
How Sump Pump Failure Damages Glenview Homes (And What You Can Do About It)

Sam Simon
June 19, 2025Don’t let a failed sump pump turn your Glenview basement into a disaster zone. In this guide, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons explains why sump pump failure is one of the biggest water damage risks for Glenview homeowners—especially in neighborhoods like The Glen, Swainwood, and Glen Oak Acres. Learn the top causes of failure, the warning signs to watch for, and expert steps you can take right now to prevent thousands in cleanup and mold costs.
Why Glenview Homes Are at Risk for Sump Pump Failure
Glenview is no stranger to spring and summer storms, heavy rains, and groundwater intrusion — especially in neighborhoods like The Glen, Swainwood, and Glen Oak Acres. One of the biggest causes of water damage this time of year? Sump pump failure.
A failed sump pump can flood your basement in minutes, leading to thousands in repair costs and mold remediation. For Glenview homeowners, especially in older homes with finished basements, this isn't just inconvenient — it's catastrophic. Depend on ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons for Sump Pump Failure Glenview IL.
What Causes Sump Pumps to Fail?
Your sump pump is supposed to keep water out of your basement. But here’s what often goes wrong:
- Power Outages - During spring and summer storms, power goes out, and your pump stops running unless you have a backup.
- Pump Burnout or Age - Pumps older than 7–10 years are more likely to fail during high use.
- Float Switch Sticking - A jammed float can keep the pump from turning on when water levels rise.
- Blocked or Frozen Discharge Lines - If the pipe that sends water out is clogged or frozen, water will back up into your home.
- Improper Installation or Undersized Pumps - Many older Glenview homes have pumps that can’t keep up with intense spring or summer rains.
What Happens When Your Sump Pump Fails?
If water has nowhere to go, it will:
- Flood your basement floor - Even a few inches of standing water can warp wood floors, destroy drywall, and ruin stored items.
- Soak carpet and padding - Requiring full removal and professional drying.
- Cause mold growth - Within 24–48 hours, mold can begin to grow behind walls and under flooring.
- Damage foundation walls - Prolonged moisture can weaken structural integrity and lead to cracks.
- Short circuit electrical systems - If water reaches outlets or furnace units, the risk of fire or electrical failure increases.
Warning Signs Your Pump Is About to Fail. Be on alert for these red flags in Glenview homes:
- Strange noises coming from the sump basin
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Constant running with no water discharge
- Musty smells in the basement
- Dampness around the sump pit after rain
How to Prevent Sump Pump Disasters in Glenview - Prevention is always cheaper than restoration. Here’s what we recommend:
- Install a battery backup system - Protects your home during storms or outages.
- Test your pump monthly - Pour water into the pit and make sure it activates.
- Keep discharge lines clear - Check for clogs and extend pipes 6+ feet from the home.
- Schedule annual sump inspections - Let a professional inspect your setup before spring rains hit.
Need Help After Sump Pump Failure in Glenview?
At ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons-Glenview, we’re Glenview’s go-to for water damage restoration after Sump Pump Failure. Whether you're in The Glen, Swainwood, or Glen Oak Acres, we:
- Extract water fast
- Set up industrial drying and dehumidification
- Disinfect and prevent mold
- Work with your insurance company to streamline claims:
Call Now: 847-316-9145
Website: https://servicemaster-restorationbysimons.com/
We’re on call 24/7 — Glenview’s trusted water damage pros.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the co-owner of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a multi-award-winning disaster restoration firm serving Lake, Cook, and DuPage counties, including Chicago and the North Shore. With over 30 years of experience managing residential and commercial restoration projects, Sam holds the distinction of IICRC Master Fire & Water Restorer, the industry’s highest certification.
He is the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset, a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating water and fire disasters. Sam also brings a background in videography, which plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategic marketing and educational outreach.
Under his leadership, along with his wife and company CEO, Nasutsa Mabwa, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned multiple honors including the 2024 Chicago Star Award, the 2021 SB100 Best of Small Business Award, the 2020 BBB Torch Award, the Stevie® Award for Business Excellence, and Skokie’s Business of the Year (Honorable Mention). The company is proudly MBE/WBE certified, reflecting its commitment to diversity and service excellence.
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