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Sump pumps and basement plumbing

A sump pump keeps groundwater from rising into a basement or crawl space. Most last about 7 to 10 years. Replacing an aging pump before storm season, and adding a battery backup or alarm, is far cheaper than cleaning up a flooded basement.

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Finished basement with laundry and a bathroom

Basements & sump pumps services

Sump pump service

Urgent

A sump pump that won't run usually has a stuck float switch or a failed motor. One that runs constantly may have a bad check valve or a high water table. In cold winters, a frozen discharge line outside is a common cause of a pump that runs but doesn't empty the pit.

How basements & sump pumps problems start

Water collects in the sump pit from drain tile around the foundation. A float switch turns the pump on when the water rises and off when the pit is empty. Most failures are the switch sticking, the motor wearing out, or the pump losing power during a storm.

Basement plumbing also includes floor drains, ejector pumps for basement bathrooms, and backwater valves that stop sewer water from flowing back into the house when city sewers overflow.

The sump pump page below covers repair, replacement, backups and what affects the cost.

When to call a plumber

  • The pump runs constantly or turns on and off rapidly
  • The pump hums but doesn't move water
  • Water in the basement after a storm
  • Rust, loud noise or a pump more than seven years old
  • No backup during storms that knock out power

Choosing the right fix

Repair or replace?

A stuck float switch or a clogged inlet screen is an easy repair. A pump with a worn motor, rust or a cracked housing should be replaced, ideally before the wet season.

Battery backup or water-powered backup

A battery backup runs a second pump when the power fails. Water-powered backups need no battery but use city water pressure, so they don't work on wells or where codes don't allow them.

Backwater valves

If your basement takes on water from the sewer during heavy storms, not just from groundwater, a backwater valve on the sewer line is the fix rather than a bigger sump pump.

Basements & sump pumps questions

How do I test a sump pump?

Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should start, empty the pit and shut off. If it doesn't start, check that it's plugged in and the float can move freely.

Where should a sump pump discharge?

Away from the foundation, typically at least 10 feet, and never into the sanitary sewer where codes prohibit it. Check local rules for where discharge is allowed.

Can a sump pump stop sewer backups?

No. A sump pump moves groundwater. Sewer water backing up through a floor drain needs a backwater valve or a cleared main line.

Other plumbing services

Basements & sump pumps in MinnesotaBasements & sump pumps in North DakotaBasements & sump pumps in South DakotaLeaks, pipes & freezingDrains & sewerWater heatersToilets, faucets & disposalsOutdoor & seasonalGas lines

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