Sump Pumps Archives | Reid & Pederson Drainage

NW Indiana

Choose the Right Sump Pump for Your Home

Not all sump pumps are the same and require some consideration before selecting the right one for your home. Some sump pumps have cast-iron pumps and are more durable than plastic options. The intake design of sump pumps can differ to minimize clogs. But perhaps most important is the size. A sump pump that’s too large will work harder and shorten its lifespan.

Keep an Eye On Your Sump Pump Pit

Your sump pump pit is where the excess water will flow. When it works correctly, it helps collect and move water to avoid damage to your home. However, it’s crucial to ensure the sump pump pit stays clear of blockages, including debris and buildup from previous storms.

Check Your Float Switch

When water fills the pit, it will eventually trigger a float switch or sensors that will automate your sump pump to start working. It will also turn itself off when the water level resumes a specific level. If you’re trying to install a sump pump yourself, it’s important that there be enough room for the float switch to move up and down.

Understand Where to Place the Discharge Location

Sump pumps discharge their water onto property that’s away from your foundation. Ideally, it’s located in an area that slopes away from your home and into a city storm drain system. Where to place the discharge line of your sump pump is an important part of the installation process. The discharge line from your pump should be placed at least 20 feet away from the home and in a safe spot. Otherwise, it could be too close to your home and cause damage to your foundation.

Watch Out for Freezing Discharge Line

The discharge line is crucial to safely carrying water away from your home. But they can also freeze during the winter months. It could prevent the pump from pushing water out and ultimately cause flooding. Insulating your discharge line can help avoid freezing and keep your sump pump working efficiently to protect your home.

Periodically Test Your Sump Pump

Once your sump pump is installed in Crete, it’s vital to periodically test your pump. You can pour water directly into your sump pump to activate the pump and see how everything is working. Remember to occasionally test your back-up battery supply or generator and swap out your batteries once a year.

Schedule Regular Sump Pump Maintenance

Just like your appliances and HVAC, your sump pump also needs periodic maintenance. Call the team at Reid & Pederson to test, maintain, and clean-up your sump pump. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your pump and stay ahead of any problems. We can help stop small issues with your pump before they get out of control.

Replace Your Sump Pump Every 7 to 10 Years

Maintenance can extend how long your sump pump lasts, but it will need to be replaced eventually. A pump will usually last about 7 to 10 years, but it could last a few extra years if it’s well-maintained. Regular maintenance visits can help keep an eye on your pump and alert you when it’s time to replace your sump pump.

Call Reid & Pederson for Sump Pump Installation in Crete, IL

Don’t wait for the next storm to hit; protect your home with the help of a sump pump in Crete, IL. Trust the team at Reid & Pederson to assess your situation, make recommendations, and talk through your options with upfront pricing. We’re your one-stop solution for sump pump installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance.

Call our sump pump specialists today for an appointment!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

Learn More About Ejector & Sump Pumps in Crete & Beyond

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

May 22, 2024

By witseo

When a flood hits and floods your basement, you could end up with everything from foundation damage to mold and mildew problems.

Don’t get caught unprepared! A simple sump pump in Crete, IL plays a crucial role in flood prevention and safety.

Learn more about the benefits of sump pumps and how they protect your most valuable asset by reading below or giving us a call at Reid & Pederson Drainage!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

Collects Water and Avoids Damage

When the rains pick up and the flood water washes into your home, your sump pump gets right to work. It collects water that accumulates around your foundation. Water enters through drains and the sump pump pit to prevent it from seeping into your crawl space, basement, or other areas of your home.

Pumps Water Away From Your Home

When water enters your sump pump pit, the float switch or sensors detect the rising water levels. After it reaches a specified level, your sump pump will automatically activate and start pumping water away from your home to prevent further damage. It’s important to test your sump pump periodically and make sure the sensors and float switches are working appropriately.

Keeps Your Foundation Safe

When the water pours into your sump pump pit, it still needs to move water away from your foundation. Otherwise, it could end up washing back into your basement or other areas. The sump pump’s discharge water system should redirect the water to a storm drain or other area that keeps your home safe.

Works When the Power Goes Out

If the power goes out during a storm, is your sump pump protected? You need a backup power supply, such as a generator or battery. It should automatically kick in to keep your sump pump working efficiently. It’s a good idea to occasionally test your batteries and change them about once a year.

Avoids Disaster By Maintaining Your Sump Pump

Just like other appliances in your home, sump pumps also need occasional maintenance and testing. To keep everything clean, move debris away from your sump pump pit and discharge system. You can also pour water into the pump to test that it starts working the way it should.

