VFP Plumbing Services

Sump & Ejector Pump Services

In Chicagoland, big rainstorms can quickly dump hundreds of gallons of water on a single roof, and that water has to go somewhere. Without the proper protection, a dry basement can quickly turn into a flooded mess.

Sump pumps, which remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump pit, are the perfect option for lower levels of homes and buildings, particularly those in areas that are prone to flooding.

If you have appliances below grade, you’ll need an ejector pump to remove wastewater from the home or business and keep your lower levels safe from bacteria and germs.

Unfortunately, sump and ejector pumps are prone to a number of problems, including:

  • Power failure
  • Frozen discharge pipes
  • Age
  • Stuck switches
  • Too much water at one time
  • Incorrect pump size
  • Improper pump installation
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Clogged discharge lines
  • Defective products

At VFP Plumbing, we have a team of professional, certified and insured plumbing specialists who can address sump and ejector pump issues. We know how to diagnose a problem, repair and/or replace any damaged parts, and get you back on track.

Sump & ejector pump testing

A home or building’s sump pump and ejector pump are an important defensive tool against water buildup. When these pumps kick into action, they allow people to continue working or relaxing. At VFP Plumbing, we’ll take on routine maintenance duties and make sure everything is in working order by periodically testing the following:

  • Alarms and floats
  • Submersed pumps
  • Grinder sump pumps
  • Sewage and effluent sump pumps
  • Ejector pumps
  • Any other equipment associated with keeping low-lying areas dry

Are you worried that your sump pump doesn’t work properly? We test sump and ejector pumps to make sure that they fit the recommended standards. Our trained and experienced plumbers will perform routine maintenance testing. Don’t hesitate; contact our staff today.

Emergency sump pump repair, replacement and maintenance

Preventing sewer backflow is one of the main jobs of a sump pump. When bathrooms, washing machines, sinks and other plumbing fixtures are located below the level of sewer pipes, sump pumps are likely placed in strategic areas to manage backflow and prevent costly flooding and water damage. But accidents do happen, and when it involves a sump pump the situation can quickly turn into an emergency.

Most brand-new sump pump installations require removing a two-foot expanse of foundation and dirt all around the building, then adding drain tiles and gravel before replacing the concrete. These are not tasks that DIYers should attempt.

Repairing and replacing sump pumps is also a technical duty that should be left to the licensed plumber. Often, especially in Chicagoland where the rains can be quite heavy, basements will flood. This is a sign that you either need a sump pump or your current one has issues that need to be addressed immediately. Repeated basement flooding is known to lead to health issues, such as respiratory problems caused by mold.

At VFP Plumbing, we have years of experience repairing, replacing and maintaining sump pumps. Whether it’s automatic or submersible, we have the tools required to provide emergency assistance to a variety of sump pump makes and models.

Sump pumps wear out over time and require repair or replacement. However, with a routine maintenance plan in place you can avoid many of the emergencies caused by neglect.

VFP Plumbing professionals will offer guidance on how often your pumps need to be inspected and will advise on whether or not a battery-operated backup pump should be installed in case of the power outages that often accompany storms.

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“Valley Fire always provides top notch service. From the account reps to the scheduling department (who is always prompt in reaching out) to the technicians out at our properties, Valley Fire never misses a beat when it comes to providing fast, quality service.”

Haile E. Christofferson

Associate Real Estate Manager

Ejector pump repair and replacement

Sump & ejector pumps can work in concert with each other, but they do have several differences. While ejector pumps are located in lower level areas where water can accumulate, they collect water that flows from floor drains and process wastewater rather than ground water.

The most common signs you have an ejector pump problem

We tend to forget about our ejector pumps when they’re doing their job. It’s only when something goes awry that it gets our full attention. In some cases, the pump will sound like it’s cycling, yet it won’t evacuate any waste. Sometimes, it’s just the float rod that is malfunctioning, likely because it is out of adjustment. In other cases, it’s a clogged impeller, which means the pump needs to be removed in order to clear the clog.

Another common ejector pump problem is when the ejector is humming like it’s doing something, but nothing is actually happening. This could be a case of a broken impeller, which means it’s unfortunately time to replace your ejector.

Ejector pumps connect to sanitary sewage lines; if they should fail, dirty water and raw sewage could inundate the area. Expert plumbers are generally called to emergencies in such cases to fix the problem and dispose of the wastewater.

It often takes an expert to help a commercial or industrial facility determine which pumps do what, inspect and maintain them, and make the proper repairs or replacement. With residential installations the pump types are usually easy to identify. Since ejector pumps assist in grinding waste and power it out through pipes going up and out of a facility, having an expert check these on a regular basis is an excellent preventive step to consider.

Plumbing experts available now

Our reliable plumbers are ready to remedy the problems of sump and ejector pumps
VFP Plumbing is licensed, insured, and bonded and ready to serve the Chicagoland region. We utilize state-of the art equipment and have decades of experience. We pride ourselves on our top-notch services offered at a fair price. We’re also 100 percent dedicated to providing the best customer service. In fact, we treat our clients like family – just ask them.

VFP Plumbing is the plumbing contractor to call for sump and ejector pump assistance. We will help clients determine the correct ejector and sump pump sizes and hold capacities. We’ll ensure that everything that is to be repaired or replaced follows local codes before we begin, that the sump basin is the optimal size and that no sewer gas is escaping up through the building.

In fact, our skilled plumbers are ready at a moment’s notice to come to your location with the right tools and the expertise to handle any job, regardless of severity or size and at any time of the day or night. We’re licensed professionals with the equipment that will get the job completed correctly the first time.

Remodeling, repairs, restoration, rodding … you name it, VFP Plumbing can handle it! Whether you have an emergency or simply want to schedule an appointment, call us today at (630) 761-3168.

Let us evaluate your situation and survey the layout so we can recommend the best way to prevent emergency situations.

It doesn’t stop there … we can do much, much more!

If you haven’t found the needed repair or installation service in the list above, feel free to contact us at (630) 761-3168.

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Emergency Response & Service

When a sprinkler system or plumbing crisis occurs, you want it dealt with fast, but you also want it fixed the first time. VFP Plumbing does both!

The Illinois Department of Public Health has certified VFP Plumbing as compliant with state provisions, rules and regulations, and has licensed us as a certified plumbing contractor. We are commercial fire protection and plumbing experts with the required skills to design, install and repair a variety of fire protection and plumbing systems.

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