High Wind and Sump Pump Failure

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Perhaps you live in an area with a high water table, and your sump pump is working regularly to keep the water out.  Here in Morris County we have had high wind warnings several times over the past few weeks causing limb damage to surrounding trees.  The high winds did not accompany heavy rain, but just a few hours without electricity can mean disaster for your home if you depend upon a sump pump.   

Unless your sump pump is backed up by a battery or generator, it will not pump water out from under your foundation when there is a power outage.  Without the pump operating, you may experience water seeping into your basement through the foundation.  No problem, you think.  I have homeowner’s insurance, that will cover it, you reason to yourself.  Not necessarily.

At SERVPRO of North Morris County, we have been called by countless neighbors and friends who have experienced water intrusion into their home due to sump pump failure.  After assessing the damage and speaking with their insurance company, we have had to break the bad news to them that this situation is not considered a covered loss and they will have to pay for it out-of-pocket! 

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover seepage or any other water emergency that is caused by nature unless you have a flood policy or a rider for your sump pump.  There is a dollar-value limit on this coverage.  Don’t be caught unaware.  Check your policy and make the necessary adjustments.

Sump pump owners beware!  If you have a back-up plan in case of a power outage, good for you!  If not, it would serve you well to remedy that now, before disaster strikes.  Being ready for a storm emergency brings peace of mind.