Dependable Sump Pump System Installers in Wheeling, IL

Anytime you experience a plumbing problem, you might feel you need to take care of it to prevent further damage immediately.

What Is a Sump Pump?

As an Illinois homeowner, safeguarding your property from water damage is crucial, especially with the heavy rain the state experiences. A dependable sump pump system is an excellent investment to prevent basement flooding and protect your valuable belongings. Proper sump pump installation is vital for efficient operation and peace of mind, so choosing experienced professionals is essential.

Trust Capps Plumbing & Sewer with your sump pump services. We have been serving the Wheeling area since 1996 and have seasoned technicians ready to answer your call.

A sump pump prevents your basement or crawl space from flooding. It sits in a specially constructed sump pit, which is the lowest point of your home. This pit collects groundwater, and as the water level rises, it triggers the sump pump. The pump then ejects the water from the sump pit through a discharge line, directing it away from your house to a designated drainage area to maintain a dry basement.

There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible sump pumps are installed entirely within the sump pit and offer quieter operation. Pedestal sump pumps have their motor mounted on a pedestal above the waterline, making them more accessible for maintenance but potentially noisier. Both types of pumps reduce your risk of having a flooded basement and the subsequent mold and mildew that can develop.

Why Sump Pumps Are Beneficial to Illinois Homeowners

The climate in Illinois can be unpredictable, with periods of heavy rainfall and snowmelt that elevate the water level in the ground. This poses a significant risk of flooding, especially for basements and crawl spaces. Installing a sump pump provides a reliable solution by automatically detecting rising water and efficiently pumping it away from your home’s foundation to a nearby storm drain or designated drainage area.

A sump pump prevents water accumulation, protecting your basement floor and walls from damage, mold growth, and potential foundation issues. Keeping your crawl space dry with a sump pump safeguards insulation, prevents wood rot, and improves indoor air quality. Implementing a sump pump as part of your basement waterproofing strategy ensures a dry, safe, and healthy living environment for you and your family.

Sump Pit Installation Services

A properly installed sump pit is essential for your sump pump system to work efficiently. The sump pit collects groundwater, triggering the pump to remove water and prevent basement flooding. If your home doesn’t have an existing sump pit, our team will install one first to ensure the system functions correctly. In cases where a sump pit is already in place, we can proceed directly with installing the sump pump.

Our expert team specializes in precise sump pit installations designed to optimize water drainage and protect your property from water damage. We use quality materials and expert techniques to ensure a reliable sump pit installation that enhances your sump pump’s overall performance and is tailored to meet your home’s specific needs.

Battery Backup System for Your Sump Pump

Battery backup systems for your sump pump are crucial in Illinois, especially during power outages or heavy rain. These systems protect against basement flooding by ensuring continuous operation when the primary pump fails. 

Homeowners can safeguard their properties from water damage by incorporating a backup pump with features like a float switch and discharge pipe. A reliable battery backup system is the smart choice for maintaining a dry basement and peace of mind.

Exterior Discharge Line Repair

Our exterior discharge line repair service focuses on ensuring the efficient drainage of water away from your home, safeguarding it from potential water damage. By repairing any clogs, damages, or misalignments in the discharge line, we guarantee a smooth water flow to prevent flooding near your foundation. 

This service aids in maintaining a dry basement, improving indoor air quality, and preventing mold and mildew growth. Whether your line is above or underground, Capps Plumbing & Sewer can handle the job!

Valuable Sump Pump Service Team Offering Installation and Repair

Investing in a quality sump pump system, including a primary pump and backup appliance, offers the best protection against flooding. Our team of expert plumbers specializes in sump pump installation, ensuring proper placement, connection to the discharge line, and testing for optimal performance. We also install check valves to prevent backflow, keeping your basement dry and protected.

Besides professional installation, our team provides comprehensive sump pump maintenance and repair services. Whether your primary sump pump requires a check-up or a power outage necessitates backup pump activation, our skilled technicians are available to address your needs promptly. We handle the whole system from inside to outside! 

Trust Capps Plumbing & Sewer to keep your sump pump system operating smoothly, guaranteeing long-term protection against water damage. Call us today for service in the Chicago metropolitan area.

