barnes sump pump

If your home has a basement, there’s a pretty good chance it contains a sump pump (or two) and/or an ejector pump. Both of these types of pumps are important components of your home that keep water out of your basement and keep it dry.

Although they both work in similar ways, there are differences between sump pumps and ejector pumps.

Continue reading to learn more or simply reach out to our drain and sewer pros with any questions you might have!

South Suburbs
NW Indiana

How Sump Pumps Work

  • Sump pumps prevent water from entering your home’s foundation. Heavy rains and snowmelt can cause issues, especially if your home sits below the water table line or there are drainage issues around your home. Sump pumps pump groundwater and excess rainwater away from your home’s foundation, preventing water from entering it through cracks or holes in your foundation.
  • Sump pumps work by collecting water from the drain tile system. The water accumulates in the sump pit and once it reaches capacity, the float switch on the pump activates the pump. The accumulated water is then pumped out and away from the home through a discharge pipe.
  • Sump pumps run on electricity. So if your power tends to go out during stormy weather, it’s a good idea to consider installing a battery backup system. Battery backup systems turn on in the event of a power failure that prevents your main electrical pump from running. Although a backup system is an investment, it’s a small price to pay rather than dealing with everything that comes along with a flooded basement. 

If you’re running into problems with your sump pump, be sure to read our blog post or reach out to us!

How Ejector Pumps Work

If you have a bathroom or laundry room on your lower level, you most likely have an ejector pump in your basement as well. While your sump pump works to pump away excess groundwater, ejector pumps work the same way; however, they pump wastewater from the bathroom drains out and away from your home. 

Because lower level bathroom fixtures are located below the level of the main sewer line, and also because the flow of wastewater depends on gravity, a pump is required to elevate the wastewater so it can properly flow out of the home. 

Ejector pumps are installed in a pit that is dug well below the grade of a home. The drain lines of all basement fixtures drain into this pit. When the wastewater in the pit reaches a certain level, the pump turns on and pumps the sewage up to the level of the sewer line where it is then pumped out of the home. This process repeats every time the pit fills. For an average sized home, the pit can usually collect around 30 gallons of wastewater before turning on. Be sure to check out our “All About Ejector Pumps” post to learn more!

Ejector and Sump Pump Experts

Reid & Pederson installs both sump and ejector pumps. If you’re experiencing issues with yours or need to replace your old one, we are always just a phone call away. We can dispatch a technician right away to solve your pump problems for you!

South Suburbs
NW Indiana

LEARN MORE ABOUT EJECTOR & SUMP PUMPS IN CRETE & BEYOND

Check out our other blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

Your sump pump plays an important role in keeping your basement dry. Sump pumps operate by pumping extra groundwater that finds a way near your foundation away from your home during heavy rains or snowmelt, so it is imperative that it remains in optimal condition.

Read on for some common sump pump problems, and what to do about them, or simply give us a call at Reid & Pederson for help!

Read on to learn more about drainage problems or reach out to the Crete sewer and drainage experts at Reid & Pederson today!

South Suburbs
NW Indiana

1. The Switch is Stuck

The most common mechanical problem with sump pumps is usually a stuck switch. The switch usually gets stuck if the pump has somehow shifted in the basin. A quick inspection and adjustment of the pump will usually clear up the issue.

2. The Pump’s Capacity is Too Small

It is important when installing a sump pump that you install one with the correct capacity to pump away the amount of groundwater that comes near your home. A pump with a smaller capacity than what is necessary will overwhelm the pump and lead to flooding.

3. You Haven’t Been Maintaining It

Not maintaining your sump pump can lead to deterioration and faulty operation. It is a good idea to occasionally inspect your pump and turn it off and then back on to ensure it is working properly. 

4. It Wasn’t Installed Correctly

Improper installation of your sump pump can also cause issues. Whether shifting in the basin, dirt or gravel interfering or a missing check valve, it is important to make sure your pump is properly installed, preferably by a professional.

5. It’s Too Old

The average life span of a sump pump is 7 – 10 years. Over time, as your pump ages, it may not work as effectively due to gradual wear and tear. When you begin hearing constant noises or you notice it doesn’t seem to be working as it should be, it may be time to consider investing in a new pump to replace the old one. 

Help From the Sump Pump Experts

With a little maintenance and an occasional inspection of your pump now and then, you can be assured that your sump pump is doing its intended job and preventing a flooded mess in your basement. And if you do need to replace your pump, give us a call at Reid & Pederson Drainage today! We install high quality brand pumps at affordable prices with professional and friendly service.

South Suburbs
NW Indiana

LEARN MORE ABOUT EJECTOR & SUMP PUMPS IN CRETE & BEYOND

Check out our other blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

sewage ejector pump

If you have a bathroom located in your basement, then you most likely have a basement ejector pump, too. The main purpose of basement bathroom plumbing with an ejector pump is to pump wastewater from bathroom drains out and away from your home.

Read on to learn why ejector pumps are a necessary item to have in your home.

How Does a Sewage Ejector Pump Work?

An ejector pump is necessary when the basement of a home contains a bathroom or a laundry room. Because these fixtures are located below the level of the main sewer line, and also because the flow of wastewater depends on gravity, an ejector pump is required to elevate the wastewater so it can flow out of the home properly.

