Category: Water Damage

What to Do if You Have Water Damage During the Holidays

Published on

Water damage is never fun—but during the holidays? It’s a whole different kind of stress. Especially if you’re hosting guests! One minute you’re wrapping gifts and prepping the turkey, and the next you’re staring at a soaked ceiling, squishy floors, or water creeping across your living room. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaking appliance, or a surprise winter storm, here’s exactly what to do if water damage crashes your holiday plans—and how to handle it without losing your cool.

1. First: Stop the Water (If You Can)

If the water is coming from inside your home—like a burst pipe or an overflowing appliance—find your main water shut-off valve and turn it off right away. This can prevent even more damage from spreading while you figure out what’s next.

2. Turn Off Electricity to Affected Areas

If water is near outlets, lights, or appliances, play it safe and shut off power to that area from your breaker box. Don’t risk stepping into water if the electricity is still on—call a professional if you’re unsure how to proceed safely.

3. Take Photos of the Damage

Before you start cleaning up, grab your phone and document everything. Take clear photos and videos of the water source (if you know it), any visible damage, and personal items affected. These will be incredibly helpful for insurance claims later.

4. Call a Professional Restoration Company

Holiday or not, time is everything when it comes to water damage. The longer it sits, the worse it gets—warped floors, mold growth, structural damage… you name it. A certified restoration company can quickly assess the situation, remove the water, and start the drying process. Most reputable companies offer 24/7 emergency services—yes, even on Christmas Eve.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Once the situation is under control, get in touch with your insurance provider. Let them know what happened, send over your photos, and ask what steps you need to take to file a claim. The sooner you start the process, the smoother things usually go.

6. Don’t Delay Drying Out

If it’s safe to do so, open windows, run fans, and remove wet rugs or furniture from the affected area. Mold can start growing in as little as 24–48 hours, so early drying efforts make a big difference—even before the pros arrive.

7. Let Guests Know (If You’re Hosting)

If you had big plans to host a holiday meal or overnight guests, don’t feel guilty about changing course. Everyone understands that emergencies happen. Whether you relocate the celebration or push it back a few days, your safety (and sanity) come first.

Contact RestoPros if You Experience Water Damage During the Holidays in North Dallas, TX and the Surrounding Areas

Yes, water damage during the holidays is stressful. But with quick action and the right help, it’s something you can recover from—often faster than you think. If you’re dealing with unexpected leaks or flooding this season, don’t wait. Call a trusted restoration team (ahem – that’s us) and get ahead of the damage. The holidays are about family, comfort, and peace—and that includes peace of mind. Contact RestoPros today!

Why Professional Water Damage Restoration Matters After a Storm

Published on

If you’ve lived in Texas for more than a minute, you know that when it storms here… it storms. One minute the sky’s clear, and the next, you’re dealing with torrential rain, flooded streets, and water creeping into places it definitely shouldn’t be.

While it might be tempting to just grab a mop and a box fan, storm-related water damage is no joke. Trying to DIY the cleanup can cause more harm than good. Here’s why calling in the pros for water damage restoration after a storm is one of the smartest moves you can make.

1. Not All Water Damage Is Visible

Sure, you might see soaked carpet or puddles in the garage—but what about the water hiding behind walls, under flooring, or inside insulation? Moisture loves to sneak into cracks and crevices where it can sit undetected, quietly growing mold or slowly damaging your home’s structure.

Professional restoration teams use specialized tools to detect hidden water and make sure nothing is missed. That peace of mind? Worth every penny.

2. Mold Can Start Growing in 24–48 Hours

Texas humidity already creates a perfect storm for mold growth. When you add moisture from flooding or leaks, mold spores don’t take long to start spreading. Once mold takes hold, it can affect indoor air quality and pose serious health risks. This is especially true for kids, older adults, and anyone with allergies or asthma.

Restoration pros don’t just dry things out—they treat affected areas to prevent mold growth before it has the chance to become a real problem.

3. It’s Not Just Water—It’s Contaminated Water

After a storm, especially when flooding is involved, the water that enters your home might be carrying more than just rain. We’re talking bacteria, debris, sewage, and chemicals—things you definitely don’t want lingering on your floors, furniture, or in the air you breathe.

