Can Water Still Leak Into a Basement With Sump Pumps?

Power Outages

• Sump pumps operate on electricity. If a heavy rainstorm causes a power outage, the pump will not operate, and water seepage is likely. Pumps with battery backups provide pumping capacity for a period of time, depending on the pump model, and can keep things dry for a while. Backup generators also keep sump pumps operating when the power is out.

Plugged Hoses and Pump Failures

• Mechanical failures can cause sump pumps to fail. Many homeowners keep a backup pump on hand and ready to install. A plugged or frozen hose can also cause the sump pump to fail, allowing water to enter the basement. Homeowners should check the hose and pump on a regular basis during wet periods.

Installation Problems

• By itself, a sump pump removes water from one area of the basement. Depending on the home design and the amount of water involved, this may not be adequate to prevent seepage. Drain tile systems gather water from the perimeter of the home and bring it to the sump pump for removal from the home area. If the drain tile system becomes clogged or plugged, it can lead to water seepage.

Heavy Rains

• In some situations, extremely heavy rain can overwhelm the sump pump and drainage system. Installing extended downspouts may help. These prevent water runoff from the roof from soaking into the ground next to the foundation. Other landscaping options include sloping the ground away from the building. Heavy rains often raise the water table -- the point in the ground where the soil is saturated and accumulates water -- above the level of the floor in the basement. In these cases, sump pumps may not be able to remove enough water to prevent seepage.