Pump does not collect water due to mechanical breakdown
Pump does not function because of electrical power outage
Overflow of water from public water mains or sewer back-up
What you can do
A sump pump is a good option to prevent basement flooding. Basically, it pumps out water from the lowest section of the basement before the water reaches floor level. If you don’t have a sump pump, it may be worth the investment to install one.
Run and test your sump pump regularly. Pour water on the drain in the pump to activate it.
Listen for strange noises coming from the motor.
If you notice oil on the surface of the water in your sump pump, verify the oil seal. Leaking oil can cause the motor to burn out.