Sump Pump Maintenance: Protecting Your Chicago Basement

If you have a basement in Chicago, you need a working sump pump. This is not optional. Chicago sits on flat terrain with clay soil that does not drain well. When it rains hard, or when the spring thaw sends snowmelt into the ground, that water has to go somewhere. Without a functioning sump pump, it goes into your basement.

I have been installing and maintaining sump pumps across Chicago's South Side for decades. I have seen what happens when pumps fail: ruined furniture, destroyed family photos, mold growth, structural damage, and repair bills that run into the tens of thousands. All of it preventable with basic maintenance and a little vigilance.

How Your Sump Pump Works

A sump pump sits in a pit (called a sump basin or sump crock) in the lowest part of your basement. Water that seeps in through the foundation or flows through drain tiles collects in this pit. When the water level rises to a certain point, a float switch activates the pump, which pushes the water out through a discharge pipe to a location away from your foundation.

It is a simple system, but it must work every single time. There is no partial credit. Either the pump activates and removes the water, or your basement floods.

Monthly Testing

Test your sump pump every month. This takes about two minutes and could save you thousands. The process is simple. Find your sump pit (usually in a corner of the basement, covered by a lid). Remove the lid. Pour a bucket of water into the pit slowly until the float switch activates the pump. Watch the pump turn on and remove the water. The pit should drain quickly and the pump should shut off automatically when the water level drops.

If the pump does not turn on, does not pump water effectively, or does not shut off, you have a problem that needs professional attention.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Every spring, before the heavy rain season, perform this maintenance or have us do it. Clean the sump pit. Remove any debris, gravel, dirt, or sediment that has accumulated. This debris can clog the pump or interfere with the float switch. Check the float switch. Make sure it moves freely and is not stuck in the on or off position. Debris and mineral deposits can cause float switches to stick. Inspect the discharge pipe. Make sure it is clear and draining away from your foundation. Check for ice blockages in early spring. Test the check valve. The check valve prevents water in the discharge pipe from flowing back into the pit when the pump shuts off. If you hear water flowing back after the pump cycles, the check valve may need replacement. Check the power connection. Make sure the pump is plugged into a working GFCI outlet and that the outlet has not tripped.

Battery Backup

Here is something most homeowners do not think about: the most common time for sump pump failure is during a power outage, which is also the most common time for heavy storms. Your sump pump runs on electricity. No power means no pump.

A battery backup sump pump is one of the best investments a Chicago homeowner can make. It kicks in automatically when the primary pump loses power and provides several hours of pumping capacity. I recommend battery backup systems to every basement owner in Chicago. The cost of the backup system is a fraction of the cost of a single basement flood.

When to Replace Your Sump Pump

Most sump pumps last 7 to 10 years. Some last longer, but I would not push my luck past 10 years with a pump that is protecting a finished basement. Signs that replacement is needed include: the pump runs frequently even during dry weather (the switch may be failing), the pump vibrates excessively (internal damage), the pump runs but does not move water effectively (impeller damage or motor wear), visible rust or corrosion on the pump body, or the pump is simply old.

Replacing a sump pump before it fails is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a flood. If your pump is over 7 years old, schedule a professional inspection. We will tell you honestly whether it has life left or needs replacement.

Common Sump Pump Problems We See

Stuck float switches are the number one cause of sump pump failure. The float gets caught on the side of the pit or tangled in wiring, and the pump never activates. Clogged intake screens prevent the pump from drawing water efficiently. Power outages disable the pump at the worst possible time. Frozen or blocked discharge pipes prevent the pump from expelling water even when it is running. Undersized pumps that cannot keep up with the volume of water entering the pit during heavy rains.

After a Flood

If your basement does flood despite your sump pump, call us immediately. We can diagnose why the pump failed, repair or replace it, and help you prevent a recurrence. Time matters after a flood because mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours in a wet basement.

Get Your Sump Pump Inspected

Spring is the time to make sure your sump pump is ready for the rainy season. Call Burris and Sons at 773-375-4123 to schedule a sump pump inspection, maintenance, or replacement. As Vickie D. said about us: "Plumber of the Year" for our sump pump work. We take that seriously.