How to Stop Faulty Sump Pumps Causing Flood Damage in Gloucester Twp. Restaurants

4/10/2018 (Permalink)

Don't let a clogged or faulty sump pump close your eating establishment.

SERVPRO Deals with Faulty Sump Pumps in Four Steps.

There is a reason why busy cafes and restaurants are at a higher risk of flooding than some other businesses. In this type of building, good drainage is essential. Huge amounts of water are needed every day – for cooking and cleaning – and they have to be disposed of quickly.

It is why many restaurants have a fast moving, below-floor drainage system, with a float activated sump pump. It gets periodically drained, once the water rises above a certain level. Problems occur when cooking oils and organic waste make it into the drain. They clog up the channels, which commonly leads to commercial flood damage in Blackwood and Gloucester Township restaurants.

Keep reading to find out how the experts at SERVPRO deal with faulty sump pumps and flooded restaurants in the local area.

Step One: Inspect the Pump

The first step is to inspect the pump and identify the problem. If it is just a blockage, the process is quick, and the original pump can likely be used to extract the standing water.

If there seems to be a fault with the pump, SERVPRO has a portable extractor which can be used to remove the excess liquid. Once the water is no longer a problem, we can arrange for a sump pump repair.

Step Two: Start the Drying Process

Dehumidification is very effective, but it extracts water at a slower rate than other methods. It is why our technicians use as many accelerated techniques as possible before they bring in the dehumidifiers.

The good news is that restaurant drains are typically very shallow. They may cover the whole of the kitchen, but they do not extend very deep. The repair team can place air scrubbers (two in this case) inside the drain cavity to continue the extraction.

Step Three: Bring in the Dehumidifier

The importance of speed is not a safety issue, as the water is likely to be Category 1 or 2. However, as long as the drain is out of operation, the restaurant is dysfunctional and unable to perform at the required level. So, we have to get the area dried out quickly.

The best solution is a small capacity dehumidifier. It gets placed inside the drain cavity. For a small to medium sized restaurant, we would likely use a machine which extracts around 150 pints of moisture per day.

Step Four: Clean the Drain

It is not always necessary, but if there is a possibility of mold, SERVPRO treats the walls of the drain with an anti-fungal agent. In a restaurant, the risk of mold growth is slightly higher, because bits of organic waste inevitably end up in the water.

Normally, an air scrubber or deodorizer is needed if there is evidence of developing mold and unpleasant smells. If you notify our team of the problem quickly, this should not happen. It is only after 48 hours that Category 1 and 2 water sources start to stagnate and fill with bacteria and other nasty substances.

If your restaurant is struggling with drainage or flooding problems, you need help from the experts. SERVPRO of Blackwood/Gloucester Twp. provides reliable, professional flood damage repairs. Call us 24/7 at (856) 227-7800.