Sump Pump and Sewer Pump Services in Georgia

Sump pumps and sewer pumps both sit in a pit and push water uphill, so they are easy to confuse, and Alpha services both kinds. A sump pump removes groundwater that collects under a basement or crawlspace and discharges it outside, away from the foundation. A sewer pump, usually called a sewage ejector pump, lifts waste from fixtures that sit lower than the sewer line, such as a basement bathroom or laundry, up into the building sewer. They fail in similar ways, but they are not interchangeable.

How to tell which pump you have

A sump pit typically has a loose or perforated lid, sometimes none at all, and a discharge pipe that runs out through a wall to the yard. An ejector basin is sealed with a bolted lid, has a vent pipe rising from it, and its discharge pipe ties into the drain or sewer line. If a basement bathroom drains into a basin, that basin holds an ejector pump. Leave a sealed ejector basin closed; it holds sewage.

Signs a pump is failing

A pump that runs constantly, cycles on and off every few seconds, hums without moving water, or grinds and rattles needs attention. More urgent signs are water standing in a sump pit above its normal level, a damp basement floor after rain, and an alarm that is sounding. With an ejector, a basement toilet or shower that drains slowly or backs up, or a sewage odor around the basin, usually means the pump, the float or the check valve is not doing its job.

Floats, check valves and alarms

Many pump failures start with the parts around the motor. The float switch tells the pump when to start and stop; if it sticks against the side of the pit or tangles with the cord, the pump either never starts or never stops. The check valve on the discharge pipe keeps pumped water from running back into the pit, and when it fails the pump short-cycles and wears out early. A high-water alarm is a separate float that sounds when the level rises past the point where the pump should have started, which makes it a simple early warning.

Backup options worth considering

A sump pump only works with power, and the storms that bring heavy rain can also knock the power out. A battery backup pump sits alongside the main pump and takes over when the power fails or the main pump cannot keep up. Some homes use a water-powered backup that runs on city water pressure instead of electricity; it needs adequate pressure and proper backflow protection, so it does not suit every house. For ejector systems, the high-water alarm is the key safeguard, and some basins hold two pumps so one can carry the load if the other fails.

Where the water goes

A sump discharge line should carry water far enough from the foundation that it does not soak back toward the house, and its outlet should stay clear of debris. Ejector discharge goes into the building sewer, so a problem further down that line can look like a pump failure. If the ejector runs fine but the basement fixtures still back up, the main sewer line may be the real issue, and a camera inspection settles it.

Repair, replace and the written estimate

A stuck float, a failed check valve or a clogged intake can often be fixed without replacing the pump. A burned-out motor, a cracked housing or a pump that has run nonstop for a long time usually means replacement. The estimate should name the pump type and size, say whether the float, check valve, discharge piping and alarm are new or reused, describe any backup system offered, and for ejectors explain how the basin will be cleaned and resealed. A new basin or discharge line may need a permit; ask the building department that serves the house.

Sump pump and sewer pump service by city

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Questions about sump and sewer pumps

How can I check that my sump pump works?

Every few months, and before a stretch of heavy rain, slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise, the pump should start, the level should drop and the pump should shut off on its own. Then check outside that water leaves the discharge outlet and the outlet is clear. For an ejector, test the alarm the way the manufacturer describes.

What should I do when the pump alarm goes off?

For a sewage ejector, stop using the fixtures that drain to it, including toilets, sinks, showers and the washing machine, so the basin does not overflow. For a sump pump, check whether the pump has power and whether the float is stuck. Do not open a sealed ejector basin. If the alarm keeps sounding or the water keeps rising, call a plumber rather than waiting to see whether it stops.

Is a battery backup worth adding to a sump pump?

If the basement or crawlspace takes on water during storms, a backup deserves a serious look, because the same storms can cut power just when the pump is needed most. A battery backup also covers a main pump that fails or cannot keep pace. The batteries need periodic checking and eventual replacement, so build that into routine maintenance of the system.

Pump trouble

Alpha answers pump calls 24/7. Whether it is a sump pump that will not stop or an ejector alarm that will not go quiet, call (404) 409-4448 and describe what the pump is doing.