Sump Pump Installation, Repair, and Battery Backup Systems
Full Nelson installs, repairs, and replaces sump pumps and battery backup systems that protect basements and crawl spaces from water damage. Our plumbers assess your property’s drainage needs and install the right pump system for the job.
How Sump Pumps Work
A sump pump sits inside a sump pit, which is a basin cut into the lowest point of your basement or crawl space floor. As groundwater or surface water collects around your foundation, it flows into the pit through drain tile or perimeter drains. When water in the pit reaches a set level, the float switch activates the pump. The pump pushes water through a discharge line that routes it away from the foundation to a storm drain, dry well, or designated drainage area.
The check valve on the discharge line prevents pumped water from flowing back into the pit. The discharge line itself needs to terminate far enough from the house to prevent the water from cycling back toward the foundation.
Types of Sump Pumps
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Submersible Sump Pumps
Submersible pumps are sealed units that sit inside the sump pit, fully submerged in water during operation. The motor and pump are housed together in a single waterproof casing. Submersible pumps run quieter than pedestal models because the water surrounding the motor dampens sound. They also handle debris better since the intake is at the bottom of the pit.
Submersible pumps are the more common choice for finished basements where noise matters and the pit has a lid.
Pedestal pumps mount the motor above the pit on a stand, with a hose extending down into the water. The motor stays dry, which can extend its lifespan in certain conditions. Pedestal pumps are easier to service because the motor is accessible without reaching into the pit.
These work well in narrower pits that cannot accommodate a submersible unit.
A battery backup sump pump is a secondary pump powered by a marine-grade deep-cycle battery. It activates automatically when the primary pump loses power or fails mechanically. The battery backup kicks in during the exact scenario when your basement is most at risk: a power outage during a heavy storm.
Battery backup systems include:
- A secondary pump (usually DC-powered) installed alongside the primary pump
- A deep-cycle battery housed in a battery box near the sump pit
- A charging system that keeps the battery topped off during normal operation
- An alarm that alerts you when the backup has activated or the battery is low
Full Nelson installs battery backup systems on both new and existing sump pump installations. The backup pump runs independently of your home’s electrical system.
Sump Pump Repair
Sump pumps contain moving parts that wear over time. A pump that runs constantly, cycles on and off rapidly, or makes grinding noises needs professional attention.
Common sump pump problems include:
- Float switch stuck or misaligned, preventing the pump from activating
- Burned-out motor from overuse or electrical issues
- Clogged intake screen blocking water flow into the pump
- Check valve failure allowing water to drain back into the pit after each cycle
- Discharge line blockage or freeze-up preventing water from exiting
- Worn impeller reducing pumping capacity
Full Nelson diagnoses sump pump problems and completes repairs on all major brands. When a pump is beyond repair or undersized for the demand, we recommend replacement with a properly rated unit.
Sump Pump Installation
New sump pump installation involves cutting a pit into the basement floor, setting the basin, installing the pump, running the discharge line, and connecting power. For homes that have never had a sump pump, we also assess whether interior drain tile or a perimeter drainage channel is needed to direct water to the pit.
Proper installation includes:
- Sizing the pump to match the water volume and pit depth
- Installing a check valve on the discharge line
- Routing the discharge line to an appropriate exit point away from the foundation
- Testing the float switch and verifying the pump cycles correctly
- Recommending battery backup based on the property's power outage history and flood risk
When to Replace Your Sump Pump
Sump pumps have a typical lifespan of 7 to 10 years depending on usage frequency and water conditions. Pumps that run frequently in high water table areas wear out faster.
Signs that replacement is needed include:
- The pump runs but does not move water effectively
- Rust, corrosion, or visible deterioration on the pump body
- The pump is more than 10 years old and showing reduced performance
- Motor overheats or trips the breaker during normal operation
- The pump cannot keep up with water volume during heavy rain events
Why Full Nelson
- Family, Women, and Veteran owned since 2003
- Licensed, insured plumbers
- Submersible, pedestal, and battery backup pump installation
- Up-front pricing before work begins
- 24/7 emergency service for sump pump failures
- Total Home Care Club members receive annual system checks