Sump Pump Replacement in Wayzata, MN

A motor that has burned out, a pump that trips the breaker, or a cracked housing are usually signs it is time for a new pump. Age matters too. Once a pump passes its seventh or eighth spring, a repair may only buy a short amount of time.

Replacing before it fails is cheaper than replacing after a flood. If your pump is older and you are about to head into spring melt, a planned swap can save you a wet carpet and an emergency call.

A submersible pump sits down in the pit, underwater. It is quieter, the pit can be covered with a sealed lid, and it tends to handle debris better. Most finished basements use this type.

A pedestal pump has the motor on a column above the pit. It is often less expensive and the motor is easier to reach, but it is louder and the pit usually stays open. A plumber can tell you which one suits your pit size and how often your pump runs.

Bigger is not always better. An oversized pump can empty the pit too quickly and cycle on and off, which wears out the switch and motor. An undersized pump may not keep up during a heavy storm.

Sizing depends on how much water flows into the pit, how high the water has to be lifted to reach the discharge, and how long the pipe run is. A plumber can watch how fast your pit refills and recommend a horsepower and flow rating that fits.

A new pump is a good time to replace the check valve, which keeps water in the discharge pipe from dropping back into the pit. Worn valves cause extra cycling and a loud thump when the pump shuts off.

Your plumber may also suggest a new float switch, a sealed pit lid to cut down on moisture and radon, or a dedicated outlet for the pump. Some homeowners add a high-water alarm or battery backup at the same visit, since the pit is already open.

A straightforward replacement in an existing pit is often done in a few hours. The plumber disconnects the old pump, cleans out the pit, sets the new pump, reconnects the discharge and tests it by filling the pit with water.

If the pit is too small, cracked or full of silt, the job may grow. Ask for the quote in writing before work begins, and ask the plumber to show you how to test the new pump yourself each season.