Sump pump failure

Sump Pump Failure Cleanup in Des Moines

When a sump pump stops during a heavy rain or snowmelt, the basement can take on water quickly. Elite answers 24/7 and starts with a free on-site inspection.

Call 515-216-4293 Request a free inspection

Free, no-obligation inspection within our service area. Work is billed only if you approve it in a signed work authorization.

Any hour, day or night. Our answering service takes your message and our office calls you back.

5.0 from
23 Google reviews
IICRC Certified Firm
BBB A+
Locally owned

Last updated September 28, 2026 · Written by the Elite Restoration Services of Iowa team

What should I do when my sump pump fails?

If it's safe, check the pump's breaker or outlet. Stay out of water near outlets or the panel, move belongings to dry ground, take photos, and call 515-216-4293 any hour. Groundwater from a sump is generally not considered clean, so porous materials it soaks may need to be removed before the structure is dried.

Why do sump pumps fail?

Common reasons include power outages during storms, a stuck float switch, a clogged intake or discharge line, a frozen discharge line in winter, or a pump that's simply worn out. A plumber can tell you which.

Want someone to come look at it?

The on-site inspection is free, with no obligation, within our service area. Call any hour, or send a short request and our office will call you back.

Call 515-216-4293 Request a free inspection

Free, no-obligation inspection within our service area. Work is billed only if you approve it in a signed work authorization.

How is a sump pump flood cleaned up and dried?

Groundwater that comes up through the sump is generally not considered clean, so porous materials it soaks may need to be removed. We identify what's wet with moisture meters, extract, remove what can't be dried and dry the structure, tracking moisture until it's dry. The industry standard is the IICRC S500. Elite is an IICRC Certified Firm, and we have an IICRC Triple Master on staff.

Does insurance cover a sump pump failure?

Sump pump and drain backup is often covered only through a separate endorsement, if at all. Check your policy and talk to your agent or adjuster. We provide photos, moisture logs and a scope, and you choose who does your repairs.

How do I keep it from happening again?

See our Sump Pump Failure Checklist: test it each spring and fall, keep the discharge line clear, and ask a plumber about battery backup.

Where can I read more?

These pages and guides cover related problems. We serve Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale and the rest of the metro. See insurance claims help, reviews or contact us.

Who we do this for

Who needs sump pump failure cleanup?

Sump Pump Failure Cleanup looks different in a house, an apartment building, a school or a business. These pages cover the risks and priorities for each.

Residential & Homeowners

Burst pipes, basement floods, kitchen fires and mold in Central Iowa homes.

Learn more

Multi-Family, HOAs & Property Managers

Leaks that cross units, and a free pre-loss walkthrough for your properties.

Learn more

Commercial, Office & Retail

Commercial and large-loss restoration, with a free pre-loss walkthrough.

Learn more

Sump Pump Failure Cleanup near you

See all our services

Straight answers

Sump Pump Failure Cleanup: questions people ask us

Don't see yours? Call 515-216-4293 any hour and ask.

Do you repair or replace the pump?

That's a plumber's job; we handle the water damage.

Is the inspection free?

Yes.

About Elite Restoration Services of Iowa

Elite Restoration Services of Iowa, LLC is a locally owned, independent restoration company at 751 NE 46th Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50313, offering water, fire and smoke, mold, storm and sewage damage restoration. It has been fully operating since February 2026. Elite is an IICRC Certified Firm, BBB A+ accredited and Iowa registered contractor #C151765. Phone 515-216-4293, answered 24/7.

About Elite All services Service areas Reviews

Call Elite. Consider it handled.

Request a free sump pump failure cleanup inspection

515-216-4293

Calling is the most direct way to reach us, day or night. Prefer to type? Send this short form and our office will call you back.

751 NE 46th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
Free on-site inspection
Your choice of repair contractor

Free on-site inspections within our service area in the Des Moines metro and Central Iowa; ask us about any limits when you call. The inspection is free with no obligation. Mitigation, lab testing, and repair work are billed only if you approve them in a signed work authorization.

Elite Restoration Services of Iowa, LLC and M&B Contractor Services LLC have the same owners. If you need repairs or rebuilding after mitigation, M&B is one option, but you are never required to use M&B. You are free to choose any contractor, and your choice will not affect the mitigation services Elite provides. We share your information with M&B only with your permission.

Free inspection request

A few quick details and our office will call you back. All fields are required unless marked optional.

Your name

Phone

ZIP code

Email (optional)

What do you need?

Anything else? (optional)

We use the information you submit only to respond to your request and provide our services. We do not sell your information. We will share it with M&B Contractor Services LLC or your insurance company only with your permission. Calls with Elite may be recorded. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Urgent? Call 515-216-4293 any hour.