Sump Pump Repair in Palos Heights, IL

Basement flooding can strike without warning in Palos Heights, especially during our intense storms and spring thaws. Your sump pump quietly works around the clock to keep that destructive water at bay, but when it starts showing signs of wear or stops working altogether, your home’s foundation becomes vulnerable to serious water damage.

Our plumbers at Precision Today have been fixing and replacing sump pumps throughout Chicagoland since the 1920s. We’ve tackled everything from burnt-out motors and stuck floats to failed check valves and cracked basins. Whether your pump is making strange noises, cycling too frequently, or has stopped working completely, we’ll get to the bottom of the problem fast.

You can’t afford to wait when your sump pump starts acting up. Our licensed plumbers are ready to help 7 days a week, with no extra charges for weekend service. Give Precision Today a call at (630) 425-8995 to get your sump pump back up and running reliably!

Our Sump Pump Repair Process in Palos Heights, IL

When homeowners call us about sump pump problems, our team jumps into action with a proven repair process developed over decades of hands-on experience. Every job starts with a complete inspection – because catching small issues early prevents big headaches later.

First things first: we run a full diagnostic check on your system. Our plumbers test the float switch operation, inspect the check valve’s condition, examine the discharge line for potential blockages, and verify any backup power systems are ready to kick in when needed. We’ll run your pump through its normal cycles and pay close attention to water level readings and unusual noises.

For older sump pumps showing their age, we look at factors like current pump capacity, the shape of your basin, and whether the discharge pipes are properly routed. Sometimes a repair makes sense; other times, replacement is the smarter long-term fix. We’ll walk you through our findings in plain English.

After repairs, we double-check our work and clean everything up – no mess left behind. Parts we’ve removed get properly disposed of, and we make sure your basement as clean as when we arrived.

Bottom line: whether you need a simple float adjustment or a complete pump replacement, we bring the same commitment to quality that’s kept local basements dry since the 1920s.

What Are Common Problems That Require Sump Pump Repair?

After decades of fixing sump pumps throughout Palos Heights, we’ve seen just about every type of pump problem you can imagine. Here are the issues we run into most often when homeowners call us for help:

Float Switch Problems

Think of the float switch as your pump’s brain – it tells the pump when to turn on and off as water levels change. When this switch gets stuck or breaks, your pump won’t know when to kick in. Sometimes it’s as simple as the float getting tangled up, but other times the switch itself goes bad and needs replacing.

Clogged or Frozen Pipes

The pipe that carries water away from your house can get blocked up with leaves and junk, or freeze solid during those brutal Illinois winters. When that happens, water has nowhere to go – and that’s bad news for your basement. We see this a lot after big storms or during spring thaw.

Electrical Troubles

Power problems are more common than you might think. Sometimes it’s just a tripped breaker, but we also find worn-out power cords and burned-out motors. Since we’re dealing with water and electricity, these aren’t repairs you want to tackle yourself.

Pump Can’t Keep Up

Maybe your pump worked fine for years, but now it seems overwhelmed. This happens when groundwater patterns shift or you’re getting more rain than usual. We can tell you if your current pump is still right for your home’s needs.

Check Valve Issues

That little valve that keeps water from flowing back into your basement? When it fails, your pump works overtime trying to pump out the same water again and again. It’s like taking one step forward and two steps back.

If your pump is making weird noises or running longer than usual, don’t wait for a flood to call us. Most of these problems are pretty easy to fix if we catch them early.

How Often Should I Have My Sump Pump Serviced?

Getting your sump pump checked regularly isn’t something you want to skip, especially here in Palos Heights where spring storms and melting snow can really put your basement at risk. While most plumbers suggest yearly maintenance as a minimum, there’s more to consider.

Think about these factors when planning your service schedule:

System Age

If your pump’s been working away for more than 7 years, you might want to have it looked at twice a year. Just like any machine, older pumps need extra attention to keep running right.

Weather in Your Area

Living in a spot with lots of groundwater or heavy rains? Your pump’s probably working overtime. More frequent check-ups make sense when your system’s getting a real workout.

How Often It Runs

Some pumps only kick in during wet weather, while others seem to run all year long. If yours is the busy type, getting it serviced every 6-8 months helps keep it in fighting shape.

