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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Sump Pump 101

5/17/2023 (Permalink)

What is a Sump Pump?

“Sump Pump” A sump pump is defined as “a pump (as in a basement) to remove accumulations of liquid (such as water) from a sump pit.” These pumps can range in size and there are different types depending on the size of your basement and how likely you are to experience flooding or water damage. 

Not all basements need a sump pump, but these are some criteria when deciding if you should purchase one or not. 

It is a good idea to invest in a sump pump if: 

  • You live in a flat area, or location that sits low to the ground
  • You live in an area where snow and rain are common
  • You live in the basement of a property
  • Your property has a basement
  • Part of your property is underground
  • Your property has a history of floods
  • Your basement is continuously wet

In the event of intense storms, flooding, melting snow, or other excessive moisture, these machines work to ensure your home or business remains free of flood and storm water. As much as SERVPRO is always here to help, a sump pump is a huge advantage to hopefully not having to make that phone call to ask for help with water damage. 

What Do They Do?

Sump pumps operate by collecting water in a pit beneath the pump. When water reaches a designated point in the pit, the pump begins removing the water to a location outside the property. This process automatically occurs via a float sensor, and the pipes that carry the water away have check valves to ensure the water does not flow back into the property.

How Can SERVPRO Help If My Sump Pump Fails?

  1. Emergency Contact: After you call SERVPRO ar 610-776-7774, we will ask you questions regarding the size of the area of damage, equipment our professionals will need, any necessary information
  2. Inspection: We will provide an initial assessment of the affected area at a scheduled time that we discuss with you
  3. Water Removal: Using extraction equipment to remove water from the affected area
  4. Damaged Material Removal: Removing restorable materials such as clothing, items affected for our contents cleaning department to repair
  5. Cleaning, Sanitizing, Deodorization: Our team will use products and techniques to ensure your space is safe and properly cleaned
  6. Drying: Using equipment to remove water you cannot see that may be trapped in walls, in floorboards, etc
  7. Monitoring: Our team will routinely check on your property to ensure everything is drying correctly and adjust any equipment if necessary
  8. Repairs & Construction: From there, our reconstruction team can take over if you need any additional construction due to the damages


If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 610-776-7774!

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