells like sewage, keep kids and pets away and wear gloves and boots.

If the basement did flood, the Electrical Safety Foundation says to keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system. Duke Energy also says it cannot reconnect a flooded home until a licensed electrician has inspected the electrical system.

What to do while the power is still out

If the water is low and the floor around you is dry, you can do a lot to limit the damage.

1. Watch the pit. If it is close to the top, bail it with buckets. Carry the water outside and dump it well away from the foundation, downhill if you can.
2. Run a generator only outdoors. The Red Cross says to never use a generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or any partially enclosed area. Keep it away from doors, windows, and vents.
3. Plug the pump straight into the generator. Use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power the house. The Red Cross calls that "backfeeding," and it can electrocute utility workers and your own family.
4. Lift what you can. Move boxes, electronics, and papers off the floor. Set furniture legs on blocks.
5. Take photos and video now. Show the water level, the pit, and anything wet. Your insurer will ask for them.
6. Keep receipts. A rented pump, a new extension cord, buckets, and fans all count as steps to protect the house.

Carbon monoxide has no smell. The Red Cross also says opening doors and windows or running fans will not stop it from building up indoors. Put a battery-powered CO alarm on every level of the home.

After the power comes back

Do not assume the pump restarted on its own. Go check it.

• Listen for the pump. If the pit is full and the pump is quiet, the float may be stuck or the motor may have failed.
• Test it. Once the pit is low, pour a bucket of water in slowly. The pump should kick on and empty the pit.
• Check the discharge. Go outside and make sure water is coming out of the discharge line and running away from the house.
• Reset only what is dry. Do not plug in or turn on any appliance that got wet until an electrician says it is safe.

Dry the basement within 24 to 48 hours

The EPA says it is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. That clock starts when the water gets in, not when the power comes back.

• Pull up wet carpet and pad. Pad that soaked up dirty water usually cannot be saved.
• Move wet cardboard boxes out. They hold water and grow mold fast.
• Run fans and a dehumidifier once the power and wiring are safe.
• Check the bottom of finished walls. Drywall and insulation wick water up above the visible line.

The EPA also suggests keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, and ideally between 30 and 50 percent. That is hard in a Cincinnati basement in summer without a dehumidifier.

Does insurance cover a sump pump failure?

Often not under the base policy. The standard homeowners form excludes water that "overflows or is discharged from a sump, sump pump or related equipment" (sample HO-3 policy, Insurance Information Institute). Many insurers sell an add-on, often called a water backup endorsement. Ask your agent whether yours covers sump overflow and what the limit is.

Rising surface water is a different thing. FEMA says most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood needs its own policy.

Report the loss to your insurer promptly, and share your photos. Our Ohio insurance claims guide walks through the process.

Backup options to consider before the next storm

You cannot stop the power from going out. You can give the pump a way to keep running. Here are the common choices:

Two more habits help. Test the pump every spring by pouring water into the pit. And keep gutters and downspouts clear so roof water does not end up in the pit in the first place. Our spring home maintenance checklist covers both.

How Shamrock can help

If your basement took on water, our water damage restoration work covers clean, grey, and sewage water removal and restoration. We document the damage with photos and a written repair scope, and we can meet your adjuster. Call (513) 999-9015 or request a free estimate. The phone line is answered 24 hours a day.

FAQ

How long can a sump pump be off before the basement floods?

It depends on how much rain is falling, how high the water table is, and the size of your pit. In a heavy storm, a pit can fill quickly. Do not count on a set number of hours. Check the pit as soon as the power goes out.

Can I run my sump pump off a car or an inverter?

Some people do, but it is easy to get wrong. If you are not sure about the wiring, use a battery backup pump made for the job, or a portable generator outdoors with an outdoor-rated cord.

Should I call a plumber, an electrician, or a restoration company first?

Safety comes first, so call an electrician if water reached any wiring or the panel. A plumber fixes or replaces the pump. A restoration company removes water and dries and repairs the damage. Many basement losses need all three.

Will my homeowners policy pay to replace the pump itself?

Usually not. Policies are written for sudden damage, not worn-out equipment. Ask your agent what your policy and any backup endorsement include.

Related guides

• Water damage in your Cincinnati home: what to do first
• The first 48 hours after storm damage
• How to file an insurance claim in Ohio