A professional restoration crew has the training and equipment to safely clean and sanitize your home so you and your family stay safe.

4. Your Insurance Company Will Thank You

Dealing with insurance after a storm can be overwhelming, but hiring a licensed water damage restoration company can actually make the process smoother. We know what documentation is needed, how to properly assess the damage, and how to work with adjusters to make sure your claim gets processed correctly.

It’s just one less thing you have to worry about when your world feels turned upside down.

5. Faster Recovery = Less Damage

The longer water sits, the more it soaks in and the more damage it causes. Acting fast is key—and when you bring in the pros, you get high-powered drying equipment and a team that knows how to stop the spread before it spirals.

At the end of the day, professional restoration isn’t just about fixing your home—it’s about protecting your investment and your peace of mind.

Contact RestoPros for Storm-Related Water Damage Restoration in Plano, TX and the Surrounding Areas Today

Texas weather may be unpredictable, but your response to water damage doesn’t have to be. At RestoPros, we’re local, experienced, and ready to jump in when storms hit. Whether you’ve got standing water in your kitchen or suspicious stains creeping down the walls, don’t wait. Call the pros and get it done right the first time.

Because when it comes to storm damage, fast, professional help can make all the difference.

What Does Water Damage Look Like?

Published on

Hey North Dallas neighbors! We all know how unpredictable Texas weather can be, right? From sudden downpours to those unexpected plumbing mishaps, water can sometimes end up where it shouldn’t in our homes. And the tricky thing is, water damage isn’t always a dramatic flood. Often, it’s much more subtle. So, grab a sweet tea, and let’s chat about what water damage can actually look like around your place. Knowing these signs can save you a lot of stress (and money!) down the road.

The Obvious Clues: When Water Makes a Grand Entrance

Sometimes, water damage is pretty hard to miss. Think about:

  • Actual Standing Water: This might seem obvious, but it can happen in unexpected spots like your garage after a heavy rain, under a leaky kitchen sink, or even in a forgotten corner of your attic.
  • Dripping or Leaking: Hearing a persistent drip or seeing a visible leak from a pipe, a running toilet, or even the roof after a storm is a clear red flag. Don’t ignore these, no matter how small they seem!
  • Wet Spots: Damp areas on your walls, ceilings, or floors are a sign of water intrusion. These spots could be contained, or they could be spread out.

These are the immediate signs that something is definitely wrong. But often, water damage is far more subtle and sneaky.

The Not-So-Obvious Clues: When Water Damage Tries to Hide

This is where your inner detective comes in handy. Water damage can show up in ways you might not immediately connect to a water issue:

  • Stains and Discoloration: Watch for unusual marks (yellow, brown, dark patches) on walls or ceilings. Ceiling stains often mean leaks above.
  • Changes in Texture: Feel for damp, soft, or spongy spots on walls/ceilings. Bubbling or peeling paint/wallpaper can also signal water.
  • Musty Odors: A persistent earthy or damp smell often means hidden mold, which thrives on water damage.
  • Warping or Buckling: Look for unevenness in floors, walls, or door frames. Water can cause materials to swell and distort.
  • Condensation Buildup: Constant heavy condensation on windows and walls can indicate high humidity and potential for water damage.

Why Catching It Early Matters for Your North Dallas Home

Here in North Dallas, our hot and sometimes humid climate can make water damage issues escalate quickly. Ignoring these subtle signs can lead to:

  • Mold Growth
  • Structural Damage
  • Decreased Home Value

Being aware of what water damage looks like is the first step in protecting your home. Make it a habit to regularly check your property, paying attention to any of the signs we’ve talked about. If you notice anything that seems off, don’t wait! Addressing water damage early is key to preventing bigger problems down the line.

Contact RestoPros for Water Damage Restoration Services in North Dallas and the Surrounding Areas

If you suspect water damage in your North Dallas home, getting a professional assessment is always a smart move. At RestoPros, we have the local expertise and the right tools to accurately identify the source of the problem, assess the extent of the damage, and develop an effective plan to get your home back to its healthy state. Contact us today!

