Cleanup Tips When Your Sump Pump Fails

When your sump pump fails to do its job, the resulting aftermath can lead to a number of issues. Dealing with the cleanup alone is often quite an inconvenience. While a little water might seem like an easy thing to handle, if your home, business, or property is not fully dried out, it can lead to pesky mold and mildew issues. Any moisture left behind can also cause structural damage down the road. Before deciding to handle the job yourself, consider calling your local water damage contractor for an initial inspection.

Tips for Cleaning After Your Sump Pump Fails

If you’ve experienced a minor flood in your home or on your property, you can follow this guide to get the water cleaned up safely and correctly. However, keep in mind that even the smallest amount of moisture can damage structures and lead to mold, mildew, and rotting. If there is more than just a little water left behind from your sump pump failure, you should consider calling a water damage specialist to ensure your property is cleaned and repaired thoroughly by a certified professional.

• Safety first — cut the power.Standing water is a hazard for many reasons, but the biggest danger is that it can lead to electrocution. Do not attempt to clean up the water until you have shut the power off at the main electrical panel or had a professional shut it off at the meter.

• Cut off the water source.If there is still water flowing into the area from a pipe or a leak, you will need to shut off the water at the main valve.

• Access water safety.Water that has flooded into a home or building isn’t just an electrocution hazard; it can also carry with it bacteria and toxins. Water coming from a sewage line requires a call to a professional to handle the job. If it is from outdoor groundwater, it could contain bacteria and toxins as well. If the water is from a burst pipe or other leak on the property, it is likely safe within the first 48 hours as long as the proper protective gear is worn.

• Remove the water.After you have taken the initial safety precautions, you may begin cleaning the area. Use a bucket to bail water out of the area and the sump basin. If the flood is minor, you may only need a mop or a wet/dry vac to clean the area.

• Clean and decontaminate.After you have removed as much water as possible, you’ll need to ensure the area is properly cleaned and decontaminated. Contact a professional to handle the job if there are any doubts about the area being thoroughly cleaned.

• Dry out.Once the area is cleared of water and is cleaned, you will want to open any windows and bring in equipment — such as a dehumidifier — to thoroughly dry the area out. This is one of the most important steps as any moisture left behind can lead to the growth of mold and mildew and can even damage the structure of the building.

• Check the sump pump.After the water’s cleaned up, take a look at the sump pump to determine the cause of the failure. If a simple clog is the problem, you can likely remedy the issue yourself. However, if you cannot properly assess the cause of failure, you should call to have the pump repaired.

More Than a Little Mess? Call a Professional

Whether you have a minor water leak on your hands or major flooding, it is wise to consider calling an experienced damage restoration contractor to assess the situation. Water and moisture can easily creep into small hidden places. Even a tiny bit of water can lead to expensive repairs down the road if not properly dealt with in the first place.

A professional water damage specialist will carefully inspect your home or property. They can even work with your insurance provider if you need to file a claim. Standing water is also a major health and safety hazard. A certified contractor will have the proper equipment and gear to provide a thorough cleaning, drying, and repair services.

Alpha Omega Cleaning and Water Damage Restoration Services

If your home or business has experienced flooding due to a sump pump failure, keep your hands clean while the professionals at Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration handle the dirty work. Our team of experienced technicians will provide you with the best cleaning and water damage repair services possible. We even offer mold remediation to prevent health hazards or any further damage caused by mold and mildew growth.

To learn more about how Alpha Omega can help, contact our team of experts today!