Roto-Rooter is already seeing a 32% surge in sump pump service calls compared to this same period last year. Based on historical trends, it's only expected to get worse. 

Last spring, calls spiked sharply through April and May before plateauing. With above-average winter snowpack melting across much of the U.S. and Canada and heavy rainfall storms already arriving, with more on the way, this spring is shaping up to be even more demanding.

"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."

Roto-Rooter's plumbing team wanted to make sure people have the information they need before things get worse, and potentially a whole lot more expensive. 

Here are the 5 most common sump pump failures and what owners can do about each one right now.

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 back flow is strong enough to vibrate surrounding walls, a licensed plumber is strongly recommended.

The financial stakes make this worth paying attention to:

• Just 1 inch of standing water in a basement can cause up to $25,000 in damage
• Basement flood restoration averages between $5,000 and $25,000 depending on severity
• Standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover groundwater or sump pump failure-related flooding

By comparison, the industry average for a routine pre-season inspection usually costs $300-$500, a fraction of the cost of emergency repairs, which can reach $2,000 during an active flood.

And Jones has a pointed message for anyone who thinks the hard part is already behind them:

"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 where it will saturate carpeting and soak whatever is stored down there," Jones added.