Regarding sump pump failure the most common homeowner error occurs with the actual knowledge base of the homeowners themselves. In the series of “connect the dots” after a homeowner has had a flood they often go from, “pump failed” to “basement flooded”. While this is fundamentally true there is a little bit of a bigger picture in view. It is knowing this additional information that will prevent a homeowner from saying 1 year later, “The pump is working fine, but my basement smells terrible!!”
It is not possible to discuss sump pump failure without first addressing what a sump pump system is. There are basically 3 things involved:
1. A subterranean environment.
2. A sump pump.
3. Sometimes a subfloor french drainage system.
On the first point:
The building is underground. If it is more than a foot or so underground there will be substantial water that gathers around the base (footer) of this building after a good rain. Given enough rain the water will build up pressure in the ground and under the house. This can cause the water to want to raise upwards and also cause the water to push laterally on the house.
On the second point:
(This may seem wildly rudimentary but..) The sump wells (the holes where pumps reside) do not cause the water. They may be easy access points for water entry but they are not the actual cause of the water problem.
Third point:
The drainage system.
Whether inside or outside, there is most likely to be some sort of drainage system. Only trained professionals can fully tell the condition of these hidden underground systems, but lets be clear. The job of these systems is to drain water away from the house. If water is entering the house it is pretty clear that these systems are compromised. (Compromised and buried next to your footer outside, possible under 9 feet of earth, or under your basement concrete floor. Either way not easy to access.) It is very easy for thse systems to fail after a few years of being under many feet of mud, clay and sand. This is why so many homeowners say, “it didn’t leak for years and now it leaks all the time.”
So. Understanding the above there are now only 2 points to consider (and this should be the basic of any good waterproofing inspection -apart from structural issues):
1. Is the drainage system operational and did the sump pump failure solely cause this leak. Meaning the sump pump should be replaced.
2. Is the drainage system failing and the failed sump only brought attention to a failing drainage system. Meaning that the system should be replaced.
We hope for you it is the former and not the latter.
A good inspector should be able to clearly show signs of what he is basing his diagnosis on.
