Common Sump Pump Problems
- Pump won't turn on: Float switch stuck, motor failure, or no power. We diagnose.
- Pump runs constantly: Stuck float, undersized pump, or excessive water infiltration. Sometimes the pit is too small or the inflow is overwhelming the unit.
- Short-cycling (on-off rapidly): Float switch issue, check valve failure, or pit too small.
- Pump runs but no water moves: Air-locked impeller, clogged intake, or impeller failure.
- Loud noise, grinding, or vibration: Bearings failing, debris in impeller, or pump life ending.
- Visible water in crawlspace or basement: Pump not keeping up, pump failed, or no pump installed in a space that needs one.
- Burning smell from the pump: Motor overheating. Shut off power and call.
- Battery backup not working: Battery dead, charger failed, or backup pump itself failed.
Repair vs. Replace
Sump pumps are not expensive to replace and usually 7–10 years old when they start to fail. We replace when:
- The motor is dead or seized
- The pump is over 8 years old and has any failure
- The pump is undersized for current water inflow
- You don't have a battery backup and want one (often added at replacement)
We repair when the issue is a stuck float, a clogged intake, or a check valve — small parts, fast fix, pump otherwise sound.
Sizing & Pump Type
- 1/3 HP: Light to moderate residential use. Standard for many homes.
- 1/2 HP: Recommended for most Pacific Northwest crawlspaces and basements. Heavy rain capacity.
- 3/4 HP+: High inflow situations, deep pits, or longer discharge runs.
Submersible pumps (sit in the pit) are quieter and more efficient. Pedestal pumps (motor above the pit) are easier to service but louder. Most modern installs are submersible.
Battery Backup — Why It Matters Here
Pacific Northwest weather. Storms knock out power right when the pump is needed most — during heavy rain. A battery backup pump runs on its own 12V battery when grid power is out. Without one, a power outage during a storm can mean a flooded crawlspace within hours. We strongly recommend battery backup as part of any sump pump replacement.
What's Included in an Install
- Old pump removal and disposal
- Pit clean-out (sediment that's accumulated)
- New pump correctly sized to inflow and discharge requirements
- New check valve (critical — without it, water flows back into the pit each cycle)
- New discharge piping where needed
- Battery backup pump and battery (when ordered)
- Test cycle to confirm proper operation
- Walk you through monitoring and basic maintenance
Crawlspace vs. Basement
Crawlspace pumps are very common in Pierce and South King County. The pit is typically smaller, the pump is harder to service (low ceiling, tight access), and water management often involves managing groundwater that infiltrates through the perimeter. We work in crawlspaces routinely — tight access doesn't slow us down.
What's Included — and What's Not
We repair and replace sump pumps, discharge piping, check valves, floats, and battery backup systems. Major drainage design, foundation waterproofing, excavation, vapor barrier replacement, insulation, mold remediation, and crawlspace restoration are separate scopes unless specifically included in writing. If your situation needs more than the pump itself can solve, we tell you and point you toward the right trade.
What It Costs
Pump replacement is flat-rate by job and depends on size, brand, and whether battery backup is included. New installations (where no pump exists yet) include pit creation, discharge plumbing, and electrical considerations. We quote total cost up front. Free estimate. No trip charge.