What it is
The sump pump moves water from your drain tile out of the house. When it stops, especially during a storm, the basement floods quickly.
A lot of southwest metro homes were built from the 1970s through the 2000s, and many of their original pumps are long past the roughly 7 to 10 years a pump often lasts. If yours has never been replaced, it's worth a look before the next wet season.
Signs you need it
- The pump hasn't been replaced in 10 years or more
- It runs constantly or turns on and off rapidly
- It hums but doesn't move water
- The basin nearly overflows in storms
- No backup for power outages
How the work is done
Inspect the system
Basin, float, check valve and discharge line are checked, including freeze protection outside.
Choose the pump
Sized to how much water comes in; cast-iron submersibles are common.
Add a backup
Battery or water-powered backups keep pumping during outages.
Run a test
The basin is filled so you can see the pump work and the water leave.
What it costs
Compare every service in the cost guide. These are rough ranges; the real price comes after an inspection.
Questions
How often should a sump pump be replaced?
Many last roughly 7 to 10 years, less if they run heavily. Replacing an old pump before it fails is cheaper than cleaning up after.
Where should my pump discharge?
Outside and well away from the foundation, where water drains away. Sending it to the sanitary sewer is generally prohibited.
Do I need a backup if I rarely see water?
If your pump runs during storms at all, a backup is cheap protection against an outage-day flood.
Read more
Related services
- Basement waterproofing: Find where water gets in and stop it for good, from the footing to the window wells.
- Foundation crack repair: Stop leaking cracks and get structural cracks assessed before they get worse.
- Interior drain tile: A perforated pipe at the footing that carries groundwater to the sump.
- Window well drainage and leaks: Drains, covers and sealing for window wells that fill with water and leak inside.
Where we serve
We connect homeowners with contractors across Scott, Carver and southwest Hennepin counties, including Shakopee, Chaska, Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Carver, Prior Lake, Victoria, Minnetonka. See all service areas.