Updated: February 19th, 2026
If you are a new homeowner, you might be wondering what that hole in your basement floor actually does. A sump pump is an essential device designed to pump groundwater away from your house, protecting your foundation and basement from flooding.
However, heavy storms in Cincinnati, OH, frequently interfere with power lines. When the power goes out during a heavy rainstorm, you might suddenly find your sump pump not working right when you need it most. Routine sump pump maintenance is the best way to ensure your system is ready to handle the rainy season.
If you don’t check it regularly, it may fail when you need it the most. Read on to learn how to care for your pump and why a battery backup is a lifesaver.
What Happens When You Find Your Sump Pump Not Working?
When your sump pump fails during a storm, flood water begins to build up rapidly in your house, be it the basement, foundation, attic, or crawlspace. Learn more about our Plumbing Services.
There are several severe risks associated with excess water pooling beneath your house:
- Rotting wood framing and drywall
- Shifting and eroding soil beneath your foundation
- Attraction of insects and pests
- Rapid growth of dangerous mold and mildew
When the foundation is compromised, cracking and shifting of your home structure is a possibility. Such shifts may lead to uneven flooring, cracked walls, mold, dampness, and so on. Sump pumps play an integral role in keeping these water damage risks at bay.
Sump Pump Maintenance: How Often Should You Check Your System?
If you have never owned a home with a basement before, basic sump pump maintenance might be entirely new to you. Experts recommend that you inspect and test your sump pump at least every three to four months. The inspections should revolve around checking sump crocks for debris, checking the sump check valve, checking the electrical socket, the power cord, and more.
However, it all depends on what you use the pump for. Soapy water tends to interfere with the functionality of sump pumps. So, if you use your pump device to dispose of water from your washing machine, you may want to examine it more frequently.
If you don’t have the know-how to perform a proper check, the professional plumbers at Herrmann Services can help. Our Cincinnati technicians know exactly where potential problems occur and can verify that your pump and its backup battery are functioning perfectly.
Reasons to Use a Backup Battery with Your Sump Pump
You never know when the next power outage will occur. A backup battery ensures that your sump pump keeps running, even when the storm causes a blackout. Fortunately, Zoeller sump pumps come with a backup battery.
Our Zoeller backup systems include a primary and backup pump. Here are a few reasons why this dual-system setup is crucial:
- Power Outages: If the power goes out, the battery powers the backup pump for up to 8 hours.
- Mechanical Failure: If the primary pump’s switch jams or the motor fails, the backup pump automatically kicks in.
- Flash Floods: Occasionally, a heavy downpour can overwhelm your primary pump. The battery backup activates alongside it, doubling the pumping power to move water out of your basement faster.
- Aging Equipment: Sump pumps over 10 years old can go offline unexpectedly. A backup provides peace of mind as your primary unit ages.
Modern brands are making more sophisticated sump pumps. These devices come with a Wi-fi sump pump monitor. Once you link the device to your phone, you will receive alerts in case of a problem. The updates sent to your device allow you to take the necessary action in an emergency situation, preventing floods from catching you off guard and causing serious damage.
(Note: Both pumps share a single drain line. Proper maintenance is required to ensure this line stays clear, as a clogged discharge pipe will stop both pumps from working.)
Fast Sump Pump Repair and Installation in Cincinnati
Are you a Cincinnati, OH, resident who requires sump pump installation, replacement, or maintenance solutions? Herrmann Services is a family-operated company that provides plumbing, heating, drain cleaning, cooling, and electrical assistance. We have been proudly serving clients in Cincinnati, OH, for over five decades!
Our technicians are highly trained with a wealth of experience in all matters of sump pumps.
Our highly trained technicians have a wealth of experience in all matters of basement waterproofing and plumbing. Don’t wait until you have a flooded basement to think about your pump. Contact us today, and we will be happy to resolve any issues you might have.