Sump Pumps

You need a sump pump if you experience flooding and leaking in your basement or crawlspace. 

At M&E Plumbing, we can assist you with installing and replacing your sump pump. We can also help you take care of your sump pump by performing an annual maintenance check.

A submersible sump pump is designed to be fully submerged inside of your sump pit. It doesn’t stick out in your basement and can be tucked away out of sight. 

A submersible sump pump is very powerful and great for homes prone to flooding. It works great at filtering out debris, creating a clog-free system. They can be harder to service and replace because they are completely submerged. 

Submersible sump pumps have a life expectancy of 5 to 10 years and tend to cost more than other sump pump options. 

With a pedestal sump pump, the pump motor is raised far above the sump pump on an extension shaft. The extension shaft allows the motor access to the water. Due to its design, it is highly visible and also noisy, as the motor is exposed. 

A pedestal sump pump makes it easy to access and take care of the motor. In fact, pedestal sump pumps can last between 25 to 30 years, much longer than other options.

Most sump pumps depend on electricity, so if the power goes out, they will not work. If you live in an area with lots of power outages, you need a sump pump with an alternate power source. 

A water-powered sump pump uses water pressure from your municipal water source to create a vacuum that sucks the water out. It doesn’t have a pump, so it tends to last for a long time. 

A water-powered sump pump will not work with a well water setup; it will only work if you are connected to a city water source. Also, they are not as powerful as other types of sump pumps, but they get the job done.

A battery-backup sump pump doesn’t rely on electricity; it relies on a battery that is located inside the case. The biggest advantage of this pump is that it will always work, even if the power goes down. 

They don’t have as much suction power as other types of pumps and should be used together with another sump pump option. 

One of the best types of pumps is a combination sump pump. It uses electricity and has a battery backup, so your basement is always protected from flood water. These types of pumps are more expensive but always work when you need them. 

A combination sump pump is larger than a typical sump pump and requires a bigger pit or basin.

Your sump pump helps keep your basement from turning into an indoor pool when it rains. It protects your home from flooding and expensive water damage. 

You know what your sump pump sounds like when it is running properly. If it starts to make strange noises, such as grinding or rattling sounds, that generally means it has damaged or jammed up parts and is ready to be replaced.

Sump pump vibrations occur when the impeller gets damaged and bent. A damaged impeller can make your entire sump pump vibrate when it operates. When the impeller is damaged, it is time for a new pump.

A sump pump shouldn’t run for too long. If your sump pump is running for too long, you don’t have enough horsepower to support your pumping needs. Work with a plumber to figure out the right sump pump size for your home or business. 

When it rains, your sump pump should work, but it shouldn’t cycle on and off excessively. There may be a shortage in the electrical system, a wiring malfunction, or your system may need to be replaced.

If you don’t use your pump often enough, its efficiency can be reduced. Test your sump pump between regular heavy rainfalls to ensure it is working properly. 

Sump pumps last around 10-12 years. Before your sump pump gives out, it will give you signs that it needs to be replaced. Pay attention to these signs and replace your sump pump before it stops working. 

You should engage in light quarterly maintenance of your sump pump and more in-depth yearly maintenance.

There are a few tasks that you should undertake quarterly to keep your sump pump operating correctly. 

• Unplug the pump and empty any water in the basin.
• Remove any debris in the basin.
• Make sure the sump pump inlet screen is clear and unobstructed.
• Plug the pump back in, pour five gallons of water into the pump, and verify that the float switch turns on and off correctly.

With a sump pump, you should also complete annual maintenance tasks. 

• Unplug the pump and remove it from the basin
• Examine the pump for rust and corrosion. 
• Clean the pump inlet screen
• Lubricate the pump’s bearing with the oil or grease recommended in the owner’s manual. Pumps with sealed bearings don’t need to be lubricated. 
• Clean any debris from the sump basin
• Test the function of the float switch with five gallons of water. 
• Check the pump discharge pipe. Ensure it isn’t obstructed. 
• Check the drain and ensure it doesn’t contain residual water.

M&E Plumber is glad to complete your annual maintenance tasks for you! 

Give us a call to schedule your sump pump annual maintenance today. We can also let you know if your sump pump needs replacing.

M&E Plumbing provides sump pump services to Grundy, Kendall, & Will Counties. We can help install, replace, and maintain your sump pump. 

Give us a call at 815-600-9215, or use our service request form to arrange a service call.