Tell-Tale Signs You Have Water Damage

Published on

Tell-Tale Signs You Have Water Damage

 

Water damage is, unfortunately, quite hard to miss in the home. You can smell it, see it, and if it’s an internal source, you’ll see it on your water bill. Although you may take precautions against such things, it can still happen without warning. Anything from heavy rains, to bursting pipes, to a forgetful family member or backed-up drain. Here are some tell-tale signs you have water damage:

 

You Can Smell It

 

If you’ve ever walked into a room that smells musty or damp, trust your nose. You might just be smelling mold and mildew. This smell is similar to what you’d expect wet cardboard or paper to smell like and generally hangs heavy in wet or damp environments. Without assuming the worst, do try and find out the cause of the smell before concluding its water damage. But your nose is a great first indicator that something is potentially off!

 

You Can See It

 

Although we use our eyes more than our other senses, it’s easy to sometimes miss the visual signs of water damage. Not because you can’t see it, but because we’re generally not looking at where the damage is. You can check your walls, baseboards, and caulk in places like a bathroom and you’ll likely see mold.

 

The conditions in these high moisture areas are ripe for mold to grow. However, if you’re seeing mold in places that you’d expect to be dry, like closets, bedrooms, or living rooms, you might want to check for standing water or leaks in that area. Additionally, if you see yellowing or browning on your ceiling, you’ve definitely had water damage in that area at some point in the past. If it’s something you can’t associate with a fixed problem, then it’s definitely a cause for concern.

 

Whether you have paint or wallpaper in your home, you might see a rapid peeling as water penetrates the drywall it’s clinging to. Peeling and bubbling is a telltale sign of issues in the walls that needs to be investigated, especially if it’s sudden! Warped and broken drywall isn’t uncommon as the weight from the drywall increases as it becomes saturated to a point of failure.

 

You Can Feel It (in Your Wallet)

 

If you’re regularly seeing a higher than usual water bill, it may mean a few different things, but these spikes could also indicate that you have a leak somewhere that needs to be discovered. You can check common appliances, and the hoses, pipes, and main supply relatively easy to find any obvious leaks.

 

Call RestoPros for Water Damage Service Today

 

If the looming presence of water damage in your home sounds intimidating, or if you’ve checked yourself but still suspect there may be water damage somewhere you can’t see, give RestoPros a call today and have an expert come out and check your home. Licensed and experienced professionals can not only find any issues that exist but provide advice and services on how to remedy the problem, so if water damage is a concern, call today!

How to Read Your Water Meter: Water Damage Restoration Tips

Published on
How to Read Your Water Meter: Water Damage Restoration Tips

Attempting to read your water meter can be a bit intimidating. You have to know where the physical meter actually is on the property, then discern the ambiguous measurements on any number of various interfaces ranging from analog to digital, determine what type of measurement the water company is using and THEN you can do all the math to determine your water usage. Sounds like quite the chore, right? Luckily, we can demystify this process here while discussing the potential benefits of doing so!

The Benefits of Accurate Measurements

Understanding your water intake is great for several reasons. First and foremost, you know what exactly you’re expected to pay and why. If you’re interested in making your home more eco-friendly, you can now accurately track the reduction of water usage in the home as well as see updates monthly to continue this trend. Finally, being able to detect money wasting leaks is useful, not just to save on your bill or be eco-friendly, but to save on a very serious, very expensive headache at some point in the future.

Water Meter Access

So, we know what the meter is, and we know why we need it, but where is it? Well you’ve probably seen their housing many times. Water meters usually sit in concrete housing near the curb or street of your home. An apartment or condo will usually have them located within a utility room at or lower than ground level. It’s worth noting you might want, and even need, to gain permission from your water provider before accessing this box.

Assuming all is well, take a flat head screwdriver and lift the cover off. It might be secured in some way with screws or clips, whatever the case just be a good steward and leave it better than you found it. Try not to fish around a lot with your hands, small animals can make a home in and around these boxes and we don’t want a bite or sting to be the result of trying to be a responsible homeowner.

Reading the Water Meter

The first hurdle is determining the interface of the meter. We need to know if it’s analog or digital. Analog will appear like a watch face, speedometer, pressure gauge, etc. A thin needle will designate a number or notch on the outer rim of the circular meter. A triangle, star, or gear may indicate low flow. A complete rotation starting from 0 represents either 10 gallons or 10 cubic feet, depending on the unit measured.

