Sump Pumps

What Is a Sump Pump?

How does a sump pump work?

Your sump pump can be found at the lowest point of the property, usually in the crawlspace or the basement. The pump will be installed in a basin / sump pit. Water will flow and accumilate into this pit naturally and through drain tiles. The pump will work to push water out of the pit and away from the property. Often, the disposal pipe will have a one-way valve called a check valve to keep water from flowing backwards. Sump pumps help keep your basement dry and protect the infrastructure of the building.

A majority of sump pumps will activate automatically through a float sensor or a pressure sensor. A float sensor has a buoyant switch that when lifted above a certain level activates the pump. As the float arms goes down with the water, it in turn, powers off the pump when the basin is empty. A pressure switch is activated by the increase in pressure by water displacing oxygen in the basin. As the water fills the basin, pressure increases and the sump pump is activated. The pump discharges the water and the pressure decreases turning the pump off again. Manual pumps are avaiable but are only used in rare circumstances.

Sump Pump Repair / Replacement

Prevention Is The Best Flood Control Method

Sump pumps typically fail because of power outages, age, or bad switches. Unfortunately, a failing pump doesn’t give much of a warning before it goes. Chances are the pump will go out when you need it most, during a heavy rainstorm. Fortunately, technology is here to help with battery backup sump pump systems. 

Signs of sump pump failure include:

• Strange noises

• Excessive vibrating

• Constant running

• Irregular cycling

• Motor failure

• Visible rust

• Seven years or older

• Frequent power outages

Sump Pump Repair | Elk Grove Village, IL 

Elk Grove Village Plumbing repairs and replaces sump pumps for homes and businesses throughout the Northwestern Suburbs. We understand that when a sump pump goes out it’s a real emergency. That’s why we keep our trucks fully stocked and ready for anything nature throws at us. If your sump pump isn’t turning on, water is backing up or you’re having flood issues, give Elk Grove Village Plumbing a call. We usually respond to inquiries within 10 minutes and we provide same day service.