Tag Archives: sump pump services

Jun '23

How Much Does a Sump Pump Installation Cost in Chicago?

When it comes to protecting your basement from water damage, a sump pump is an essential piece of equipment. A sump pump is a specifically designed pump that is installed in a basement or crawl space to prevent flooding and water damage to your home. Located in a pit, the sump pump will automatically turn on and pump water from the pit and away from your home.

If you live in Chicago, you might be wondering how much it will cost to install a sump pump. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, this article will provide you with an estimation of the installation cost, factors that impact the cost, and things to consider before you install a sump pump.

Factors Affecting the Installation Cost of a Sump Pump in Chicago

The cost of a sump pump installation in Chicago is determined by several factors. Here are some of these factors:

The Type of Sump Pump

There are several types of sump pumps available in the market, and each type has its price range. For instance, a submersible sump pump, which is installed underground in a sump pit, is more expensive than a pedestal pump that sits above the sump pit. The type of pump you choose, therefore, plays a significant role in the installation cost.

The Size of Your Basement

The larger the basement, the more expensive it will be to install a sump pump. The reason is that larger basements require bigger sump pumps to pump the water out.

The Depth of the Sump Pit

The depth of the sump pit also affects the installation cost. A deeper sump pit will require a more expensive pump and more labor hours to install.

The Type of Discharge System

The discharge system is an essential part of the sump pump installation. It ensures that the water is pumped away from your home and into the storm drain or a designated drainage area. If you opt for a more complex discharge system, the installation cost will be higher.

The Complexity of Installation

If the installation requires cutting through concrete floors, the cost of installation will be higher. An experienced plumber will charge you more if they have to remove obstacles like pipes, HVAC equipment, storage units, or electrical work to install the sump pump.

How Much Does a Sump Pump Installation Cost in Chicago?

The cost of installing a sump pump in Chicago ranges from $800 to $3,000, with the average cost being $1,500. The cost of installation is determined by the factors listed above.

The Type of Sump Pump

A pedestal pump is cheaper than a submersible sump pump. On average, a pedestal pump costs between $100 and $200, while a submersible sump pump costs between $200 and $600.

The Size of Your Basement

The larger your basement, the larger the sump pump will be. On average, a sump pump for a small basement costs between $150 and $400, while a sump pump for a larger basement costs between $400 and $600.

The Depth of the Sump Pit

The deeper the sump pit, the more expensive the sump pump will be. A sump pump for a shallow pit costs between $200 and $400, while a sump pump for a deep basement pit costs $400 or more.

The Type of Discharge System

The discharge system consists of a pipe that directs water to a designated drainage area or the storm drain. Simple discharge systems cost between $50 and $200, while more complex systems that require digging or additional piping can cost between $500 and $2,000.

The Complexity of Installation

The cost of installation depends on how complex the installation is. If the installation requires cutting through concrete, the cost will be higher. On average, sump pump installation costs between $300 and $1,000.

Should You Install a Sump Pump?

If you live in Chicago, where heavy rains and snowmelt can cause frequent basement flooding, installing a sump pump is a great idea. A sump pump can save you thousands of dollars in water damage, as well as prevent mold and mildew growth.

Before you install a sump pump, there are a few things to consider:

Your Home Insurance Policy

Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover flooding, while others do not. Before installing a sump pump, check your existing insurance policy to see if you are covered for water damage.

The Condition of Your Foundation

If there are any cracks or damages to your foundation, installing a sump pump may not be enough to prevent flooding. Before you install a sump pump, make sure your foundation is in good shape.

The Cost of Maintenance

Like any other mechanical device, a sump pump requires maintenance, such as periodic cleaning and replacing worn-out parts. Before you install a sump pump, factor in the cost of maintenance.

Conclusion

A sump pump is an invaluable tool in preventing basement flooding and water damage. While the installation cost for a sump pump in Chicago varies, it is necessary to determine the type of sump pump, the size of your basement, the depth of the sump pit, the type of discharge system, and the complexity of installation. Before installing a sump pump, check your home insurance policy, inspect your foundation, and factor in the cost of maintenance.

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Interested in having a new sump pump installed or your current sump pump replaced in Chicagoland? We offer free estimates and can be reached at 773-599-9181 or you can fill out the form below.

Sep '22

Tips to Make Sure Your Sump Pump is Ready for Fall and Winter

If your home has a sump pump, you probably know how valuable it is for protecting your home from a flood. The sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding in the basement. Without it, you would live in perpetual fear of flooding your basement.

But beyond this, the sump pump also protects the foundation by keeping water out of the base of your building. This helps to preserve the structural integrity of your house, explains Best Rental Services. Because of the critical role of the sump pump, it is vital to know how to maintain it.

Sump pumps are not always in operation; your home may go for months or an entire year without the sump pump ever being called into action. But the sump pump may be needed in early spring when there is snowmelt or in summer when there is heavy rainfall.

When the sump pump is needed, you want to be sure that it stands ready to serve. A lot of the flooding in homes could have been avoided if the homeowner had taken steps to ensure that their sump pump was working.

The presence of a sump pump in your basement does not mean your home is protected from flooding. You must check to see if the system is working as it should. This step will save you from stress and help prevent unnecessary damage to your home.