During these service visits, we:

• Make sure it turns on and off like it should
• Clean out any junk that’s built up
• Look at all the valves and moving parts
• Test backup batteries
• Check all the electrical connections
• Make sure water flowing out like it should

Sure, maintenance costs a few bucks, but it’s nothing compared to dealing with a flooded basement. Regular check-ups from our team help protect your home and give you one less thing to worry about when storms roll in.

What is the Average Lifespan of a Sump Pump?

In our decades of servicing homes throughout Palos Heights, we’ve found that most quality sump pumps typically last between 7-10 years under normal operating conditions. However, this lifespan can vary significantly based on several key factors that impact pump performance and durability.

Water Conditions

The mineral content in your groundwater plays a big role. Hard water can leave deposits that wear down moving parts faster, while acidic water might corrode components more quickly. Pumps handling clear water generally last longer than those dealing with sediment or debris.

Usage Patterns

Some basements need their pumps running several times daily, while others might only activate during heavy rains. More frequent cycling naturally leads to faster wear and tear on mechanical components. Here in the Chicago area, our seasonal weather patterns often mean heavier workloads during spring thaws and summer storms.

Installation Quality

A properly installed pump, with correct sizing and appropriate discharge line configuration, typically achieves its full lifespan potential. Poor installation can cut years off a pump’s life through issues like improper leveling or inadequate ventilation.

Maintenance History

Regular professional servicing helps catch small issues before they become major problems. Pumps that receive consistent maintenance often exceed their expected lifespan, while neglected units might fail prematurely.

When your sump pump approaches the 7-year mark, it’s wise to start monitoring its performance more closely. Catching signs of aging early helps avoid unexpected failures when you need that flood protection most.

What are the Signs That My Sump Pump Needs Repair?

Knowing when your sump pump isn’t feeling well can save you from a wet basement disaster. Here’s what to watch for so you can catch problems early.

Listen for Weird Noises

A happy pump makes a steady humming sound when it runs. But if you start hearing grinding, clanking, or strange vibrations, something’s not right inside. Often these noises mean parts are wearing out or have come loose – and that’s definitely worth getting checked out.

Watch How It Runs

Your pump should only kick in when there’s enough water to trigger it. If it’s constantly turning on and off, or taking forever to clear water that used to move quickly, that’s a red flag. Could be anything from a bad switch to a clogged pipe.

Look for Rust

Next time you’re near your pump, take a good look at it. Spotting rust or corrosion anywhere on the unit isn’t great news. These problems tend to start small but can turn into big headaches if you ignore them.

Test It Out

Every couple months, dump some water in your sump pit to make sure everything’s working right. If the pump’s slow to start, doesn’t move water like it should, or won’t shut off, it’s time to call in the pros.

Trust Your Gut

The older your pump gets, the more you’ll want to pay attention to how it’s doing. If something seems off – maybe it’s draining slower than usual or making new noises – don’t wait for trouble. Getting it checked out early usually saves money in the long run.

What Should I Do If My Sump Pump Fails During Heavy Rain?

Nobody wants to discover their sump pump isn’t working in the middle of a storm, but knowing what to do next can save your basement from serious water damage. Here’s what you should tackle while our team is on the way.

Start Simple

Take a look at your circuit breaker – sometimes a tripped breaker is all that’s wrong. Got a backup battery? Make sure it’s working. And keep the area around your pump clear so any backup system has a chance to do its job.

Buy Some Time

If water starts creeping in, get your stuff up off the floor fast. Running some fans and a dehumidifier early can help keep moisture damage down. A wet vac can help you stay ahead of rising water levels until we get there.

Quick Fixes

In a pinch, hooking up a portable submersible pump to a garden hose can help manage the water. It’s not perfect, but it might keep things under control until we can make proper repairs. Just make sure you’re pumping the water far from your foundation.

Get Help Fast

Don’t wait around hoping things will get better – call us right away. We know every minute counts during a storm, and we’ll get someone out to you as quickly as possible with the right tools to fix your problem.

Looking Ahead

After we’ve handled the emergency, we’ll talk about ways to prevent this from happening again. Maybe you need a backup system, or perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. Regular check-ups can catch problems before they turn into late-night emergencies.

