Basement taking on water: do this first
If water is rising in the sump pit or across the floor, call right away. Our dispatch is open 24/7, and while you wait you should unplug electrical items on the floor, move belongings up and stay out of water near outlets.
Check that the pump is plugged in, the breaker has not tripped and the float is free to rise. Do not touch an energized pump standing in water. If you cannot tell whether power is safe, wait for a plumber.
Signs your sump pump is failing
Pumps fail without much warning, so watch for these.
- The pump runs constantly or cycles rapidly
- It hums but does not move water
- Grinding, rattling or a rough sound
- The pit has water but the pump does not start
- The pump is more than ten years old
- The discharge line leaks or freezes in winter
Why a valley city needs a reliable pump
Barberton sits in a valley beside the Tuscarawas River with creeks draining toward it. After nearly a month of heavy rain, the June 2019 flooding put water into basements across the city, so a pump that works only on a dry day is not enough.
That is why we pair a primary pump with a battery backup when the home has a deep or flood-prone basement. Power often fails in the same storm that fills the pit.
Pump and backup options
The right setup depends on how often water enters and how serious a flood would be.
| Type | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible pump | Most homes, quiet and compact | Sits in the pit, cools itself in water |
| Pedestal pump | Easy access, shallow pits | Motor above water, louder |
| Battery backup pump | Storm outages | Needs periodic battery replacement |
| Water-powered backup | Homes with good city water pressure | Uses municipal water while running |
How we service or install a pump
We start with the cause of the water.
- 1
Inspect the pit
We check the pit size, float, check valve and discharge path.
- 2
Test the pump
We test the switch and the motor under load.
- 3
Repair or replace
We replace failed parts or the pump, and add a check valve if missing.
- 4
Route the discharge
We confirm the discharge ends away from the foundation and does not freeze.
Where the water goes
Sump discharge should go away from the house, not back to the foundation. Many municipalities prohibit connecting a sump to the sanitary sewer, so ask Barberton's utilities or building office what applies before you tie in.
The city's stormwater information also notes that construction in the 100-year floodplain needs a permit. If your property is low-lying, ask before changing drainage.
Test the pump before storm season
Pour a few gallons of water into the pit and watch the float rise and the pump start. The water should drop quickly, the discharge line should carry it outside and no water should run back down when the pump stops.
Check the battery backup at the same time. Batteries lose capacity with age, and a backup that has not been tested is a guess. Clear debris from the pit, keep the lid sealed if the pit has one and make sure the outdoor discharge end is not buried or blocked.
What affects sump pump pricing
You hear a clear price first.
Standard homeowners policies often exclude flood and sump failure unless an endorsement was added, so check your policy and ask your agent. For a quote, call (855) 575-2890.
Pump failed or water rising?
Call the 24/7 line now.
Where we hear about wet basements
Neighborhoods on lower ground, such as parts of North Barberton and East Barberton, are places where a sump pump and floor drain deserve a regular check.
Our neighborhood pages explain what we look at and what you can test yourself before a storm.
If water keeps coming back
A pump moves water out, but it does not stop water from coming in. If your basement leaks through the walls or floor, read about basement waterproofing. For leaks from pipes, see leak detection.
Sump Pump Repair questions from Barberton homeowners
Yes. Dispatch is open 24/7. A failed pump during heavy rain is a top-priority call.
Many last around ten years, depending on use. A pump that runs often wears faster.
If a flood would cause serious damage, yes. Storms often cause power outages.
It could be heavy groundwater, a stuck float or a failed check valve. We check each.
Many municipalities prohibit it. Ask the Barberton utilities or building office before you connect.
Pump down? Call (855) 575-2890.