Key facts: Overland Park
- Most of the city drains to the Blue River via Indian and Tomahawk creeks, and Coffee and Wolf creeks join in the far south to begin the Blue [1].
- Turkey Creek takes the drainage from part of the northwest [1].
- Water collecting in a pit under the basement floor is what a sump pump removes [4].
- Homeowners policies usually leave out creek and surface flooding, and NFIP cover typically takes 30 days to begin [3].
Sump failure
What to do when the pit overflows
- 1
Check power first
From dry footing, see if the breaker tripped or the outage is wider.
- 2
Clear the float
If stuck and reachable safely with the power off.
- 3
Move contents up
Carpeted rooms take water fast.
- 4
Take photos
Before the cleanup alters things.
- 5
Call
Note whether the water came from the pit or a drain.
Lasting fix
Prevent the next one
Test the pump before spring by pouring in water. Add a backup, keep the discharge line clear and run downspouts away from the house. See why sump pumps fail.
Creek corridors
Turn around, don't drown
Contractor's work
What gets done
- Water removal from carpet and pad.
- Cutting away lower drywall if needed; see the drywall guide.
- Drying the structure and verifying readings.
Questions
Johnson County questions
Is sump overflow a flood or a plumbing claim?
Policies vary, and some need an add-on. Ask your agent.
Which towns are covered?
Covered ZIPs in those listed above. The call confirms.
Nearby
Other pages from Overland Park
The wider picture: Kansas.
Also on this site: Lawrence; Topeka; Kansas City, KS; Wichita; Shawnee.
Depending on the damage: smoke residue, drying the building, fire damage, removing standing water, sewage backups.
First time? See immediate steps.