Plumbing service
Sump pump repair and installation
Short answer
A sump pump removes groundwater that collects in a pit in the basement or crawl space and discharges it away from the house. Most failures come from a stuck float switch, power loss during storms, a clogged intake, a frozen or blocked discharge line, or an old motor. Test the pump before the wet season, and consider a backup pump.
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Sump Pump Repair and Installation at a glance
- Test
- Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit; the pump should start and empty it.
- Types
- Submersible (quieter, in the pit) or pedestal (motor above the pit, easier to service).
- Backup
- Battery or water-powered backup covers power outages and primary pump failure.
- Discharge
- Away from the foundation, never into the sanitary sewer where prohibited.
Why sump pumps fail
| Cause | Sign | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Float stuck | Pit fills, pump doesn't start | Free the float; reposition the pump |
| Power outage | Storm, no power, flooding | Battery or water-powered backup |
| Clogged intake | Pump runs but water stays | Clean the screen and pit |
| Check valve failure | Pump cycles as water flows back | Replace the check valve |
| Frozen or blocked discharge | Pump runs, nothing exits | Clear the line; add a freeze-protection outlet |
| Worn motor | Loud, slow or overheating | Replace the pump |
Choosing a replacement
- Match or exceed the old pump's capacity for the height the water has to be lifted.
- A vertical or tethered float that suits your pit size.
- A new check valve and, where required, a secured, properly sized discharge pipe.
- A dedicated outlet or circuit; many plumbers suggest a high-water alarm.
Backup options
A battery backup pump sits alongside the primary pump and runs when power fails or the primary can't keep up. A water-powered backup uses municipal water pressure to eject water without electricity; it needs city water and a backflow preventer. Where basements flood during storms, and storms knock out power, a backup is often worth having.
What affects the cost
- Pump type and capacity
- Adding a battery or water-powered backup
- Replacing the check valve and discharge piping
- A new pit and basin where there isn't one, which involves cutting the floor
- Electrical work for a dedicated circuit and alarm
We don't publish prices; they vary by market. Get a written quote first.
Problems that lead to sump pump repair and installation
Common questions
How long do sump pumps last?
It depends on the pump's quality and how often it runs. Pumps in homes with high water tables work harder and wear sooner, which is one more reason to test regularly and keep a backup.
How often should I test my sump pump?
Before each wet season at minimum, and every few months if it runs often. Pour water into the pit and confirm it starts, empties the pit and shuts off.
Can a sump pump drain into the sewer?
Many municipalities prohibit connecting sump pumps to the sanitary sewer because it overloads treatment systems. Check local rules.