Sump Pump Installation & Repair in Erie, PA

Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Repair

• It runs nonstop, even when it has not rained in days.
• It turns on and off every few seconds, which is called short cycling.
• It does not start when water rises in the pit.
• It hums, rattles or grinds while running.
• You see rust, corrosion or a stuck float switch.
• Water backs up into the pit from the discharge line.

The float switch is the most common failure point. It can get stuck against the side of the pit or tangled in the cord. You can test your pump by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pit. It should start, empty the pit and shut off on its own.

Sump Pump Installation

If your basement has no pit and takes on water, a new sump pump installation usually includes:

• Cutting the concrete floor at the lowest point and digging a pit
• A plastic pit liner with holes or slots to let groundwater in
• The pump itself and a tight-fitting lid to keep debris out and cut down on noise and humidity
• A check valve that keeps pumped water from flowing back into the pit
• A discharge line through the wall to a spot well away from the foundation

A new pit works best when it is fed by drain tile. On its own, it only collects the water that happens to reach that one spot. Many municipalities do not allow sump water to be sent into the sanitary sewer, so the discharge usually goes to the yard or a storm drain. Your contractor should know the local rules.

Sump Pump Replacement

If the pump is old, noisy or keeps failing, replacement often costs little more than repair. Things to discuss with your contractor:

• Submersible or pedestal: submersible pumps sit in the water and are quieter. Pedestal pumps sit above the pit and are easier to service.
• Material: cast iron housings handle heat and heavy use better than plastic ones.
• Capacity: the pump should match how much water your pit takes on during the wettest weeks, not a dry month.
• Switch type: vertical floats are less likely to snag in narrow pits than tethered floats.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

Power outages often happen during the same storms that fill your sump pit. A battery backup sump pump is a second pump, wired to a battery and a charger, that takes over when the power goes out or the main pump fails. Most include an alarm so you know it is running.

How long it runs depends on the battery size and how much water is coming in. Batteries need to be checked and replaced every few years. Water-powered backups are another option for homes on public water, since they run on municipal water pressure instead of a battery. They may require a backflow preventer and are not suited to homes on a private well.

Winter Problems With Discharge Lines

Erie winters can freeze a discharge line that sits on the surface or runs too shallow. When that happens, the pump runs against a blocked line and can burn out. Fixes include burying the line below the frost zone where possible, adding a freeze-relief fitting near the house, and making sure the line slopes so it drains between cycles.