Check the power
The pump plugs into a nearby outlet, often a GFCI that may have tripped. Check the outlet and the breaker, from a dry spot only.
Sump pump not working and the basement taking on water?
When a sump pump stops, groundwater can flood a basement within hours during heavy rain. Stay out of water near electrical items, check the pump has power, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. Independent plumbers and water-removal crews do the work.
Am I in the right place?Yes if the sump pit is full or overflowing, the pump hums or will not start, runs nonstop, or the basement is wet.
Is this urgent?Yes during rain or snowmelt, or if water is already on the basement floor.
What do I do next?Do not step into water near outlets. Call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and whether water is rising.
If the basement already has standing water, mention it so basement water removal can be handled alongside the pump.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Quick checks, only if the floor is dry
Look at the float
The float switch rises with the water and starts the pump. It can get stuck against the side of the pit or on debris.
Check the discharge line
Outside, the discharge pipe should not be frozen, crushed or clogged.
If water has reached the outlet or the floor around the pump, do not touch anything electrical. Leave the basement and call.
Basement water and electricity
Never walk into a flooded basement if water may be touching outlets, extension cords, the furnace, water heater or electrical panel. If you cannot reach the panel from a dry location, leave the area and call the utility or 911 if there is an immediate hazard.
Why sump pumps fail
Power loss
Storms knock out power exactly when the pump is needed most. A battery backup or generator covers this.
Stuck or failed float switch
The pump never gets the signal to start, or never stops.
Burned-out motor
Pumps that run constantly or are many years old eventually fail.
Clogged or frozen discharge
Water has nowhere to go and the pump overheats or cycles.
Pump and water are separate needs
Pump repair or replacement
A plumber or waterproofing provider repairs or replaces the pump, float switch, check valve or backup system.
Water removal and drying
Standing water, wet carpet and drywall need extraction and drying. See water extraction.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Whether the pump hums, runs nonstop or does nothing
- Whether water is on the floor and rising
- Whether power is on in the building
- Whether there is a battery backup
- What is stored or installed in the basement
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles sump pump repair and basement water removal in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Sump pump questions
What do I do if my sump pump stops working during rain?
From a dry spot, check the outlet and breaker. If water is rising or near electrical items, stay out of the basement and call 833-877-1717.
Why is my sump pump running nonstop?
A stuck float switch, a failed check valve letting water flow back, a high water table, or a pump too small for the inflow. It needs to be checked before the motor burns out.
Can I call about a sump pump at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
If your basement floods when power fails during storms, a battery backup or generator connection is worth discussing with the provider.
How long do sump pumps last?
It varies with use and quality. Older pumps that run often are more likely to fail. A provider can test yours.
Will my basement need professional drying?
If carpet, drywall or stored items got wet, professional extraction and drying helps prevent mold. U.S. EPA guidance is to dry wet materials within 24 to 48 hours.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.