Sump and Ejector Pump Repair in Chicago

A sump pump that quits during a storm can put inches of water in your basement within hours. When that happens you need sump pump repair in Chicago from a crew that answers the phone, shows up with the right parts, and gets the water moving out of your house again.

We repair, replace and install sump pumps and sewage ejector pumps for homes and businesses in Chicago. Call now for emergency help, or request service online and we’ll give you an honest estimate before any work begins.

What these pumps do, and why a failure can't wait

A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of your basement. When groundwater or storm water fills the pit, a float switch turns the pump on and it pushes the water out through a discharge line, away from the foundation. A sewage ejector pump does a similar job for wastewater. It lifts sewage from a basement bathroom, laundry or bar sink up to the main sewer line when those fixtures sit below it.

Both matter a lot in Chicago. Much of the city has a combined sewer that carries storm water and sewage in the same pipes, and heavy rain can overload local sewers faster than they drain. The City of Chicago notes that intense storms regularly push water into basements through private drain systems. A working pump is often the last thing standing between that water and your finished basement.

Signs the pump isn't working

  • The pump hums but no water leaves the pit
  • Water in the pit keeps rising and the pump never starts
  • The pump runs nonstop, even in dry weather
  • The motor switches on and off every few seconds
  • Grinding, rattling or banging from the pit
  • Damp walls, puddles or a musty smell near the sump
  • A sewage smell or slow drains near a basement bathroom with an ejector pit

Don’t wait for the next storm to find out. If your pump isn’t working and water is already rising, call us right away.

Hands working in a basement sump basin

How a pump repair visit goes

Every pump call follows the same practical steps. First we deal with the immediate risk, then we work out why the pump failed so it doesn’t happen again. A pump is only as good as its switch, its check valve and the line it discharges into, so we test the whole system and don’t just swap parts and hope.

1. We triage the call

We ask what you’re seeing, how high the water is and whether the power is on. If it’s an emergency, we’ll help you stay safe until a technician arrives.

2. We inspect the pit and pump

We check the power supply, float switch, impeller, check valve and pit for debris, silt or gravel that can jam the pump.

3. We repair or replace

We fix the failed part when a repair makes sense. When the pump is worn out or too small, we go over your replacement options first.

4. We test a full cycle

We fill the pit and watch the pump turn on, empty it and shut off cleanly. We also confirm the water leaves through the discharge line.

5. We explain what we found

You get a plain answer on what failed and why. We’ll also point out any drain, discharge line or backup concerns worth planning for.

Excavated basin with white PVC pipes beside a building foundation

Repair or replace?

Not every failed pump needs replacing. Many breakdowns come from a single part, and a targeted repair gets you running again fast. Common repairs include:

  • Freeing or replacing a stuck or tangled float switch
  • Replacing a failed check valve that lets water flow back into the pit
  • Clearing a clogged intake screen or impeller
  • Clearing a blocked or frozen discharge line
  • Cleaning silt and debris out of the pit

Replacement is usually the better call when the motor has burned out, the housing is cracked, or the pump can’t keep up in heavy rain. We’ll show you what failed and tell you which option makes sense. Then it’s your decision.

Ejector pumps for basement bathrooms and laundry

If your basement has a bathroom, laundry or wet bar below the sewer line, an ejector pump moves that wastewater up and out. When it fails, fixtures stop draining, the basin can overflow, and sewage odors spread fast. Stop using those fixtures and call as soon as you notice a problem.

We service sealed ejector basins, float and alarm controls, check valves and vent connections. A slow or backed-up line can make an ejector run too often, so we can also clear the connected drains with our drain rodding service when needed.

Plumber with a tool belt standing beside a white toilet in a tiled bathroom
Concrete basin and white PVC pipes in an excavated trench

New pumps and battery backups

Whether you’re finishing a basement, replacing a pump that died, or adding protection after a flood, we install sump pumps from the pit to the discharge line. We match the pump to your basin and to how much water your basement takes on, then test it before we leave.

Storms that fill a sump pit often knock out the power at the same time. A battery backup pump takes over when the main pump loses power or can’t keep up, which gives you a second layer of protection when you need it most. We can add a backup to your current setup or put one in with a new main pump.

Why Chicago owners call us for pumps

Emergency line, 24/7

A pump that fails during a storm can’t wait for Monday. Our emergency plumbers take calls day and night.

An estimate before the work

We explain the problem and give you an honest estimate before we start, with no hidden charges.

We know drains and sewers

Pump trouble is often tied to clogged lines. We also do sewer rodding and sewer camera inspections.

Homes and businesses

We work on single-family homes, two-flats, apartment buildings and commercial properties.

Repair or replace, your call

We show you what failed and recommend the fix that suits your basement and your budget.

Pump service across Chicago

We repair and install sump pumps and ejector pumps for homes and businesses throughout Chicago. Basement flooding is a citywide concern, so we help keep pumps, pits and drains ready before the next heavy rain. For wider flood protection, pair a healthy pump with catch basin cleaning and routine drain cleaning. You can also browse our services or read more about us.

Row of two-story houses on a residential street

Pump failed? Get help before the water rises

A failed pump only gets worse with the next rain or the next flush. We handle repairs, replacements, installations and battery backups, with an honest estimate before we start. Call (773) 588-1200 now, or contact us online to schedule pump service.

Sump pump repair questions

It depends on what failed, how easy the pit is to reach, and whether the pump needs parts or a full replacement. We inspect the system and give you an honest estimate before any work begins, with no hidden charges.

Common causes include a tripped breaker or unplugged cord, a stuck float switch, a failed check valve, a clogged intake, a frozen or blocked discharge line, or a burned-out motor. We test each part to find the real cause.

Repair makes sense when one part has failed, like the float switch or check valve. Replacement is usually better when the motor has burned out, the housing is damaged, or the pump can't keep up in heavy rain.

A sump pump removes groundwater and storm water from a basement pit. An ejector pump lifts wastewater from basement toilets, showers and laundry up to the main sewer line.

If your basement takes on water during storms, a battery backup is worth considering. It runs when the power goes out or the main pump can't keep up, which is often when you need protection most.

Stay out of standing water near outlets or cords, cut back on water use in the house, and move valuables off the basement floor. Then call (773) 588-1200 for emergency service.

In many cases, yes. Same-day service depends on your location, the parts needed and how many calls are in progress. Call us and we'll give you the soonest time we can.

Yes. We install and replace sump pumps, including battery backup systems, and test every new pump through a full cycle before we leave.

Yes. We work on sump and ejector pumps in two-flats, apartment buildings and commercial properties across Chicago.