Alternatively on a digital meter, you may need a flashlight or some button for activation. Your provider may even have more info on the type of meter to aid you. The display will likely alternate between the meter and flow rate (again either being gallons or cubic feet). Some even have historical use for tracking trends.

Detecting Water Leaks

On an analog display, recording these numbers and watching for changes you can detect continuous or slow leaks. If your low-flow indicator is moving, you have a continuous leak.

On a digital display, things are simpler. Watch the “flow rate” screen for 10 flashes. If the number is greater than 0, you’ve got a continuous leak. With either of these methods a slow leak may be imperceptible. Measuring a first read and waiting about a half hour, you can record the results again. If subtracting the second reading by the first shows anything more than 0 gallons used, you have a continuous leak.

What to Do If You Have Water Damage in Your Home

This may sound like a little too much trouble, or perhaps even daunting. If the instructions here are a little off-putting, remember you can always call in the cavalry. RestoPros has licensed, highly trained professionals and they even provide 24/7 emergency service. Set up an appointment before it becomes an emergency and have an expert come out to check your meter!

What to Do If You’ve Been Impacted by Flood Waters

Published on
What to Do If You’ve Been Impacted by Flood Waters

Whether you want to be prepared for a flood if it occurs or you have already been impacted by a flood and you need guidance, the experts at RestoPros can help! Follow these useful tips if you’ve been impacted by flooding:

What Is in Flood Waters?

If your home is flooded, the water that rushes in will be much different from the water that comes from your tap. If your flood is caused by a severe thunderstorm, you may think that the flood water is just rain water and poses no threat to you and your family. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Coming into contact with flood waters also puts you into contact with:

  • Electrical Currents
  • Chemical Waste
  • Biological Waste
  • Radiological Waste
  • Carcinogenic Compounds
  • Organic Waste
  • Debris
  • Animals That Carry Diseases

Are Flood Waters Dangerous?

You may be thinking that if you know how to swim, you’ll be fine in flood waters, but this is not the case. Drowning is only one risk that flood waters pose. This water is contaminated, so being exposed to it can cause:

  • Stomach Sicknesses
  • Infections in Open Wounds
  • Rashes
  • Tetanus

What to Do If You’ve Been Impacted by Flood Waters

Get to Safety

Your very first priority is to get yourself and your family to safety. If you know a flood is heading your way, leave the area. If a severe thunderstorm caught you unawares and flooded part of your home, be sure to stay clear of the area.

See a Doctor

If you’ve come into contact with flood waters personally, it’s important that you make an appointment to see a doctor. As we’ve mentioned, flood waters are riddled with dangerous bacteria, so just coming into contact with them can make you really sick.

Contact a Water Damage Restoration Specialist

Once you know that you and your family members are safe, it’s time to consider the damage that the flood did to your home. Rather than exposing yourself to the materials that came into contact with the flood waters, call a water restoration specialist. They’ll review the site, take note of the damage, and offer you a quote for repairs.

Call a Mold Remediation Specialist

Once the water has been drained from your home, the next thing to do, to make sure your home is safe for you and your family, is to get rid of any mold that accumulated because of the water damage. Like flood waters, mold is also dangerous, so you don’t want to try to remove or clean mold on your own. Contact a mold remediation specialist instead.

RestoPros: Your Water Damage and Mold Remediation Specialist in One

If you’ve been impacted by a flood, then the best thing you can do for yourself is to contact RestoPros. Our technicians are uniquely trained to handle both water damage restoration and mold remediation. Call our office at 855-587-3786 to have all your questions answered by one of our friendly representatives. If you feel ready, you can also schedule an appointment with us.

3 Ways to Prevent Water Damage on Vacation

Published on
Ways to Prevent Water Damage

If a leak is left unattended for a long enough period of time, it can lead to water damage. Water damage isn’t just unsightly—warping and discoloring your walls, floors, and ceiling. It can also lead to mildew and mold. It’s no secret that mold loves water. Darkness and dampness are ideal living conditions for mold. So, ensure that you and your family stay safe from the effects of mold in your home and your home stays safe from the eyesore effects of water damage while you’re away. Here are 3 ways to prevent water damage on vacation.

