Anyone who’s lived here knows how quickly blue skies can turn into dark clouds and torrential downpours. With an average of nearly 2 inches of rain and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, June is one of the city’s wettest months. For homeowners, especially those in older neighborhoods like Park Hill, Baker, or Highlands, this poses a serious risk of basement flooding.
That’s why now is the time to make sure your sump pump is in peak condition. It’s one of your home’s first lines of defense against water damage, and when storms roll in, you don’t want to discover it’s failed after the rain has already started. Let’s walk through why June weather is so risky in Denver, how to spot sump pump problems early, and what steps you can take to prevent water damage before it starts.
Why June Rain Puts Your Denver Basement at Risk
Denver’s summer storms are fast, intense, and often overwhelming for older drainage systems. June typically brings 1.8 to 2.0 inches of rain, most of it from sudden cloudbursts. These storms can dump a month’s worth of water in just an hour, easily overpowering yard grading, gutters, and foundation drainage.
Here’s why sump pumps matter more than ever:
- Older homes in neighborhoods like Park Hill, Baker, and Congress Park may have outdated sump systems, or none at all.
- Heavy clay soil, which is common throughout Denver, doesn’t drain easily. It holds water close to foundations, increasing the risk of seepage.
- Poor grading or settled landscaping can create pooling around basements.
- Urban infill and new construction in areas like Sloan’s Lake or Capitol Hill add more concrete, meaning faster runoff into already stressed drainage systems.
Summer storms may not seem as threatening as spring melt, but they can cause just as much water damage, often when homeowners least expect it.
Know the Signs That Your Sump Pump Needs Attention
A failed sump pump doesn’t always announce itself with a flood. Subtle clues often appear first and catching them early can save you thousands in water damage repairs.
Watch (and listen) for these signs:
- Strange noises: Grinding, clunking, or excessive vibration can signal worn-out parts.
- Constant cycling: If your pump turns on and off frequently, the float switch may be stuck or misaligned.
- Tripped breaker or no power: Lightning-prone storms often cause outages or surges that disable electric pumps.
- Clogged discharge pipe: If the pipe is blocked by debris or frozen from recent cold snaps, water may flow back into your basement.
- Musty smells or dampness: These are signs that water isn’t being removed effectively.
You can test your pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit. If it doesn’t activate, it’s time for a tune-up, or possibly a replacement.
Sump Pump Maintenance Tips for Denver Homes
Like any mechanical system, your sump pump works best when it’s maintained. A little time spent now can mean a dry basement later.
Here’s how to keep it working:
- Clean the sump pit: Remove gravel, silt, and any debris that may clog the intake.
- Check the float switch: It should move freely and trigger the pump when water rises.
- Inspect your backup power source: A battery backup or water-powered system can keep your basement dry during outages.
- Install water alarms or moisture sensors: This is especially important in finished basements where damage can escalate quickly.
- Extend your downspouts: Make sure water from your roof flows at least 6 feet away from your foundation.
Consider Upgrading Your System Before It Fails
If your sump pump is more than 7–10 years old, or if your home has experienced repeated flooding, now might be the time to upgrade your system.
Here’s what to consider:
- Submersible sump pumps: These models are quieter, more powerful, and take up less space than pedestal versions.
- Battery or water-powered backups: Essential for storms that knock out power—a common problem in Denver’s lightning-prone weather.
- Smart sump pumps: Some newer systems offer Wi-Fi alerts, flood monitoring, and diagnostics right from your phone.
- Secondary sump pumps: These provide added protection for homes in low-lying areas or near creeks and drainage easements.
Professional installation ensures your new pump is installed correctly, with proper drainage routing to keep your basement dry no matter what Denver’s weather throws at it.
What Makes Denver Homes Unique When It Comes to Flooding
Not all cities face the same flood risks as Denver. Our combination of high elevation, dense clay soils, and aging housing stock makes sump pump protection especially important.
- Pre-1950s homes often lack modern waterproofing or sump pump systems.
- Urban development has increased hard surfaces, reducing natural drainage.
- Snowmelt and June storms can mean back-to-back water challenges.
Neighborhoods like Wash Park, Capitol Hill, and Highlands have a mix of older foundations, shallow basements, and narrow lot grading, all of which increase flood risk.
Need Help? Call the Local Water Damage Pros Who Know Denver
At ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration, we’ve spent years helping Denver homeowners handle everything from flooded basements to full-scale water damage cleanup. Our team knows the city’s weather patterns, housing quirks, and storm behaviors better than anyone.
We offer:
Don’t wait until your carpet’s floating or your storage boxes are soaked. Preparing your sump pump now gives you peace of mind for the storms ahead.
Stay Dry This June — Schedule Your Sump Pump Check Today
Denver’s rainy season is here. Acting today could prevent thousands in repairs tomorrow. Whether you’re looking for a quick sump pump inspection, a full upgrade, or a professional waterproofing plan, ServiceMaster Fire and Water Restoration is ready to help.
Call us now or schedule your free consultation to keep your home safe, dry, and storm ready. Don’t let a summer rainstorm become a disaster. Protect your home before the water starts rising.