Prevents Mold and Mildew

Don’t leave your home’s health and safety up to chance. Once mold and mildew start to grow, it’s difficult to get rid of and can negatively impact your health. Keep your sump pump in good working order to avoid mold and mildew in your basement, crawl spaces, and other areas of your home.

Avoids Structural Issues

When your sump pump isn’t working or falls into disarray, you could end up with structural issues around your foundation. When the pump carries away water from your foundation, it creates a safeguard for your home.

Saves Money on Flood Damage

When your home floods, the damage is costly. Water can easily damage flooring, foundations, electronics, appliances, and more, resulting in costly repairs. A sump pump keeps your valuables dry and safe, but it can also save money in other ways. Many homeowner’s insurance policies will offer discounts if you have a sump pump, lowering your bills in the process.

Call Reid & Pederson for Sump Pump Installation in Crete, IL

Don’t wait for the next storm to hit; protect your home with the help of a sump pump in Crete, IL. Call the team at Reid & Pederson to assess your situation, make recommendations, and talk through your options with upfront pricing. We’re your one-stop solution for sump pump installation, replacement, repair, and maintenance!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

Learn More About Ejector & Sump Pumps in Crete & Beyond

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

May 22, 2024

By witseo

Whether it’s the height of spring storms in Crete, IL, or a dry summer day, you want to know your sump pump is always ready to work when you need it the most.

homeowner inspecting their sump pump in a basement.

Don’t wait until a storm hits to find out your sump pump isn’t working! Instead, reach out to the pros at Reid and Pederson Drainage or simply read There are preventative sump pump maintenance tips you can follow to make the most of your investment.

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

1) Test Your Sump Pump

You can periodically test the pump to check its status by pouring some water into your sump pump. Once it’s filled, watch to see if it starts automatically. If it doesn’t work and the power source is in working order, you have a problem and need sump pump repair. Call the experts at Reid & Pederson to schedule your sump pump repair before the next storm hits.

2) Clean Up the Sump Pump Pit

Once you’ve determined that the sump pump is working, it’s time to clean up the pit. Turn off the power source to your pit and remove any debris, dirt, and blockages from the pit. You should also make sure no one is using appliances, like a washing machine, that might drain into the sump. You can use a garden hose to rinse out the pit. and rinse it thoroughly. To get everything dried out, use a wet vac to finish up your cleaning.

3) Inspect the Discharge Line

Part of good sump pump maintenance is checking out the discharge line. A blocked discharge line can cause your water to drain slowly. Make sure to inspect your pipes and remove any obvious blockages. If possible, try to clean out any obvious blockages to get the water draining properly again.

4) Check the Power Source

If your sump pump worked during the test, then you already know the power source works. You can also visibly inspect the cord for any wear and tear. However, if you can’t get your power source to work, there may be a problem with your circuit breaker. Check your fuse box to make sure everything is in good working order.

5) Check for Worn Parts

While you’re inspecting the power source and cord, go ahead and do a visible inspection of any worn parts. Look for any obvious damage to the equipment and pit. Just like any other piece of equipment or appliance, a sump pump has a lifespan. If your sump pump is 10 years of age or older, you may need to replace it. Reid & Pederson’s team can either install a new sump pump or provide guidance on its repairability.

6) Install a Battery Backup

Sump pumps are most often used during a weather emergency. However, you’re also more likely to experience a power outage during a storm. When heavy rains roll in and cause flooding in your basement, you want to ensure your sump pump will work every time. If you don’t have a home generator, make sure your sump pump is hooked up to a battery backup to keep it working when you need it the most.

7) Stay Alert to the Warning Signs

There are usually red flags before a sump pump fails. You may hear loud, unusual noises, constant vibrating, infrequent usage, and visible rust. It’s also not a good sign if your sump pump is continuously running.

8) Schedule Professional Sump Pump Maintenance

Taking care of your sump pump is a good preventative step but you shouldn’t replace the periodic maintenance. The team at Reid & Pederson can test and maintain your sump pump to ensure everything is in good working order. Sump pump maintenance also helps you stay ahead of potentially costly repairs or a premature replacement of your sump pump.

Call Reid & Pederson for Sump Pump Service in Crete, IL

Safeguard your home and your peace of mind with our comprehensive sump pump service. Reid & Pederson will come over and assess your situation, make recommendations, and talk through the plan with upfront pricing.

Don’t wait for a storm to hit. Call our sump pump specialists today for an appointment!

South Suburbs

NW Indiana

Learn More About Ejector & Sump Pumps in Crete & Beyond

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

October 26, 2022

By witseo

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!

May 5, 2022

By witadmin

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!

June 20, 2021

By witadmin

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