Sump pumps are designed to remove water from your basement or crawl space, but when they fail, the results can be disastrous. Here are some sump pump horror stories to keep in mind:

We have seen a sump pump failure that led t over two feet of water in a basement, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. The family had to move out of their home while repairs were made. Their water heater and boiler both had to be replaced. (Never restart a water heater, furnace or boiler that has gotten wet!)

In other cases, we've seen sump pump failures that resulted in extensive mold growth and water damage, making the home uninhabitable. The families, for their safety, have to move out and make significant repairs before they can return.

Mold remediation in New Jersey can cost between $15 and $30 per foot, and it doesn't take long for mold to spread throughout the entire square footage of a house in many cases.

Water damage can cost thousands more on its own and even compromise the structural integrity of your home.

We've also seen families lose priceless family memories including wedding dresses, photo albums, letters from family members who passed away. Or lose precious items such as their favorite guitar or drum set.

These are just a few examples of what can happen when sump pumps fail. If you have a sump pump, be sure to check it regularly to make sure it is working properly.

Annual sump pump maintenance includes:

- Checking the sump pump to make sure it is free of debris and properly wired

- Testing the sump pump to ensure it is working properly

- Inspecting the sump pit itself to make sure it is not cracked or leaking

But even with a perfectly functioning and well maintained sump pump, when the power fails, a sump pump fails. And the storms that take out the power often bring the heavy rains that can spell disaster.

If you live in an area with frequent power outages, consider investing in a backup sump pump that runs on a battery or generator. This can help prevent water damage if your primary sump pump fails.

If you have city water, you can run your sump pump entirely on city water pressure, which offers even more security than a battery backup. We use liberty products that are water-powered, and will protect your basement in the case of a power outage. Their products are fully automatic, arrive completely assembled and work in conjunction with your main sump pump.

If you have a sump pump, make sure it is in good working order and check it regularly to avoid a disaster in your home. Consider investing in a backup sump pump to help prevent water damage if your primary sump pump fails.

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