Sump Pump Replacement and Repair
Most Southern California homes don’t have a basement, but plenty have a sump pump: under a below-grade garage, in a crawl space, at the bottom of a sloped driveway or hillside drain, or in a basement bathroom. When it fails, the first heavy rain shows it. Oasis Plumbers tests the pump, the float switch and the check valve, repairs what can be repaired and replaces the pump when it can’t keep up.
Pump tested with water before we leave · Licensed plumbers · 0% financing up to 48 months
Test your sump pump with a bucket
- Lift the pit cover and check the pit is free of gravel, debris or a stuck float.
- Pour a bucket of water slowly into the pit.
- The float should rise and the pump should start, empty the pit and switch off on its own.
- Go outside and confirm water is coming out of the discharge pipe.
Do this before the rainy season starts, usually October or November. If the pump doesn’t start, runs but the level doesn’t drop, or keeps running after the pit is empty, use the table below.
What's wrong with my sump pump?
| What happens | Likely cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pump doesn’t start when the pit fills | Stuck or failed float switch, tripped GFCI, dead motor | Free or replace the float switch; reset power; replace the pump if the motor is dead |
| Runs but the water level doesn’t drop | Clogged intake, frozen impeller, blocked or crushed discharge line | Clean the intake, clear the discharge, or replace the pump |
| Turns on and off every few seconds | Failed check valve letting water run back into the pit, or float set too low | Replace the check valve; adjust the float |
| Runs nonstop | Float stuck in the up position, or the pump is too small for the inflow | Free the float or install a higher-capacity pump |
| Loud grinding or rattling | Worn bearings or a damaged impeller | Replace the pump |
| Pump is 7–10 years old | End of typical service life | Replace before it fails in a storm |
Sump pump or sewage ejector pump?
A sump pump moves groundwater and rainwater away from the house. A sewage ejector pump lifts waste water from a toilet, shower or laundry that sits below the sewer line – common with basement bathrooms and some ADUs. Ejector pumps use a sealed, vented basin and must discharge into the sewer, not the yard. We service both, and we’ll tell you which one you have.
Choosing a replacement sump pump
- Submersible or pedestal: submersible pumps sit in the pit and run quieter; pedestal pumps keep the motor above the water and suit narrow pits.
- Capacity: sized to how fast water enters the pit and how high it has to be lifted.
- Float type: vertical floats suit narrow pits; tethered floats need more room.
- Battery backup: keeps the pump running when a storm cuts the power.
- Check valve: replaced with the pump so water can’t drain back into the pit.
How we replace a sump pump
- Test the old pump and measure the pit, the lift height and the discharge line.
- Disconnect power and the discharge, pump out the pit and remove the old unit.
- Clean the pit and set the new pump level on a solid base.
- Install a new check valve and reconnect the discharge with a union for easy service.
- Run several fill cycles with water and check the discharge outside.
What affects sump pump replacement cost
- Pump type and capacity
- Whether a battery backup or alarm is added
- Condition of the pit, discharge line and electrical outlet
- Access – a tight crawl space takes longer than a garage pit
- Sewage ejector pumps cost more than sump pumps because of the sealed, vented basin
You get a written price before we start.
Sump pump replacement FAQs
How long does a sump pump last?
Most sump pumps last 7 to 10 years. Pumps that run often, such as those in high groundwater areas, wear out sooner.
Should I repair or replace my sump pump?
A stuck float switch, a failed check valve or a blocked discharge line can be repaired. If the motor is burned out, the impeller is damaged or the pump is near the end of its service life, replacing it is the safer choice.
Why does my sump pump keep turning on and off?
Short cycling usually means the check valve has failed and water is flowing back into the pit, or the float switch is set too low. Both can be fixed without replacing the pump.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
If your pit fills during storms, a battery backup keeps the pump working when the power goes out, which is often exactly when it’s needed most.
What is the difference between a sump pump and a sewage ejector pump?
A sump pump removes groundwater and rainwater. A sewage ejector pump lifts waste water from below-grade toilets, showers or laundry up into the sewer line through a sealed, vented basin.
How often should I test my sump pump?
Test it at least once a year before the rainy season by pouring a bucket of water into the pit, and again after any long power outage.
Sump pump service near you
Hillside homes and below-grade garages in both counties rely on pumps during winter storms. The offices below handle sump and ejector pump calls:
Los Angeles County
- Sunland — 8348 Foothill Blvd, Sunland, CA 91040 · (805) 883-6154
- Santa Monica — 701 Pico Blvd #551, Santa Monica, CA 90405 · (310) 818-7582
- Calabasas — 24025 Park Sorrento #430, Calabasas, CA 91302 · (818) 330-1138
Orange County
- Laguna Hills — 25272 McIntyre St #558, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 · (949) 635-7337
- Anaheim — 800 S Brookhurst St, Anaheim, CA 92804 · (714) 706-3926
Get your sump pump ready for the rain
Let us know where the pump is (garage, crawl space, basement), what it’s doing and roughly how old it is. Call (888) 803-7895 or send the form to book a visit.