1.    Check for Exterior Leaks

You could have a roof leak and not even know it. Your attic provides a nice barrier between you and your roof, and really, how much time do you spend in your attic anyway? Like most homeowners, you probably use it for storage and don’t think about what’s up there until you need to bring down the holiday decorations. That gives any leaks that may have formed plenty of time to snuggle up with your cardboard boxes and make mold.

In a similar vein, air leaks next to your windows and exterior doors can easily become water leaks. If you’re seeing discoloration around your doors and windows, then you have water damage and it’s likely that you have mold as well.

Check for the leaks and patch them up before you go on vacation to avoid water damage and mold growth.

2.    Check Your Pipes for Leaks

This is a little more obvious, but the pipes beneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks are going to be major sources of water damage and huge resting places for mold. As obvious as this is though, it’s not as likely that you’ll think to check your pipes for leaks before you go on vacation.

Before you head out the door, just give a little look around in the cabinets beneath your sinks. You’ll be able to tell right away if there’s water damage. Just to be safe, you might set a small basin beneath the pipes for a few days before you go to see if water accumulates there.

3.    Find the Water Shut-Off Valve

Just to be on the safe side, you might consider locating your water shut-off valve and switching if off. If water isn’t running, then the likelihood of water damage (and mold) decreases considerably. However, this won’t protect your home from any external leaks.

Please note: We do not recommend turning off your water valve if you believe there will be a freeze warning while you’re away on vacation. Water needs to stay moving to keep from freezing, so turning off your water shut-off valve at the wrong time could lead to your pipes bursting—which, of course, can cause more water damage than you might have imagined.

Call RestoPros

While these ways to prevent water damage are all DIY, you should never attempt mold removal or remediation on your own. Coming into contact with mold can make you sick, cause respiratory issues, and even lead to more serious illnesses. Always have a licensed mold remediation specialist handle mold removal for you. Call RestoPros now to talk to one of our friendly representatives about your options and to schedule an appointment today.

How to Prepare for Flood or Water Damage

Published on
how to prepare for flood or water damage

National Preparedness Month, which is recognized every September, serves as a reminder for families and communities to be prepared for disasters and emergencies. One of the best ways you can be prepared during this month is by gearing up against flood and water damage. September also happens to be a month when hurricanes and heavy rainfall are common and if handled improperly, can lead to severe problems for homeowners. If you want to take measures against water or flood damage but you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. The experts are RestoPros are here to provide some tips on how to prepare for flood or water damage.

1. Emergency Plan and Kit

If you are faced with a situation where your house begins to flood, you will most likely be in panic mode. However, that can be prevented if you have taken some measures to prepare yourself and your family with the right tools and planning. Here are some things in mind while coming up with an emergency plan and creating an emergency kit:

  • Your emergency kit should most definitely include flashlights, necessary medications, copies of personal documents and cellphones with chargers. The Red Cross goes into further detail about the items you should have in your kit. Take a minute to look over their guide and even take the quiz at the end to ensure you’re fully prepared!
  • Pay attention to all flood alerts. Remember: A flood or flash flood WATCH means that a flood is a possibility. A flood WARNING means flooding is already occurring or is about to occur. If you get a warning, take precautions immediately.
  • Come up with a household evacuation plan based on this helpful template.
  • Take measures to protect your home. Flood damage can cause severe destruction to your home’s foundation, appliances and furniture. Consult a professional about raising your furnace, water heater and electrical panel to floors that are less likely to be affected by flooding. Move furniture and other valuables to safe places. 

2. Install A Sump Pump

A sump pump is an important appliance to have, especially if you live in an area where there is risk of flooding. It is located in a pit in a crawlspace or basement and is designed to pump water away from your home, should flooding occur. Speak to a professional about installing a sump pump in your home, in order to ensure protection from flooding.

3. Install Backflow Valves

Another way to protect your home from flooding is by installing backflow valves. When flooding occurs, sewage can often back up into a house and even flow into the main water supply line. This can be hazardous for your health as sewage can contain a multitude of waste, toxins and pollutants. Backflow valves block drainpipes to ensure that water flows AWAY from your home and never in the opposite direction.

