Sump pump services: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What sump pump services is

Sump pump services install, replace or service the pumps that keep a basement or crawlspace from flooding. A sump system includes the pit, the pump, the check valve, the float switch and the discharge line, and a fault in any one of them can let water rise into the house.

Signs you need it

  • The pump runs constantly, or it runs but water still rises in the pit
  • The pump does not turn on when the pit fills, and the float is stuck or missing
  • The pump makes a loud grinding or humming noise when it runs
  • Water is seeping back into the pit after the pump shuts off, which points to a bad check valve
  • The discharge line is frozen, blocked, or drains back toward the foundation

What the pro does

  • Check the pit for debris, sediment and the condition of the liner, and clear the pit so the float can move freely
  • Test the pump by filling the pit and watching the float, the switch and the discharge
  • Check the check valve and replace it if water flows back into the pit after the pump stops
  • Check the discharge line for clogs, sags and freeze points, and clear or re-route the line away from the foundation
  • Install or test a battery backup pump if one is present, and replace the battery when it is past its life
  • Give a written record of the test results and the parts replaced

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Pump type: submersible, pedestal, or a unit with a battery backup each changes the parts and the install
  • Whether the pit must be enlarged, lined or replaced
  • Discharge line length and the route away from the foundation
  • Check valve and float switch condition, and whether they need replacing
  • Battery backup equipment, including the battery, charger and alarm
  • Access to the pit and the discharge, including finished floors or tight crawlspaces

What a written quote should spell out

  • Pump make and model, and the horsepower or rating
  • Check valve, float switch and discharge line, new or reused
  • Battery backup pump and battery, if included
  • Pit condition, and whether the liner or pit is repaired
  • Test results with the fill and the float tested

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the float switch working, and how did you test it?
  • Will the check valve stop water from flowing back into the pit?
  • Where does the discharge line go, and is it away from the foundation?
  • Does the system have a battery backup, and when does the battery need replacing?
  • Will you test the pump with the pit filled?
  • Is the pump sized for the water that enters the pit?

Red flags

  • Pro who installs a pump without a check valve or without a float that moves freely
  • Pro who discharges the pump back into the sewer or a drain without checking the local rules
  • Pro who runs the discharge line toward the foundation or into a low spot
  • Pro who does not test the pump with the pit filled before leaving

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can unplug the pump, then clear the pit of debris, check that the float moves freely, and confirm the discharge line is open. Do not work in a pit with live electrical connections, and do not change the pump's wiring yourself. Call a pro for any pump replacement, any electrical work, or a pit that keeps flooding.

Licenses and permits

Sump pump installation is commonly licensed plumbing work for the drain and discharge, and the electrical connection may need a licensed electrician in some areas. Check with your state or local licensing agency about what applies to your system.

Sump pump services questions

How do I know if my sump pump needs replacing?

A pump that runs constantly, makes grinding noise, or does not start when the pit fills is a candidate. The pro can test the pump and tell you whether it can be repaired or should be replaced.

Why do I need a check valve?

The check valve keeps water from flowing back into the pit after the pump stops. Without it, the pump runs over and over, and it wears out faster.

Is a battery backup pump worth having?

It keeps the pit pumping during a power outage, which is when many floods happen. The battery must be checked and replaced on schedule, or it will not work when needed.

Where should the discharge line go?

Away from the foundation, to a safe discharge point that meets the local rules. The pro should show the route and explain the discharge point before the work starts.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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