Category 1

August 28, 2025

What Happens When Your Sump Pump Fails in Salem

Your Salem sump pump just stopped working during a rainstorm and water is rising in the sump pit. Within hours, that water will overflow onto your basement floor and spread through the entire lower level. A failed sump pump is an emergency that requires immediate action.

Harris Restoration Team

Harris Restoration

Professional restoration service - What Happens When Your Sump Pump Fails in Salem
Professional restoration service - What Happens When Your Sump Pump Fails in Salem
Professional restoration service - What Happens When Your Sump Pump Fails in Salem

Why Sump Pumps FailSump pumps fail for several reasons

The float switch gets stuck, the motor burns out, or the discharge line freezes during cold weather. Power outages also disable pumps, which is why most failures happen during storms when you need the pump most. Some pumps simply wear out after years of cycling on and off thousands of times.

If your pump is more than seven years old and runs frequently, failure is not a question of if but when.Immediate Steps After a Sump Pump FailureIf the pit is filling but not overflowing yet, try manually lifting the float switch to see if the pump runs. If it does, the switch may be stuck. If the pump does not run, unplug it, check for tripped breakers, and verify the discharge line is not frozen or clogged.

If water is already on the floor, start removing it with a wet vacuum or rent a backup pump from a hardware store. Move anything valuable off the floor and away from the water. Do not wait for the water to recede on its own.Professional Sump Pump Failure CleanupWe arrive with portable pumps and truck-mounted extractors to remove standing water.

Then we use moisture meters to map how far water spread and check walls, baseboards, and flooring for saturation. Air movers and dehumidifiers get placed to dry everything quickly. We monitor moisture levels daily and adjust equipment as needed.

If materials stayed wet too long, we remove them to prevent mold. Once the basement is dry, we can help coordinate installation of a new sump pump or a battery backup system that keeps your pump running during power outages.Insurance Coverage for Sump Pump FailuresSump pump failure is often excluded under standard policies, but some insurers offer optional endorsements that cover this specific scenario. We document the cause, photograph all damage, and provide a detailed scope showing what needs to be repaired.

If you have sump pump failure coverage, we'll handle the claim and ensure you get the restoration you need.If your sump pump failed and water is flooding your basement, call now for emergency extraction. We'll remove the water, dry your home, and explain what coverage you may have..

Read more

Professional restoration service - How HVAC Condensate Leaks Cause Mold in Portland Homes
Professional restoration service - How HVAC Condensate Leaks Cause Mold in Portland Homes
Professional restoration service - How HVAC Condensate Leaks Cause Mold in Portland Homes

How HVAC Condensate Leaks Cause Mold in Portland Homes

Your Portland air handler is leaking water, and you've noticed mold growing on the ceiling or walls near the unit. HVAC condensate leaks are a common cause of hidden mold because they drip slowly and go unnoticed for weeks while moisture soaks into drywall and insulation.

Harris Restoration Team

Tom White

Art Director

Professional restoration service - What to Do When Your Refrigerator Leaks in Salem
Professional restoration service - What to Do When Your Refrigerator Leaks in Salem
Professional restoration service - What to Do When Your Refrigerator Leaks in Salem

What to Do When Your Refrigerator Leaks in Salem

Your Salem refrigerator is leaking water onto the kitchen floor, and you're not sure if it's a minor drip or a serious problem. Refrigerator leaks cause significant damage because they happen slowly and go unnoticed for days, allowing water to soak into flooring, cabinets, and subfloor.

Harris Restoration Team

Tom White

Art Director

Professional restoration service - How to Remove Wildfire Smoke Odor from Your Corvallis Home
Professional restoration service - How to Remove Wildfire Smoke Odor from Your Corvallis Home
Professional restoration service - How to Remove Wildfire Smoke Odor from Your Corvallis Home

How to Remove Wildfire Smoke Odor from Your Corvallis Home

Wildfire smoke drifted into your Corvallis home during fire season, and now everything smells like smoke. Wildfire smoke contains the same volatile compounds as structure fire smoke, and removing the odor requires professional treatment, not just airing out the house.

Harris Restoration Team

Tom White

Art Director