Cornerstone Cleaning & Restoration is A+ Rated by the Better Business Bureau, Our Staff is Certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration (IICRC), and We Are Proud to Have Over 90 Five-Star Google Reviews!
Sump Pump failure? Call the Rapid Response Team at Cornerstone for 24/7 emergency flood cleanup and structural drying services in Aurora, IL!
📞 CALL CORNERSTONE CLEANING & RESTORATION
(630) 557-2000
Reasons Why Sump Pumps Fail
Sump pumps are a key line of defense for basements and lower levels, yet they can fail seemingly out of the blue — and when they do, the results can be serious. Some of the most common reasons include power outages or circuit issues. Keep in mind that flooding from heavy storms can also knock out the power or cause a tripped breaker, just when the pump is needed most. Another common cause of sump failures is a stuck or faulty float switch. If the float that triggers the pump when water rises gets stuck, jammed or worn out, the pump may not activate.
Other reasons for sump pump failures include a clogged or frozen discharge line or impeller. This can happen when debris, ice, roots or sediment blocks the path water must take, forcing the pump to work harder or fail entirely. Pumps can also be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of rainfall or when the water table is high. Old age is another culprit, since like any mechanical device sump pumps eventually wear out. Finally, if a sump pump was incorrectly installed (poor slope on discharge, bad check-valve or pit too small), the likelyhood of failure increases.
Cornerstone did a great job cleaning and treating our basement after flood damage caused by sump pump failure. Brandon, Robert and Danny have got you covered.
- Nate Grimmer
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR SUMP PUMP FAILS
1. Stay Safe First – Avoid standing water until power to the affected area can be safely turned off.
2. Protect Valuables – Move electronics, furniture, and irreplaceable items to a dry location.
3. Call Cornerstone Cleaning & Restoration – Our 24-hour response team will arrive promptly with high-capacity water extraction units and drying systems.
Professional Water Extraction and Drying in Aurora
Cornerstone's certified water-damage technicians use industrial-grade pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove standing water and moisture trapped in walls, subfloors, and carpeting. We map affected areas with thermal imaging and moisture meters to ensure the space is completely dry — not just on the surface.
We also sanitize and deodorize to eliminate bacteria and musty odors, returning your home to a clean, safe condition as quickly as possible.
Damage Documentation and Insurance Claim Assistance
Dealing with flooding is stressful enough without worrying about insurance paperwork. Cornerstone Cleaning & Restoration makes this process easier by:
- • Photographing and Cataloging All Damage – Before cleanup begins, our team takes detailed photos and notes of all affected areas, contents, and materials.
- • Creating a Professional Damage Report – We prepare comprehensive documentation outlining the source of the flooding, the extent of the water migration, and the mitigation steps performed.
- • Coordinating with Your Insurance Adjuster – We work directly with your insurance company to ensure your claim is fully supported and processed quickly.
- • Providing Accurate Repair Estimates – Our reports include itemized restoration costs that align with insurance standards (Xactimate format).
This thorough documentation protects you and speeds up your claim approval — helping you get back to normal faster.
How to Maintain Your Sump Pump and Help Guard Against Failure
While no system lasts forever, preventive care can drastically reduce your risk of flooding. Cornerstone recommends:
- • Testing your sump pump twice a year by pouring water into the pit.
- • Cleaning debris from the pit and ensuring the float moves freely.
- • Checking the discharge pipe for obstructions and ensuring water exits at least 10 feet from the foundation.
- • Installing a battery or water-powered backup pump to handle outages.
- • Replacing aging pumps every 7–10 years before failure occurs.
- • Considering an alarm or smart sump monitor to alert you if water rises unexpectedly.
Why Timely Water Extraction and Cleanup Are Critical
Every hour of delay increases damage — water seeps deeper, materials weaken, and mold spores multiply. Fast, professional extraction:
- • Prevents mold and bacterial growth within 24–48 hours.
- • Reduces structural and cosmetic damage.
- • Keeps restoration costs lower by helping to avoid costly replacement or reconstruction.
- • Helps maintain insurance eligibility by showing prompt mitigation.
Brandon and Cornerstone are a great team to have in your back pocket when your sump pump fails in the basement!
- Amit Maheshwari
Call Cornerstone Today
When the sump pump fails, you need more than just water removal — you need a partner who can handle the entire recovery process from start to finish. Cornerstone Cleaning & Restoration provides expert flood cleanup, complete damage documentation, and full insurance claim assistance to Aurora homeowners.
