Pump stopped while water is rising
If the pit is full and the pump is silent, check that it is plugged in, that the breaker has not tripped and that the float can move freely. If water is entering the cellar, move belongings off the floor and call our 24/7 line. A temporary pump can buy time while the plumber diagnoses the failure.
Never wade into a flooded cellar if the water is near outlets or the electrical panel. Turn off power to the area at the main panel only if you can reach it safely. Photograph the water level for your insurer before you move things.
- The pump hums but does not move water.
- The pump runs constantly and never catches up.
- The float is stuck or the pit is full.
- The power is out and there is no battery backup.
- Water coming through the floor or walls in heavy rain.
Why sump pumps fail
Pumps fail for simple reasons. A float switch jams against the pit wall, a check valve fails and lets water run back, debris clogs the impeller, or the motor wears out. Many failures happen the first time a heavy storm runs the pump for hours.
A power outage during a storm is the other common cause. The storm that floods the cellar also knocks out the grid, so a pump with no backup power stops when it is needed most. A battery or water-powered backup protects against that.
Cellar taking on water?
Call the 24/7 line now and describe what the pump is doing.
Choosing a pump and backup
The right equipment depends on your pit, your water table and your risk tolerance.
| Item | What it does | Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible pump | Sits in the pit, quiet and compact | Best for most homes |
| Pedestal pump | Motor above the pit, easier to service | Louder, less common |
| Battery backup | Runs the pump when power fails | Needs battery maintenance and replacement |
| Water-powered backup | Runs on water pressure, no battery | Not suited to homes on private wells |
| High-water alarm | Alerts you when the pit is rising | Cheap insurance |
Installing a new pit and pump
A new sump system is a bigger job than swapping a pump.
- Locate the low point. The plumber finds where water collects and plans the pit.
- Cut and dig the pit. A section of the floor is opened, and a liner is set.
- Install pump, check valve and discharge. The discharge line runs outdoors away from the foundation.
- Test and restore. The pit is filled and the pump cycles. The floor is patched and the plumber explains maintenance.
Storm season in the Derry area
Rockingham County has seen flood and storm declarations in past years, including events in May 2006, April 2007, July 2008, March 2010 and Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. Those records come from the regional planning commission and describe the county, not Derry alone. They show that heavy rain and snowmelt events happen, so a working sump pump matters.
Homes near Beaver Lake, Hood Park and along brooks and ponds in Derry, Windham, Hampstead and Chester tend to have higher water tables. Discharge lines must be directed so the water does not return to the foundation or flow onto a neighbor's property. See our basement waterproofing page when water enters in many places.
Test your pump every season
A five-minute test finds problems before a storm does.
- Pour a bucket of water into the pit and watch the float rise.
- Confirm the pump turns on and drains the pit.
- Check that the discharge line is clear and flows outdoors.
- Test the battery backup and the alarm.
- Clear debris from the pit.
A wet cellar near the water is its own case. See how we handle plumbing for Beaver Lake homes in Derry, where shoreland rules and septic questions can apply.
Sump Pump Installation and Repair questions in Derry
Yes. The line is open 24/7, including during storms. Call (603) 815-9179, tell the dispatcher what the pump is doing and move belongings off the floor.
It depends on how often it runs, and heavy use shortens its life. The plumber can tell you from the pump's age and condition whether replacement is a sensible choice.
If your cellar floods when the power goes out, yes. A backup is the most useful addition to a sump system in an area with storms.
It should carry water well away from the foundation and not toward a neighbor's yard. Check local rules before connecting to any sewer, which is generally not allowed for sump water.
A high water table, a failed check valve or a stuck float can all cause constant running. The plumber finds the cause and decides whether a larger pump or other drainage work is needed.
References: Rockingham Planning Commission regional plan for county flood and storm history. Derry code enforcement, 603-432-6148, for discharge and permit questions.
Dry cellar before the next storm
Call any hour for sump pump repair or installation in Derry.