Sump pump repair and installation in Aurora, CO

A sump system has a pit set into the basement floor, a pump with a float switch, a discharge pipe, a check valve and an outdoor outlet. Drain tile around the foundation feeds groundwater into the pit. When the water rises, the float turns the pump on, and the pump pushes water up and out of the house.

Every part matters. A worn float won't start the pump, a failed check valve lets water fall back into the pit, and a discharge line that's buried, frozen or too short can send water right back toward the foundation. When we troubleshoot, we check the whole chain rather than replacing the pump and hoping that fixes it.

Heavy storms often bring power outages at the very time a sump pump is needed most. A battery backup pump sits in the same pit and takes over automatically when the main pump loses power or can't keep up. It also kicks in if the primary pump fails mechanically, which gives you a second line of defense.

Backup systems include a charger and an alarm that warns you when the battery runs low or the backup is running. Battery life depends on its size and the inflow rate. For homes with finished basements, we usually recommend a backup, since the cost of replacing carpet, drywall and furniture is far higher than the system.

Test your sump pump a few times a year by slowly pouring a bucket of water into the pit until the float lifts. The pump should start, empty the pit and shut off cleanly. If it doesn't, call before the next storm. Check that the cord is plugged into a working outlet and that nothing in the pit blocks the float.

Outside, make sure the discharge outlet points away from the foundation and isn't buried under snow, mulch or ice. In winter, a frozen discharge line can stop water from leaving the house. Clean the inlet screen and remove sediment or gravel from the pit occasionally. These small steps catch most problems before they cause flooding.