Sump Pump Installation & Repair
What official sources say about sump pump installation & repair, and how to reach a local plumber by phone.
Safety first
Wayne manual advises to always disconnect the pump from power supply before installing, servicing or making any adjustments.
Wayne manual advises to never handle a pump or motor with wet hands or when standing on a wet or damp floor while the pump is plugged into the power supply.
Wayne manual advises for added safety the receptacle must be protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Signs to look for
If the pump sounds like it is pumping gravel or the float is sluggish, then you may need a new pump or float.
Wayne manual says in damp areas, GFCI breakers may trip, effectively shutting off the sump pump.
Why it happens
A common cause of pump failure is damaged or rusted bearings in the motor.
Another common problem is the float switch doesn't make good electrical contact and turns on slowly or not at all.
Your options
Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in water and sit on the bottom of the sump.
Sump pumps are available in two basic models: upright and submersible.
Because of power outages or sump pump failure, many houses have additional protection in the form of an electric backup sump pump.
If the homeowner is new and not familiar with sump pumps, now is a good time to call a licensed plumber, Scherer says.
Safe steps you can take
Remove the lid if the sump has one and use a flashlight to check that the sump does not contain any material that can plug the pump.
Briefly running a pump when it is dry will not do any damage.
To check the pump's operation, first make sure the discharge pipe on the outside of the house is not plugged and that it directs water away from the house.
You also can check the pump's operation by pouring water into the sump until the float turns the pump on.
How to choose a plumber
Advice from consumer protection agencies:
In Illinois, homeowners should request an estimate of the cost of work to be done and compare it to estimates from at least two other contractors.
In Illinois, homeowners should find out if complaints have been filed against the contractor by contacting the Attorney General's office, Better Business Bureau and local Chamber of Commerce.
In Texas, even with a reputable business and a sound written contract in place, you should not pay in full until the work is complete and you have inspected it yourself and found it satisfactory.
In Texas, homeowners should make sure everything promised to you is in the written contract.
In Illinois, plumbers are regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health and must be licensed by the IDPH to engage in business in Illinois.
If your state or locality has licensing laws, make sure the contractor's license is current.
Once you have narrowed your options, get written estimates from several firms.
Questions homeowners ask
What causes a sump pump to fail?
A common cause of pump failure is damaged or rusted bearings in the motor.
How can a homeowner test a sump pump?
You also can check the pump's operation by pouring water into the sump until the float turns the pump on.
Related plumbing services
Sources
- Home Repair and Construction: How to Choose a Contractor - Illinois Attorney General
- Check Your Sump Pump — Extension and Ag Research News - North Dakota State University Extension (2020)
- Hiring a Contractor | Federal Trade Commission - Federal Trade Commission (2014)
- Sump Pumps | NDSU Agriculture - North Dakota State University Extension
- How to Avoid Home Improvement Scams | Office of the Attorney General - Texas Attorney General
- HALO50 Smart Submersible Sump Pump Installation Manual - Wayne Water Systems (2024)