4. Check Water Pressure

Sometimes, it doesn’t take a big flash flood to cause water damage to your home. Often, it can be caused by unregulated water pressure inside your home. If the water pressure in your home is too high, pipes, lines and hoses might burst which can cause water damage. Water damage itself brings a myriad of problems with it such as high restoration bills and mold growth. Take a minute to use a pressure gauge or regulator to ensure the water pressure in your home is maintained. Ideally, you want the pressure to be between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (psi).

5. Tackle Any Leaks

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaks in different places in your home such as showers, faucets and toilets can waste a lot of water over time – in addition to adding to homeowners’ water bills. Serious leaks can also cause water damage around your home. Monitor your water bill to ensure there aren’t any sudden increases. Check for leaks around faucet gaskets and pipe fittings to confirm if there are any leaks or not. You should also consider installing leak detection devices near places in your home that could be susceptible to water damage.

Stay Prepared with RestoPros! 

We hope this guide on how to prepare for flood or water damage was helpful. If you have any questions about water damage prevention or restoration, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at RestoPros! Call us today at 855-587-3786 or schedule a service online!

How to Prevent Mold After Flooding

Published on
how to prevent mold after flooding

A flood damaged home can be a massive source of anxiety for homeowners and renters who face this problem due to hurricanes, heavy rain or burst pipes. A flood damaged home comes with a myriad of other issues such as figuring out the cleanup process, repairing any damage, filing a flood insurance claim,  and finding a temporary place to stay if necessary. On top of that, you might end up dealing with a mold infestation that could potentially further damage your home.

Mold is a fungus that is primarily attracted to damp areas so it’s no surprise it shows up in places where there is a leakage or water damage. However, the team at RestoPros has some tips on how to prevent mold after a flooding so you don’t have to deal with another unnecessary and expensive problem.

Preventative Measures to Take Against Mold

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, it can take 24 hours for mold to start growing after being exposed to water. So, you will have to act fast. Here are some quick preventative measures you can take to avoid mold after flooding:

  • You will need to dry up the wet areas as soon as possible. Open windows and doors to air out the rooms in your house and use fans if possible. Consider using dehumidifiers to regulate the humidity in your home. Dehumidifiers are appliances that can remove excess humidity from your home and can be helpful in keeping your home dry, especially after flooding.
  • Mold can especially grow on items that are absorbent and porous. Get rid of items such as upholstered furniture, plush pillows and curtains if they have been wet for more than 24 hours. However, if you think they can be thoroughly cleaned and dried, put them in a place where they can dry out.
  • You’ll probably have to get rid of your carpet if it’s been dampened by dirty water for more than 24 hours. However, if you can’t get rid of it immediately, use a wet vac to remove the water from the surface of the carpet.
  • Clean wet surfaces such as kitchen counters, metal objects, shelves and closets with disinfectant.
  • Consider these natural mold cleaning products you can make with just a few ingredients in your home!
  • You might have to cut some openings in the bases of your walls to let air in. Before you do that, remove any baseboards or moldings as they can prevent the lower portion of your wall from drying out well. If you notice a lot of damage to your drywall, it might be better to let a professional handle it.

Some Other Things to Keep in Mind

In addition to knowing how to prevent mold after flooding, we also want you to keep these things in mind to ensure your recovery process is safe:  

  • If you have flood insurance, contact your insurance company. Remember to let them know if you need an insurance adjuster to visit your home before the cleaning begins. Be sure to document everything so you can show your insurer the extent of the damage!
  • Be careful when it comes to dealing with water damaged electrical appliances. Don’t step into a flooded basement if you think any outlets or cords have been exposed to the water. Remember not to touch any electrical appliance with wet hands or while standing in water.
  • Wear protective gear like gloves and rubber boots to avoid contact with chemicals and contaminated water.
  • Remember to keep yourself clean by washing your hands with soap and clean running water.

Need Professional Help? Contact RestoPros!

While you’re armed with the knowledge to prevent mold after flooding, keep in mind that you might need the help of professionals to ensure a safe process of cleaning and repair. You don’t have to handle these problems on your own — the experts at RestoPros are here to help. Our knowledgeable pros are experienced in mold remediation, mold testing and water damage restoration. Call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!

