Sump Pump Maintenance for Your Home | Travelers Insurance (2024)

FAQs

Sump Pump Maintenance for Your Home | Travelers Insurance? ›

Check on your sump pump and pit regularly, especially if a significant amount of rainfall is forecast. Keep the sump pit clean and free of debris. Don't forget to check and clean the inlet opening or screen. Unplug the pump when you are cleaning it, but don't forget to plug it back in when you are done.

In most cases, the answer is no. Homeowners insurance policies tend to not cover water damage caused by broken or damaged sump pumps.

The most common mechanical failure in a sump pump occurs when the switch becomes stuck in the ON or OFF position, causing the pump to run continuously or not at all. Sump pumps can fail for a variety of reasons, including power outages, lack of maintenance, old age or improper installation.

The two main types of sump pumps are pedestal sump pumps, which cost between $400 and $475 to repair, and submersible sump pumps, which cost between $475 to $550 to repair. If your sump pump needs replaces, it will cost an average of $650 for a new pedestal sump pumps and around $1,400 for a new submersible sump pump.

While homeowners insurance protects you against some forms of unexpected water damage, water back-ups and sump pump overflows are usually not covered. You may purchase optional water back-up coverage that may pay for damages in the case of sewage back-up or a malfunctioning sump pump.

Like other appliances and equipment in your home, your sump pump won't last forever. Averaging about 10 years, you might not notice your sump pump has malfunctioned until it has stopped working. And once it does, water damage to your home and the belongings within it can follow closely behind.

Extends the Lifespan of Your Sump Pump

Through regular maintenance, you can prolong the longevity of your sump pump and avoid premature replacement costs.

You should inspect and test your sump pump at least once a year.

Should I avoid buying a house with a sump pump? ›

It's not uncommon to see a sump pump in a home and the presence of one is not necessarily a reason to turn tail and run. However, a sump pump can tell a deeper story about the potential waterproofing issues the home faces, how they can be solved, and the financial investment it will take to make it happen.

A sump pump is designed to pump water through a discharge pipe and away from your home's foundation. When a sump pump fails, the result is often a flooded basem*nt and expensive water damage. It doesn't take a lot of water to cause major problems.

The average cost of a sump pump alone is around $250. However, costs can vary from $150 to $400 and sometimes even more. To have a sump pump installed by a professional waterproofer, you'll have to pay an extra $100 to $200, bringing your cost up to $350 to $450 in total.

An experienced waterproofing contractor knows how to fix sump pump issues so you can avoid flooding and damage in your basem*nt or crawl space. A sump pump and waterproofing contractor's job is to protect your property from flooding and water buildup.

Sump pump replacement can take 2 to 4 hours; however, a first-time sump pump installation can take as long as 8 hours. A plumbing professional can install a sump pump faster than most DIYers.

Responding to the question, “Do home warranties cover sump pumps?” the general answer is yes. Most home warranties, including our plans, include coverage for sump pumps. Yet, coverage specifics can significantly differ from one warranty provider to another and even between different plans offered by the same provider.

If the landlord supplied the sump pump (which he did) he is also responsible for ensuring that it operates correctly. Any costs associated with its failure to operate correctly are his responsibility, whether it be water damage to your property or constant running that increases your electric bill.

Home warranties provide coverage for repairing and replacing various home systems and appliances that can break down over time due to wear and tear. One such system that might be included in a home warranty plan is the sump pump, a critical component of many homes.

A standard renters insurance policy typically won't cover water damage from sewer lines. However, some renters insurance companies may offer optional coverage for water back-up and sump overflow, which safeguards you in case of a sump pump mishap or clogged sewer.

Standing water or basem*nt flooding. This is the worst-case scenario: You discover the hard way that your pump doesn't do its job. Call for emergency plumbing services as soon as you suspect your pump is broken to minimize damage as much as possible.