A sump pump sits in a pit below the floor and moves groundwater away from the foundation. It is a simple machine with one important job during wet weather.
The pit
Water collects in a basin dug below the basement or crawlspace floor, usually through a gravel bed or perimeter drain. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Springfield, the pit fills during heavy rain and snowmelt.
The float
As the water rises, a float switch or pressure sensor turns the pump on. When the level drops, the switch turns it off.
The pump
A small electric pump pushes the water up through a discharge pipe and out of the house. A check valve keeps the water from flowing back into the pit.
The power
The pump needs reliable power, which is why a battery backup is so common. A storm that kills the power is exactly when the pump is needed most.
The failure
A stuck float, a dead motor, or a blocked discharge can all stop the pump at the worst time. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Springfield, testing before the wet season prevents this.
The test
Pour water into the pit and watch the pump cycle, and check the discharge line for a clear path. Monthly testing takes minutes.
The call
Protect the basement before the storm. Call 888-217-3585 and Springfield, MO Plumbing Pros will match you with a Springfield pro for a sump check.
Plumbing in Springfield: what to know
In Springfield, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Greene County — from Battlefield, Republic and Willard to ZIP codes like 65897, 65806, 65801 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Springfield?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Springfield, MO Plumbing Pros will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Springfield.