8 metso slurry pumps

5 Questions to Ask About Sump Pump Failures - Alpine Intel

Is there documentation about the sump pump or the loss circumstances?

Documentation can help paint a more complete picture of the sump pump’s condition before, during, and after the reported failure. The expert you retain can also find some information via online databases and weather resources to clarify the conditions surrounding the loss.

Helpful records to collect:

Maintenance and installation, including dates and, if possible, the name of the professional who performed each

Contractor estimates for repair or replacement, if the pump has been inspected since the failure

Historical weather events surrounding the date of loss

A professional familiar with the equipment will still be able to make a cause of loss determination.

What was the cause of the sump pump failure?

Objective experts focus on the equipment and its reported failure – not the policy and coverage – their determination can help you ensure that you’re only settling for covered losses. Without an unbiased assessment, adjusters risk unnecessary settlements, or even settling for non-damaged sump pumps. Nearly 40% of sump pumps assessed by StrikeCheck in 2024 were found to be non-damaged at the time of the assessment.

Frequent causes of loss to sump pumps:

Premature mechanical failure from high volume

High voltage surge

Lack of regular, proper maintenance

Installation errors, such as the wrong size of pump for the volume

Debris or other blockages in the discharge line, or blocking the float

Manufacturer’s defects like using incompatible materials within the pump

Thorough adjusters should ask about the scope of the damages, which could be broader than just the pump itself.

What were the consequences of the damage?

Basement flooding due to sump pump failure may be minor or may submerge structural and electronic items completely. An expert or experts can help identify the scope of damage.

Answering this question helps both the carrier and the policyholder avoid future damages and claims and increases the likelihood of returning the equipment and all impacted items to pre-loss conditions. Water can be destructive, especially in basements where it’s more likely to go unnoticed. When the sump pump fails to remove it, a skilled technician and their team can note potentially damaged surrounding structural elements and electronics.

What to consider beyond the sump pump:

Nearby electronics and electrically powered items that are not working as designed

Surrounding structural elements, particularly wood and metal that can be weakened via prolonged water exposure

The duration of exposure, as longer durations or incomplete remediation may facilitate microbial growth, a potential property and health hazard

What are the expert’s recommendations?

To avoid claims leakage, there are still several things to consider, which is why an objective expert’s input about each claim is so important to an accurate settlement.

Factors influencing the next steps:

If the sump pump and other elements can be repaired to restore them to pre-loss condition

Whether possible repairs are more economical than replacements

If existing contractors’ estimates are based on Like Kind and Quality equipment

If contractor estimates are priced at market value for the loss location

Is there subrogation potential?

Often overlooked, successful subrogation can mean recovering losses from a responsible party, such as an installer or manufacturer. Not all failed sump pumps will have subrogation potential, but knowing about the subrogation process and some details about the pump can help you identify opportunities.

A few factors in subrogation:

The pump’s age can dictate if it falls under the statute of repose for loss state

Its manufacturer and installer can help identify potential recalls or known failure trends

Documentation and preservation of the sump pump and any other items included in the claim

A single-line chain of custody throughout the claim to reduce the risk of loss or additional damage