Can I Repair My Sump Pump Myself?

It’s tempting to break out the tools when your sump pump starts acting up. After all, how hard can it be? While you might handle the simple stuff – like clearing debris or checking a stuck float – going deeper into repairs can backfire badly.

Think about what you’re dealing with here: water and electricity together. That’s not something to mess around with unless you’ve got real training. One slip-up could leave you with way bigger headaches than a broken pump.

These aren’t your grandpa’s sump pumps anymore either. Modern ones pack all sorts of fancy electronics and sensors. Without proper testing gear, you might patch up what looks broken while missing the real problem lurking underneath.

Here’s another catch – touching that pump yourself could blow your warranty. Most companies won’t cover repairs if anyone but a certified tech has been tinkering with it.

We’ve cleaned up plenty of DIY jobs gone wrong. What started as a “quick fix” often turns into a costly replacement once we see what’s really going on. Talk about a budget buster.

Skip the hassle and let our team handle it. We’ve fixed thousands of pumps over the years, and we’ll make sure yours gets done right the first time.

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Sump Pump?

When it comes to fixing your sump pump, the price tag really depends on what’s going on with your system. Let’s break down what affects repair costs.

First off, the type of pump you’ve got matters a lot. Those old pedestal pumps sitting above the pit? Usually easier to work on than the submersible ones hiding underwater. And naturally, newer pumps often need simpler fixes compared to the aging ones that might need more work.

Sometimes we’re just dealing with a stuck float or a minor wiring issue – pretty straightforward stuff. But other times, we might need to replace the motor or fix pipes that carry water away from your house. If your sump pit’s really deep or tough to reach, that affects things too.

Keep in mind, sometimes spending a bit more upfront makes sense. Like adding a backup battery system or switching to a more efficient pump. It might cost more now, but it could save you money (and headaches) down the road.

Want to know exactly what you’re looking at for your pump? Give us a call. We’ll check things out and walk you through all your options.

What Maintenance Tasks Can Help Prevent Sump Pump Failure?

While you’ll still need a pro to service your pump each year, there are some basic checks you can do yourself to help catch problems early. These simple steps might just save you from a flooded basement down the road.

Test It Out

Every couple of months, grab a bucket of water and pour it into your sump pit. Watch how your pump handles it. Does it kick on right away? Does the water drain quickly? Does it shut off when it should? This quick test tells you a lot about how well your pump’s working.

Keep Things Clean

Take a look in your pit now and then. Stuff like leaves, dirt, and random junk can build up in there. When that happens, your pump has to work harder than it should. Just clear out anything you can easily reach, but be careful not to knock the pump out of place.

Watch Your Drainage

Walk around outside where your pump’s discharge pipe ends up. Make sure nothing’s blocking it, especially during winter when ice can be a problem. You want that water flowing well away from your house.

Check the Power Setup

Give your pump’s power cord a quick look for any obvious damage. Make sure it’s plugged into a proper GFCI outlet – that’s the kind with the test and reset buttons. If you’ve got a backup battery, check that it’s still good.

Use Your Ears

Get to know how your pump normally sounds. That way, you’ll notice if it starts making weird noises or vibrating differently. When something sounds off, it usually means trouble’s brewing.

Just remember – these quick checks help, but they’re not a replacement for having our pros take a thorough look once a year. When something seems wrong, give us a call rather than trying to fix it yourself.

Trust Precision Today for Expert Sump Pump Repair in Palos Heights

Look, when it comes to keeping your basement dry, you can’t mess around with a pump that’s not working right. Here at Precision Today, we’ve been fixing sump pumps for Palos Heights families since before most of us were born. That’s almost 100 years of knowing exactly what makes these systems tick.

We see it all the time – folks wait too long to call when their pump starts acting up. Then those spring storms hit, and suddenly they’re dealing with a wet basement. Truth is, water damage doesn’t wait for convenient timing, and neither should you.

That’s exactly why we say “We Jump On It Today!” It’s not just a catchy phrase – it’s how we do business. Our trucks are ready to roll when you need us, loaded with the parts and tools to get your pump back in action fast.

Having trouble with your sump pump? Don’t wait for water to start rising. Give us a call at (630) 425-8995. Because when tomorrow is too late, Precision Today is right on time!