A sump pump moves groundwater out of the pit before it reaches your floor. When it fails during heavy rain, water rises quickly. If the pit is full and the pump is silent, call (440) 468-0237.
We answer 24/7 for sump pump emergencies. While you wait, move belongings off the floor and, if you can do it safely, bail or use a wet vacuum. Do not stand in water near electrical outlets.
When a sump pump failure is an emergency
The danger is rising water. These signs mean act now.
- The pit is full and the pump does not start.
- The pump runs but water does not leave, or it runs constantly without lowering the level.
- The power is out during a storm and there is no battery backup.
- The float is stuck or the check valve is chattering.
Check that the pump is plugged in and that the breaker has not tripped. A GFCI outlet that tripped is a common culprit. If those are fine, call the 24/7 line.
Why North Olmsted basements need working pumps
On May 12, 2014, a flash flood put nearly 1,000 homes under water across Olmsted Falls, North Olmsted and Westlake, according to the National Weather Service. Residents also reported water coming up through basement drains in 2020.
A pump does not stop sewer backup, but it handles groundwater. Pairing a reliable pump with a backwater valve on the sanitary line addresses both. See sewer line cleaning for the sanitary side.
What the city requires of sump pumps
Ordinance 1339.01 requires a secure cover on the sump pit. The city also bars storm water connections to the sanitary sewer, and its backwater valve application asks where your sump pump discharges, front, rear, side or street storm sewer.
If the city issues a notice, a registered plumber must perform a dye test of every downspout, sump pump, French drain and footer tile. We make sure the discharge goes outside, not into the sanitary line.
Pedestal, submersible and backup options
| Type | Strength | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible | Quiet, handles debris, sits in the pit | Harder to service |
| Pedestal | Motor above the pit, easy to service | Louder, shorter life in some cases |
| Battery backup | Runs when power fails | Needs battery maintenance |
| Water-powered backup | No battery | Needs adequate water pressure and discharges city water |
We recommend by pit size, flow and your history. A single pump with a battery backup covers many homes.
Sewage ejector pumps are different
If a basement bathroom uses an ejector pump, that pump moves sewage, not groundwater. It needs a sealed pit and a vent and a different maintenance plan.
If you smell sewage near a basement bath, tell us. Related drainage questions are covered on basement waterproofing.
Downspouts, grading and drain tile
A pump works harder when roof water and grading send water toward the house. The city has a chapter on grading and surface water drainage, and downspouts should discharge away from the foundation, not into the sanitary sewer.
We check the discharge line, the check valve and the outside outlet. If it ends too close to the house, water cycles back into the pit.
What to do before we arrive when the pump fails
- Check that the pump is plugged into a working outlet and the breaker has not tripped.
- Lift the float by hand to see if the pump starts. Unplug it first if the water is deep.
- Bail or wet-vac only if the floor is dry and you are not standing in water near electrical outlets.
- Move stored items off the floor and photograph the water line for your insurer.
- Keep the cover on the pit in place once you are done, as the city code requires.
What affects the price of sump pump work
What drives the cost of sump pump service
The price is explained in plain terms before a single part is installed. Pump replacement costs less than a new pit and drain tile. Water damage from pump failure is often excluded from standard homeowners policies unless a sump endorsement was added. Have a question about cost? Call (440) 468-0237.
Pit full and pump silent?
Call the 24/7 line. A technician can plan the replacement while you protect belongings.
Questions about sump pump installation and repair
Yes. The line at (440) 468-0237 is open 24/7, and storm-night pump failures get priority.
Many last about 7 to 10 years, depending on use. A pump that runs constantly may wear out sooner.
If your basement floods in storms that also cut power, yes. A backup runs the pump for hours on a charged battery.
No. North Olmsted prohibits storm water connections to the sanitary sewer.
North Olmsted code requires a proper, secure cover on the pit.
A failed check valve, frozen or blocked discharge, or an impeller problem can cause that.
Still unsure what you need? Call (440) 468-0237 and describe what you are seeing.