Plumbing Experts See 32% Surge in Sump Pump Calls ‘ 5 Tips to Avoid Flooding

CINCINNATI, OH, DATE – Plumbing experts across the United States and Canada are reporting a sharp rise in sump pump service calls to start 2026. Among them, Roto-Rooter, North America’s largest plumbing and water cleanup provider, is seeing a 32% surge in calls compared to the same period last year. Last spring, call volume jumped 75% between March and April before peaking in May, and early data suggests this year’s demand is already tracking ahead of that pace. With above-average winter snowpack melting across much of the U.S. and Canada and heavy rainfall storms already arriving, with more expected, sump pumps are under increasing strain heading into what could be one of the most demanding spring seasons in recent memory. Plumbing professionals warn the window for preventive maintenance is narrowing as demand is expected to accelerate through April and May.

To help owners get ahead of the problem, Roto-Rooter’s plumbing experts have identified the five most common sump pump failure points and what to do about each one.

“We’ve seen an influx of sump pump-related calls this season, not just from homeowners, but from businesses as well. We haven’t hit the peak yet. That’s always a telling sign of what’s coming,” said Dave Jones, Master Plumber and VP at Roto-Rooter. “When the ground is this saturated, a sump pump needs to be inspected, otherwise it’s operating on borrowed time.”

The 5 Most Common Sump Pump Failure Points

1. Float switch failure — The number one most common point of failure, causing the pump to run continuously or fail to activate altogether. Owners should remove the sump pit cover, check that the float isn’t tangled, pinned against the wall, or coated in buildup, and manually lift it to confirm the pump activates. If the pump still won’t trigger or won’t stop running after the float is cleared, a professional should replace the switch before spring conditions peak.
2. Motor burnout — Most often the end result of smaller, ignored issues rather than a sudden failure, and one of the costliest outcomes. Before drawing conclusions, owners should check their GFCI outlet and breaker box, as a nuisance trip is sometimes the only issue. If the outlet has power but the pump remains completely unresponsive, the unit will need to be replaced.
3. Worn or damaged impeller — A damaged impeller reduces pumping efficiency and places growing strain on the motor over time. Owners should unplug the pump, remove it from the pit, and check the intake screen for debris. Flushing the inlet and discharge openings with a garden hose can clear minor blockages. If noise or reduced performance persists after cleaning, the impeller is likely cracked or warped and will need professional replacement.
4. Clogged or frozen discharge lines — Especially common in early spring, causing water to back up into the pit with nowhere to go. Start outside by checking the discharge outlet for ice or debris. If frozen, a hair dryer or heat lamp can thaw the line. Never use an open flame. If the blockage is deeper in the underground piping, a professional drain cleaning service will be needed to fully clear it.
5. Check valve failure — Allows pumped water to flow straight back into the pit, forcing the pump into a relentless cycle that burns the pump out fast. Owners should unplug the pump, place a bucket beneath the valve, remove it, and install a replacement, paying close attention to the directional arrow on the valve body, which must point upward and away from the pump. If the pipe configuration requires cutting PVC or the backflow is strong enough to vibrate surrounding walls, a licensed plumber is strongly recommended..

The Financial Stakes

A sump pump failure during peak spring conditions carries significant financial risk. Basement water damage restoration averages between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on severity, with just one inch of standing water capable of causing up to $25,000 in damages. Compounding the risk, standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover groundwater or sump pump failure-related flooding, leaving most owners fully exposed. By comparison, a professional pre-season inspection, widely regarded as the most cost-effective action, based on industry averages, costs $300 to $500.

“In 25 years of plumbing, the springs that catch people off guard are always the ones that follow the heaviest snow seasons. People see the snow melting and think the worst is over — it isn’t. That water is moving, and it’s looking for the path of least resistance. Without a working sump pump, it will infiltrate your basement, saturate carpeting, and soak whatever is stored down there,” Jones said.

Roto-Rooter plumbers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at most locations and are equipped to handle residential and commercial sump pump systems of any scale.

About Roto-Rooter

Roto-Rooter is America’s largest plumbing, drain, and water cleanup services provider, serving residential and commercial customers across the United States and Canada. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Roto-Rooter’s plumbers and technicians are equipped to handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. For sump pump tips, maintenance guides, and service scheduling, visit Roto-Rooter’s sump pump page.

Contact Information:

Roto-Rooter

255 East 5th Street, Suite 2500
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
United States

Paul Abrams
(800) 768-6911
https://rotorooter.com