SUMP PUMP Services
Sump Pump Repair & Installation Service
Dealing with flooding on your property can be daunting, especially when a summer shower turns your basement into a swimming pool. Enjoy peace of mind knowing Mainstream® can help safeguard your home against such challenges.
INSTALL, REPAIR, & MAINTAIN
Expert Installation and Unmatched Reliability
Often overlooked, the sump pump is a crucial system in protecting your home from water damage. While it may work flawlessly initially, wear and tear or heavy use can lead to breakdowns. That’s where Mainstream® steps in, offering expert repair and seamless sump pump replacement to ensure your home stays protected.
The Mainstream Difference
Why Spokane Homeowners Choose Mainstream
Welcome to Mainstream® – your one-stop solution for all your electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing needs. Here’s why you should trust us with your home services:
Flexible Scheduling
We respect your time and prioritize efficient communication. We ensure minimal wait times for our technicians, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your home. Expect a call before our technician arrives, giving you the flexibility to plan your day accordingly.
Transparent Pricing
No surprises, no hidden costs. Our upfront pricing provides competitive quotes tailored to your specific service requirements. You'll receive a detailed breakdown of the work involved, ensuring transparency and total peace of mind.
Expert Technicians
Our friendly, skilled technicians are experts in electrical, heating, cooling, and plumbing services. With state-of-the-art tools and expertise, we guarantee precise, code-compliant work. Your home will be left spotless, reflecting our commitment to cleanliness and professionalism.
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Spokane Service Area
Greater Spokane & Beyond
We proudly service the following cities and neighborhoods in Spokane & Northern Idaho:
- Nine Mile Falls
- Otis Orchards
- Post Falls
- Rathdrum
- Spokane
- Spokane Valley
- Veradale
- Worley
- Wood Lake
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SUMP PUMPS
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my sump pump constantly run?
The frequency of your sump pump’s operation can vary greatly, typically running 2 to 3 times daily under normal conditions. However, during heavy storms, this frequency can increase to 5 or more activations per day. If you notice your sump pump running incessantly in the absence of rain, it indicates a potential issue with the unit. Below are four common problems that could cause your sump pump to run non-stop, along with their solutions.
Blocked Inlet Screen
The inlet screen filters incoming water to protect the pump’s motor from debris such as rocks and dirt. If your pump is cycling more than usual, the screen might be clogged, leading to inefficient water flow and prolonged pump operation. Our team can address this by cleaning or replacing the inlet screen, ensuring your pump runs efficiently.
Malfunctioning Check Valve
The check valve in the discharge line prevents expelled water from flowing back into the sump pit. A clogged or damaged check valve can cause water to re-enter the pit, triggering continuous pump activation. Our service includes inspecting and clearing the check valve of any obstructions to ensure proper function and prevent constant running.
If you’re facing these or other sump pump issues, our experienced team is ready to assist. We provide comprehensive sump pump repair and installation services, ensuring your basement stays dry. Contact us for a thorough inspection and solution to any sump pump problem.
What are the signs that I need to replace my sump pump?
Like all household appliances, sump pumps aren’t built to last indefinitely. Typically, a sump pump’s lifespan is about 10 years. After this period, it’s wise to consider replacing your unit to ensure your basement remains dry. We specialize in assessing homes and installing sump pumps tailored to your specific requirements.
Unusual Sounds
While sump pumps aren’t known for their quiet operation, abnormal sounds such as grinding or rattling could indicate it’s time for a check-up. These sounds often suggest motor issues, signaling the need for either repair or replacement. Our team provides expert sump pump services in Spokane and Northern Idaho, ready to address and resolve motor problems.
Dry Sump Pit
A functioning sump pump requires water in its pit to operate correctly. A consistently dry pit may indicate issues with your property’s drainage system, necessitating a professional evaluation.
Persistent Operation
A sump pump that runs without stopping is a red flag, potentially leading to a complete system failure if not addressed promptly. Continuous operation strains the pump and can significantly shorten its lifespan.
