DIY vs. Professional Sump Pump Cleanup: When To Call the Experts in NJ

New Jersey is no stranger to floods, hurricanes, and heavy rains. This is why so many homeowners trust their sump pump to protect them from water damage. Unfortunately, sump pumps aren’t foolproof. Like any other machine, they can break down when you need them most. 

If your sump pump malfunctions, your first instinct might be to clean up the floodwater yourself. This isn’t always a good idea. DIY sump pump cleanup has its risks, including contamination and accidental electrocution. Professional cleanup is often safer and more effective. 

We understand that most homeowners love to take a hands-on approach whenever possible, but before you do, let’s examine some notable facts about DIY and professional sump pump failure cleanup. Choosing the right approach can save you thousands of dollars and protect your home from future harm. 

Sump pump failures may occur for several reasons. Let’s look at some of the most common culprits:

• Power Outages: When your electricity goes out, your sump pump’s functionality might go with it. This commonly occurs during windy storms, which is why some sump pumps are equipped with a backup battery. If you have a generator, this can also restore a sump pump’s power. 
• Mechanical Failures: Sump pumps have several parts. If just one part breaks, it can affect the whole system’s effectiveness. Common failures include motor burnouts, stuck switches, and damaged impellers. 
• Clogged Discharge Lines: Sump pumps can suffer disastrous clogs, just like sinks and toilets. A sump pump’s discharge lines may be clogged with debris such as leaves or rocks. This prevents water from flowing outdoors and causes it to build up in your basement or crawl space.  
• Improper Installation: Sometimes, sump pumps are doomed from the start. It’s important to have a trustworthy plumber install your sump pump, or else it might clog and malfunction. Remember that a sump pump pit should not be built in gravel or dirt. These materials can easily clog the system and lead to costly damages. 
• Lack of Maintenance: Sump pumps, like any other system, need to be regularly inspected and serviced. Annual maintenance is recommended to keep your system in shape. 

You can prevent future breakdowns by being aware of common sump pump malfunctions. Our experts have compiled a thorough article on the top 10 causes of sump pump failures—addressing these issues early can save you thousands of dollars in damages.

DIY solutions are great for small-scale projects like cleaning up spills or snaking drains, but sump pump failure cleanup is often more complex. Complex projects come with extra risks, so before cleaning up floodwater on your own, be wary of the following:

• Health Concerns: Not all water is equally safe. Gray and black water are toxic to humans, making professional hazard gear essential to the cleanup process. Even rainwater can become hazardous. When undisturbed, any pool of water will become a breeding ground for bacteria and microbes. This is why floodwater is usually removed with high-grade pumps and vacuums rather than mops. 
• Insufficient Removal: All water must be removed from your basement or crawl space. This can be tough to achieve without professional equipment. Lingering water, which can hide inside walls and floors, will increase indoor humidity and promote mold growth.

• Accidental Damage and Increased Costs: Sometimes, DIY sump pump cleanup does more harm than good. Water damage can quickly become an emergency. If you don’t respond immediately, floodwater can sink into building materials and valuables. An insurance company may deny your claim if you accidentally cause further damage during cleanup.

DIY cleanup is perfect for minor instances of water damage, but sump pump failures are typically disastrous. You’ll want to exercise your best judgment when deciding between DIY and professional sump pump cleanup, but it’s usually best to trust the professionals after a flood or leak. 

Regardless of whether you take the DIY or professional route, it’s important to have an emergency plan after sump pump failures. Our team has compiled a thorough list of best practices after a sump pump failure. Following these steps can ensure your safety and help you avoid costly damages.

DIY approaches are the right choice in certain situations, but sometimes it’s best to trust the experts. Let’s look at some instances that require a professional response:

• Extensive Flooding: Large amounts of floodwater call for extra equipment and expertise. A professional crew will have the tools and knowledge to fully address a substantial flood. 
• Contaminated Water: Floodwater can be contaminated by bacteria, pathogens, and other harmful materials. You’ll want to trust a professional sewage removal team when you notice gray or black water around your sump pump. 
• Mold Growth: Mold follows water damage everywhere. When a surface becomes wet, mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours. This can be hard to address on your own, so we recommend trusting mold removal experts to get the job done. 
• Structural Damage: Floodwater often sinks into walls, floors, and ceilings. Professional equipment is necessary to dry, dehumidify, and clean the area. Incomplete cleanup can weaken drywall, wood, and electrical connections, leading to extreme damage.
• Insurance Requirements: It’s important to check your insurance policy before attempting DIY cleanup. Most companies require professional remediation to approve a claim.

When you trust the pros, you receive the following benefits: 

• Advanced Equipment: Professional restoration companies are stocked with state-of-the-art water removal and drying equipment. These tools remove floodwater with unmatched power and efficiency. 
• Expertise: Water damage professionals are IICRC-certified and have years of cleanup experience. Protecting homes and businesses is second nature for these technicians. 
• Comprehensive Service: Professional teams usually offer more than water removal. A trustworthy restoration company will remove excess water, fully dry the area, sanitize affected materials, and take extra steps to prevent dangerous side effects like mold growth.
• Documentation: Your satisfaction is important to us. At Northeast Power Dry, we fully document all our work, giving you written reports, photos, and moisture readings to guarantee your property’s safety. This documentation is critical for making insurance claims.

Northeast Power Dry is your trusted team for professional sump pump cleanup in Central New Jersey. You deserve the best, so we provide the best. We are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau, earning an A+ satisfaction rating. 

We’re proud of this achievement, but it pales in comparison to the difference we make in our neighbors’ lives daily. Your satisfaction is our priority, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency service and rapid response times. We fully stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so our job isn’t done until you are safe and your property is remediated. 

When water emergencies catch you by surprise, trust the team that promises quick, thorough solutions at an affordable price. Expert care is just a call away, so contact our team today.