Ejector pumps are installed in a pit that is dug well below the grade of a home. The drain lines from the basement plumbing all lead to the sump pit. When wastewater reaches a certain height, the pump begins pumping the sewage up to the level of the sewer line, where it is then pumped out of the home. This process repeats every time the pit fills. For an average sized home, the pit can usually collect around 30 gallons of wastewater before pumping begins.

Ejector Pump Maintenance is Key

Occasional maintenance checks of your ejector pump will ensure it’s always operating properly. Although you should replace your sewage ejector pump every 7-10 years, these checks can help your pump operate at its peak efficiency and help you avoid sewage ejector pump problems. It’s a good idea to perform the checks below at least seasonally:

  • Check that the pump pit is free of debris that can build up over time
  • Check the pump impeller for debris as this area is quite prone to clogs
  • Tighten any screws, belts or brackets on your pump to ensure top operation
  • Visually inspect your pump for any signs of wear and tear. Naturally, over the years some wear and tear is normal, however, look for broken seals, cracks or anything else that may require repair.
  • Inspect the motor and body very closely for signs of disrepair, and replace them if necessary

Ejector Pump Pros

These quick maintenance checks will not only keep your sewage ejector pump working optimally, they will also keep a mess from happening in your home. If you’re experiencing problems with your ejector (or sump) pumps, give Reid & Pederson a call today. Our skilled technicians will diagnose your problem and repair or replace your ejector pump quickly for you!

South Suburbs
NW Indiana

LEARN MORE ABOUT EJECTOR & SUMP PUMPS IN CRETE & BEYOND

Check out our other blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

How to Find the Right Combination To Prevent Basement Flooding

whole house generator

If your home has a basement, there’s a pretty good chance it has an electric sump pump or two in it. A sump pump operates by mechanically pumping rain and groundwater away from your home so it doesn’t enter your basement and cause flooding. Since sump pumps are usually found tucked away in your basement, they’re usually an “out of sight, out of mind” item that you simply expect to work all of the time. Many homes contain a primary pump which provides pretty good peace of mind during rainy weather.

But what happens during extended periods of heavy rains and stormy weather, especially if your home is prone to losing electricity during bad weather? Without electricity, your primary sump pump will stop working, which can result in a flooded mess in your basement. The best assurance you can give yourself to make sure this never happens is to install a battery backup sump pump system or a whole house generator.

Read on or call the drain and sewer experts at Reid & Pederson for help today!

South Suburbs
NW Indiana

Sump Pump Battery Backups

Let’s take a look at battery backup systems first. What exactly does a battery-powered backup system do? It’s simple – if your primary electric pump fails due to a power outage, the battery-powered pump kicks on, takes over and ejects the water away from your home.

How long can you expect your sump pump battery backup system to keep things dry in the event of a power outage? Well, the answer to this varies depending on how much water enters your sump pit and also on the amount of battery capacity available with the backup system. If your home is situated on a high water table, then your pump will be forced to run more often, causing the battery on the backup system to drain faster than without these conditions.

Sump Pump Backup Installation

When installing a sump pump battery backup, it is very important to make sure that you install one of the correct size and type for your basement and your drainage conditions. Here at Reid & Pederson, we recommend and install the Aquanot brand. Running around $1,800, the cost may seem pricey, but since you want a backup system that will pump the equivalent amount of gallons as your primary one does, this system is a great choice and provides plenty of assurance that the system is doing just that.

Installing just any brand of backup system can lead to wasted money and a false sense of security if in the end it’s not pumping out the same number of gallons that your primary pump does. If you’re unsure of this, give us a call and we will be happy to discuss your situation with you.

Whole House Generators

And for complete peace of mind during power outages? A whole house generator is your answer. A whole home generator turns on immediately after a power outage, leaving you with zero worry that your sump pump will stop working and your basement will flood. A whole house generator is especially useful if your home is prone to losing power because it keeps your entire house running during the outage. All home systems continue to operate and there’s no worries about ruined food in the fridge, stifling heat or a freezing cold home.

Although a home generator can be pricey, running anywhere from $6,000 – $10,000, the peace of mind and money you can possibly save by making the investment is priceless. If you’re considering a whole home generator, we recommend installing two electrical sump pumps alongside it. That way, if your first pump stops working for any reason, the second pump will kick on and you’ll always have a working pump – and the reassurance that your basement will always remain dry.

Sump Pump Repair & Maintenance

While a sump pump is useful in keeping your basement dry, it is important to remember that maintenance is a critical part of keeping it working correctly. There are some simple steps you can take to maintain the operation of your pump such as listening for any strange noises coming from it, replacing the battery on your back up pump every 3-5 years, and going outside of your house to physically take a look and ensure that it is actually doing its job of pumping water away from your home.

If you begin to experience any of these issues or if you suspect any other problems with your sump pump, reach out to us at Reid & Pederson Drainage. Also be sure to check out our “5 Sump Pump Problems & How to Fix Them” blog post!

LEARN MORE ABOUT EJECTOR & SUMP PUMPS IN CRETE & BEYOND

Check out our other blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

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