Frequent Cycling
If your sump pump frequently toggles on and off, it could be symptomatic of electrical issues, problems with the float switch, or simply that the pump is nearing the end of its useful life and requires replacement.
How do I know if I need a sump pump?
Here in Inland Washington, flooding is one of the most common risks to residents. According to city data, approximately 26% of Spokane Valley is mapped as a floodplain. That means residents in the area are 26% more likely to experience a small- or large-scale flood in their homes during any given year. Even if your home is not mapped in a flood zone, you may still require sump pump services if you experience the following:
- Your current unit is more than six years old
- You have valuable items in basement storage
- Your basement has flooded before
- Your home is on an incline or flat area
If you’ve noticed the signs of needed sump pump services in your home, don’t delay your service needs any longer. Mainstream has the end-to-end plumbing solutions you need to prevent costly water damage in your Washington home.
What are some common problems for sump pumps?
Throughout our years of service in Spokane, we’ve encountered a variety of common issues with sump pumps. Here are some typical problems you might face:
Loss of Power
A loss of power to your sump pump can leave your basement exposed to flooding, especially during storms that cause power outages. This can happen if the circuit breaker trips or if the pump gets unplugged by accident. Installing a battery backup system ensures that your sump pump remains operational, even during power outages, keeping your basement dry.
Continuous Operation
A sump pump that operates non-stop, irrespective of the weather, signals an underlying issue that requires prompt attention. Common reasons for this continuous operation include:
- A constantly flooding sump pit.
- Sump pump switches getting stuck.
- A missing or malfunctioning check valve.
- A blockage in the discharge line.
Pump Overload
In some cases, a single sump pump may not suffice to prevent basement flooding, particularly during intense storms. If the pump cannot cope with the influx of water, it might be because it’s not adequately powerful or because it’s of inferior quality, like some plastic models, which are prone to overheating or failing under pressure.
Discharge Line Blockages
The discharge line’s role is to expel collected water outside your home. If this line gets blocked, your sump pump system can’t function correctly. It’s crucial to ensure that discharge lines are not only clear of obstructions but also appropriately covered to prevent freezing or clogging, allowing for effective water expulsion from your basement.
Who fixes a sump pump?
Expert plumbers like those certified at Mainstream are the right people to service and repair your sump pump system. Our experience with sump pump replacement and repairs makes us not only the best Spokane plumbing company for the job, but also the smartest. Our local plumbers will inspect and evaluate your existing sump pump, and determine the cause of its issues. If required, we’ll recommend options for a new sump pump that fit your budget and home needs.
What is the right sump pump system for my home?
One type of sump pump is a submersible pump designed to channel ground water through a drain system. Any water that enters the drainage system from outside is directed into the sump pit. The pump then turns on, removing the water and preventing damage and flooding. Another type of pump is for sewer removal. It works similar in that the sewage enters the pump well and is pumped to the main sewer to drain by gravity flow.
What are the benefits of a sump pump?
Thorough Flooding Protection
A sump pump is installed to protect low-lying areas of your house from excess water, so flood protection might seem like an obvious benefit. What’s not so obvious are the secondary benefits of preventing that water damage.
Installing a sump pump can be considered a preventative measure to avoid all of the following:
- Destroyed basements
- Pest and vermin infestations
- Mold and mildew growth
- Damaged foundation
- Costly repairs caused by all of the above
Increased Property Value
No matter how nice the location is, the property value of any land can be lessened because it tends to flood. A properly-installed sump pump system will reassure potential buyers that their property will be protected from Mother Nature as best as possible.
Peace Of Mind
The average sump pump can get rid of a lot of water — most are capable of moving between 1,500-2,500 gallons per hour! There’s almost no way to put a price on the feeling of knowing that your home is equipped to deal with heavy rainfall season after season.
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is essentially a basin installed at the lowest level of your home, or wherever you have an issue with flooding. The basin is a reservoir to collect excess water before it can accumulate where you don’t want it to. Once the pump fills to a certain level, a float switch starts the pump that carries the water away through a discharge pipe.