What To Do If Your Sump Pump Fails

Published on

Your sump pump is vital to keeping you from finding yourself ankle-deep in water and the high bills from flooding damage. However, these pumps have a short life expectancy and may not always be up to the task of keeping your basement dry. With that in mind, the experts at RestoPros are here to help you prepare for such a disaster and advise you on what to do if your sump pump fails.

 Call a Plumber

The first step you should take in the event of sump pump failure is to call a plumber that can repair it. Especially if you don’t have a backup system, this should be a top priority.

 

Use a basement water pump.

While waiting for the plumber to make the repairs, you can help reduce the flooding by using a basement water pump. These can be found at any local hardware store and are able to operate continuously during the flooding event. Sucking up the water and transporting it through a hose to a bathtub or drain, a basement water pump automatically shuts off once the water stops.

 

Enlist the help of a Certified Water Mitigation Company.

Because you would only be paying them to pump out water as more enters, this should be second to having a plumber repair your sump pump. Once you have repaired your pump, contact a water restoration company that can begin the process of drying and repairing the damaged areas. This is an important step that you should not wait to take after your sump pump is repaired, as you don’t want to give mold and mildew time to grow in your house.

 

Preventative Measures to Consider:

Invest in an Alarm System

Before you worry about your course of action when your sump pump fails, you should consider how you will be alerted to the failure in the first place. Here are some options to consider:

 

Install a sump pump alarm system.

To stay on top of potential sump pump failure, you can install a sump plump alarm. There are many different types of sump pump alarm systems on the market, but here are a few of the best-reviewed options:

 

  • Basement Watchdog Dual Float Sump Pump Switch and Controller

Although not a standard alarm, this system monitors your sump pump’s viability and activates the sump pump if there is a rise in water of more than ¼ inch in the pump basin. With one float acting as an activator, a second float is included to kick in as a backup if the first float fails.

 

  • In/Outdoor High Water Warning System for Septic/Pump/Pond

Made in the US for domestic applications, this alarm system features a red LED light that flashes when the alarm sounds to alert you to rising water. With an easy installation process, this alarm system can be mounted on the head unit.

 

  • HomeSitter Power Alarm HS-700

Offering an affordable price and no monitoring fees to a third party if the alarm goes off, this is a dynamic option. Not only does this system alert you to high water, but it also warns you of extreme temperatures and power failures. Additionally, you can program this unit to call up to 3 contacts in the event of an emergency.

 

Invest in a backup system that includes an audio alarm.

Many backup sump pump models include monitoring systems that can warn you with a message and audio alarm. In addition to alerting you to rising water, these systems can warn you of pump failure. Furthermore, some advanced systems warn you of low battery fluid and corroded battery terminals.

Put a Backup System in Place

When it comes to protecting your home from flooding, you should hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Therefore, we recommend having a backup system in case the worst does happen. Here are some different types of backup systems to consider:

  • Secondary Electric Pump

Although effective in keeping your basement dry during sump pump failure, an electric pump requires power to work. Therefore, a power outage during a major storm or flooding event could render a secondary electric pump useless.

 

  • Hydraulic or Water-Powered Backup Sump Pump

This is a good option if your water comes from a municipal source, as this pump requires constant water-flow. That is to say that this backup system pushes the flowing water from a city supply through a venturi. As a result, this forms a low-pressure region. Then, as it flows through the device, gravity and flow pressure push water out of the sump pit. Lastly, the system empties the excess water. Although this is a viable backup system, a drawback is it must use a separate discharge than your primary pump.

 

  • Battery-Powered Backup System

Like your main pump, this system uses  a float switch to activate the pump when water rises in the sump. Furthermore, this system is Installed adjacent to your primary pump. Therefore, it can be plumbed into the central discharge pipe or with an independent discharge pipe. This system is a wise choice for backup in the event of power outages.

 

Let RestoPros Step In!

What is the best piece of advice for what to do if your sump pump fails? Call in the experts at RestoPros. Our team of certified water damage restoration experts are dedicated to finding fast-acting solutions for any of your problems. To tackle your household water damage with the team you can trust, call us today at 855-587-3786 or fill out a service request form on our website!