Tips to keep your sump pump ready

A typical sump pump has the following features:

A sump pit where the components of the sump pump sit. The sump is simply a tank for holding water. The sides and bottom of the sump pits are made of concrete, and on top is a plastic layer to make the sump waterproof.
A submersible water pump that is driven electrically. This will have an electric cord connecting it to a power outlet on the wall. You want to make sure this electric circuit is protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) to prevent electrocution.
A drainpipe through which the water outside the home enters the sump pit. The drainpipe collects moisture from the footing drains around the house and sends it to the sump, keeping water from building up and finding its way into the home.
A discharge pipe goes from the sump pit to the roof or wall of the basement and exits outside the house. It is connected to another line that opens to the city sewers or a location on the property where water can be discharged safely.
Inside the discharge pipe is a check valve that only allows water to move upwards. The check valve contains a flap that closes when water tries to flow backward. It keeps the water trapped inside the discharge pipe out of the sump.

Here are the steps for testing your sump pump and keeping it ready:

Before testing the sump pump, make sure you clean your sump pit. Debris can get into the pit from the drainpipe or the sump pump cover. If debris is left in the pit, it can clog the pump or interfere with the operation of the float and switch.
Pour water into the sump pit using a garden hose or a 5-gallon bucket. Whichever method you use, you want to pour the water slowly so that you can observe the movement of the float. Ensure the water goes directly to the bottom of the pit and not to the pump.
Watch as the water level goes up to ensure the float rises smoothly. The float should rise steadily until it is high enough to push the switch, and the pump should come on without faltering. Many sump pump failures and sump pump repairs happen because of failed controls.
When the switch trips and the pump come on, listen to the operation of the pump. There should be no squealing or unusual sounds from the pump. If your pump does not operate smoothly or does not turn on at all, you may need to repair or replace the sump pump entirely.
Keep listening to the pump until it shuts off. The pump should shut itself off when the water level falls low enough. You have a problem if the pump does not turn off after the water level is low and the float is not pushing against the switch.
Finally, as the pump shuts off and the water inside the discharge pipe attempts to flow backward, you should hear the check valve closing inside the discharge pipe. If you don’t hear this sound, you may see water trickling back into the pit.
Repeat the steps above to be sure you did not miss anything and that your sump pump is okay.

Jun '22

Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

The sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding in your home’s basement and the costly repairs that can follow such incidents. But for a sump pump to do what it is designed to do, you need to always ensure that it is working as it should.

Sump pump malfunctions don’t happen frequently but when they do, the problem is often not discovered until it is too late. As KRS Holdings warns, homeowners typically get to realize that the sump pump has failed after their home is unexpectedly flooded.

The financial and emotional toll of dealing with flooding in your home is nothing compared to the effort it takes to make sure your sump pump is working. To protect your precious home and its valuable content, you should know how to maintain your sump pump.

How does a sump pump work and how can you prevent sump pump failures that expose your home to flood damage? This maintenance checklist explains everything you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises from your sump pump.

How a sump pump works

The sump pump prevents flood damage to those parts of your home that are below ground. A sump pump automatically removes water that finds its way into the basement or parts of the home that are below ground. It reduces the risk of water damage by runoff or snowmelt.

The sump pump sits inside a basin or sump; a pit that is usually 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide. This pit collects any water that enters the basement area and when the water reaches a certain level a floating switch inside the sump triggers the sump pump.

The water is then pumped out of the basin to a location outside the home where it will not endanger the house. Once the basin is empty or the water inside it reaches a certain level, the pump switches off. This entire process happens without the homeowner’s involvement.

But sometimes the sump pump will fail. Sump pump failures may be due to disruption of power supply, the pump becoming clogged with debris, or its internal components malfunctioning. Periodic inspections help you catch sump pump failures before they result in disaster.

A sump pump maintenance checklist

Check the power supply

Ideally, the sump pump should be on an independent circuit. Check the sump pump power cord every quarter to see if it is connected. If there is a power outage during a storm, check the sump power supply when the electricity supply is restored.

Make sure the pump is level

It is normal for the motor to vibrate when the sump pump runs. Over time, these small vibrations can lead the sump pump to shift out of place. If the sump pump is out of level, it will not function as expected.

Check that the sump pump starts automatically

Pour enough water into the sump pit to raise the float or pressure sensor until the pump is activated. Note strange sounds or smells while the pump is running. If the pump does not power on automatically, you have a sump pump or float switch failure.

Remove the sump pump

If the pump is working properly, remove it from the basin and proceed to the other steps listed below. If the pump is unresponsive, get an expert to take a look at the sump pump and float switch.

Smell the sump for odors

Unpleasant odors from the sump pump usually come from the sump pump trap. To clean the trap and get rid of the odor, use a mixture of five parts of water to one part of bleach to clean the basin.

Clean the impeller

The sump pump has a small filter known as the impeller. If this filter is clogged, the pump will stop working or make a whining noise when it runs. This problem happens often but is easily fixed by cleaning the impeller.

Inspect the check valve

The check valve prevents backflow after the sump is turned off. Sometimes it can get damaged or moved out of place. Remove the check valve and inspect it for damage. Replace it with the check valve’s arrow pointing in the direction of the sump pump.

Check the discharge pipes

Discharge pipes convey water from the sump pump to a dry well on your property or into the municipal storm drain. Leaks and weak points on the pipes will impair the effectiveness of your sump pump. Also, check the discharge pipe vent for debris.

Remove debris from the basin

Debris will often find its way into the basin along with water entering the pit. This debris should not be allowed to get into your pump. Keep the sump basin free of debris to protect the pump and float mechanism.

Install a backup power and backup pump

In the event of power outages during heavy thunderstorms, you need a backup power source to ensure your home is not left at the mercy of the elements. A backup sump pump will also protect your home in case your primary sump pump fails during an emergency.