MORE Pumps & Backup Systems

From quick fixes to full replacements, our trusted plumbers deliver reliable, precise work every time.

Reliable Plumbers You Can Count On

With over 40 years of combined experience, CAPPS Plumbing & Sewer is a fully licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company serving the Wheeling area. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on honest pricing, high-quality workmanship, and long-term solutions you can trust.

Family-Owned Since 1996 icon
Family-Owned Since 1996
Licensed & Insured (#058-142639) icon
Licensed & Insured (#058-142639)
1,300+ 5-Star Reviews icon
1,300+ 5-Star Reviews
24/7 Emergency Availability icon
24/7 Emergency Availability

Plumbing Answers You Can Trust

From quick fixes to full replacements, our trusted plumbers deliver reliable, precise work every time.

Do I Need a Sump Pump Battery Backup System?

Yes! A battery backup system ensures that water is continually pumped away from your house even if the power goes out, a circuit breaker gets tripped or your primary sump pump fails for any reason.

Do Pumps Require Annual Maintenance?

Yes! Sump and ejector pumps should be checked at least once per year. Regular maintenance helps eliminate costly repairs and reduces your chance of flooding.

How Often Should a Backup Sump Pump Battery Be Replaced?

As a rule of thumb, batteries for your sump pump backup system should be replaced every 3-5 years.

What Do I Do if My Sump Pump Discharge Pipe Is Clogged?

  1. If the drainpipe, also called the discharge pipe, gets clogged, the pump can’t move water from your basement to the outside of your home. If the water in your sump pit is moving slowly, or not at all, the drainpipe may be blocked by debris. You can repair this by cleaning the pipe. Remove the screen at the end of the drainpipe, if your pipe has one, and rinse off any debris that has built up on the screen. The end of the drainpipe will be outside your home, with the pipe draining on a downslope leading away from the house.
  2. Check the pipe for any obvious blockages and remove, and replace the screen.
  3. Unplug the pump or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
  4. Remove the water in the sump pit using a wet-dry vacuum.
  5. Grab the pump by the handle or the pump body and remove the sump pump unit from the pit. Do not lift the pump by the float switch or power cord.
  6. Loosen the clamp that holds the drainpipe in place and remove the drainpipe from the main body of the sump pump.
  7. Insert a plumber’s snake into the end of the pipe that was connected to the pump, and then try to push the snake through toward the other end.
  8. Hold the pipe over a bucket or sink, and spray water down the pipe using a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle if the plumber’s snake doesn’t remove the blockage.
  9. Run the plumber’s snake through again to loosen any remaining material inside the pipe.
  10. Spray water into the pipe a final time to rinse the remaining debris from the pipe.
  11. Attach the drainpipe to the pump and tighten the clamp to secure it in place.
  12. Set the pump gently back into the pit and reconnect the power. Turn the pump on and pour water into the pit to make sure the assembly works as it should.
What Is an Ejector Pump?

Ejector pumps pump wastewater away from your home. If you have plumbing that is below the sewer line (below grade), you need an ejector pump to move the wastewater up and out into the sewer line. The ejector basin installed under your basement floor collects wastewater from the floor drain, washer, basement sinks, and below-grade bathrooms.

What Is the Difference Between a Sump Pump and an Ejector Pump?

A sump pump pumps groundwater (water from the soil/drain tile surrounding your home’s foundation). When the sump pump activates, it pumps the water out of the sump basin through a discharge pipe out onto the lawn or a municipal storm sewer.An ejector pump moves wastewater up into the main sewer line. Homes that have bathrooms and/or water-using appliances installed in the basement or lower level need an ejector pump. Because these fixtures are lower than the home’s main sewer line, wastewater cannot flow out utilizing gravity – therefore a pump is needed to pump it up and out of the home.

The main difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump is the presence of sewage. Ejector pump failure can cause raw sewage to enter your basement. Sump pump failure causes flooding and water damage.

Why Does My Sump Pump Keep Running?

  1. Jammed float switch
  2. Underground leak
  3. Check valve failure
  4. High water table
  5. Clogged or frozen discharge pipe

Need a Plumber Today? We’re Ready When You Are

24/7 emergency service. Licensed. Local. Dependable since 1996