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Common Sump Pump Issues
Common Sump Pump Issues
4.9 RATING

Common Sump Pump Issues

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, over 60 percent of homes in the U.S. suffer from below-ground wetness.

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June 03, 2026
Common Sump Pump Issues

According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, over 60 percent of homes in the U.S. suffer from below-ground wetness. Moisture, wetness, and flooding in basements and crawlspaces can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. There is a way to combat these threats, though. One common solution is a sump pump installation. Like most things, the sump pump is vulnerable to damage and faults. Identifying and diagnosing these issues are the first steps in resolving them and returning your property to its protected status. If you experience water damage as a result of a faulty sump pump, you are welcomed to call Tidal Wave Response for a consultation and appointment.

What Is A Sump Pump?

Let’s start with defining a sump pump for anyone who has not heard of this device.

A sump pump is a device designed to keep water and moisture out of a basement or crawl space. It is especially common in low-lying areas that are under the water bed, areas prone to f

Reviews

Cassandra Abdus-Salaam

Alpharetta, GA

Hi. I don’t know where to start. John and Tidal wave his company were and still are a blessing from my Lord. One morning in January of this year I went down stairs and stepped in a puddle of water it was flooded. I also passed out. This was the second one in less than a year. I stood there for a minute and just cried. All I could think of was my insurance company may not take care of it a second time even if it was for a different leak. The last claim they paid out $23,000 for…

John Ayer

Atlanta, GA

John Mayer, Principal of Tidal Wave Response, and his project management team, lead by Colin Galubinski, has completed the restoration of my home in record time. The work included, but was not limited to the following: 1) Professional water leak detection 2) Professional plumbing that removed the concrete slab and backfill material, found and repaired the PEX cold water pipe 3) Backfilled and placed concrete to finish grade 4) Packed the furniture to storage. Restored the furniture without incident nor damage. 5) Dehumidified and removed the damaged carpet and hardwoods. 6) Cleaned the concrete surface and installed the new hardwoods.…

Spenser Hewett

Brookhaven, GA

I have worked in sales and also have experience in launching my own business. It is rare that you find a company that genuinely has your best interest in mind. Not only was John helpful outside of his business’ expertise, but he sent Chris to do a *free* evaluation of our water damage. John and Chris were both genuine and personable. They cared about what our situation was and they weren’t looking to get any sort of “fee” for their time. These are the kind of people you trust to handle big, catastrophic water damage to. I have previously had…

James B

Chamblee, GA

While others might categorize John as a fast talker, but on the other hand. I saw a man that's passionate about his business and willing to help others elevate their present situation. In early December 2022, our laundry room floor and wall got water damaged due to leakage from the hotline pipe, and other rooms got impacted due to water spreading. So, I reached out to John and he assured me they'll do everything within their power to get our house done before Christmas day. Boy was he right! John and the tidalwave response team were professional, helpful and got…

Anne Berman

Cumming, GA

We did not plan to renovate our terrace level but when the hot water heater leaked and flooded the entire area, Tidal Wave was recommended to us by the plumber who installed the new hot water heater. John, the owner was at our house the same evening and mitigation started early the next morning. The crew professionally removed wet drywall, flooring, and baseboard. Fans and dehumidifiers ran for several days and then the fun began. With Colin's help we were able to choose updated flooring, repaint a color of our choice, and new trim was installed. Everything was completed professionally.…

Hunter smith

Decatur, GA

Wow incredible company! I had a water damage that destroyed my entire main level. John and his team are very quick and efficient. When I was looking on google, tidal wave response was the only water restoration company with a 5 star review. Highly recommended using tidal wave response!!

Meme Dupree

Doraville, GA

I had a flood in my downstairs living room. It was devastating. John with Tidal wave was very professional. He had his team show up immediately to get the job done. Great work Tidal Wave. I'm definitely going to refer you to others.

pam kunc

Duluth, GA

Thank Goodness !!! Johnny on the spot! We had a pipe ruptured in the ceiling and we were looking for a 5 Star Rated Water Restoration company . Johnny came out with a Thermal Camera and found the pipe spraying behind the wall. I wish I would have called him sooner . My wood floors were so damaged by the water, they all will need to be replaced. We highly recommended Johnny with Tidal Wave. Very knowledgeable and even helped us start a claim with our insurance ..

Randy Fann

Dunwoody, GA

Had a shaky start with this particular project but I must say the owner took charge and corrected all the remaining issues. I will say that this particular job was the absolute worst I have taken on in 45 yrs. My hat is off to Mike and his crew and Allan was superb in making sure everything was done correctly. Thank you for your follow-up on this project guys. And Allan thank you especially for your thoroughness in making sure it was completed correctly.

Kadeja Edwards

Johns Creek, GA

Unfortunately, my water heater was old, cracked, and leaking water onto the supported area in my garage. I needed to replace the water heater with a new one, but the plumber told me that in order to meet the city code, I would have to handle the water damage first. I called out tidal wave (who I’ve worked with before), and they came out the very next day to cut out the affected area and treat for mold. This is my second issue with water in my house and tidal wave has taken care of both issues. They are fast,…

looding, or areas where snow melts rapidly. These devices come in two types: the submersible pump and the pedestal pump. In short, the former rests inside the water while the latter is held outside of the water.

So how does it work? If, and when, your basement floods with water, the pump is activated when the pit of the sump pump is filled with a certain level of water and drains the water away from your basement. It really is that simple!

Benefits of A Sump Pump

The direct benefit of sump pumps is clear: they prevent flooding. These simple devices also, by extension, reduce the risk of water damage, mold and mildew growth, and insect and rodent infestations. All of these issues thrive in moist environments which sump pumps help eliminate.

Some Common Issues

The sump pump is a simple device that can last for around 10 years before it needs to be replaced. Unsurprisingly, however, accidental damage, poor usage, and neglected maintenance can bring about issues. Some of the common sump pump issues include:

  • U

Reasons to Choose Tidal Wave

We Bill Your Insurance Directly

We Bill Your Insurance Directly

We Accept All Insurance Claims

We Accept All Insurance Claims

Licensed & Certified Technicians

Licensed & Certified Technicians

30 Minutes Response Time

30 Minutes Response Time

Locally & Family Owned

Locally & Family Owned

24/7 Emergency Service

24/7 Emergency Service

Never an Overtime Charge

Never an Overtime Charge
nusual Noises: Worn and damaged parts can cause your sump pump to make strange noises. Parts can be repaired or replaced, but if the unit is over 10 years old, then it might be worth replacing the unit.
  • Rapid Vibrations: Bent or damaged components can also cause the sump pump to vibrate rapidly. Many times, this imbalance can be caused by a bent impeller which is almost impossible to bend back into shape. This can require replacing the unit.
  • Stinky Unit: Your sump pump can smell like gas, mildew, sulfur, and waste. This can be caused by a dried-out unit, stagnant water, waste buildup, or cracks.
  • Old Age: This one is inevitable, but a unit over 10 years old will start giving you issues as natural corrosion takes hold.

  • Experienced Water Damage?

    If your sump pump failed and your property has suffered water damage, then waste no time in calling Tidal Wave Response to have that water damage restored. We are always ready to help with emergency service around the clock.

    Our Services

    From emergency water extraction to full property recovery, Tidal Wave Response provides the fast, expert care you need. Browse our complete suite of 24/7 restoration services below to see how we can help today.

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