Sump Pump Repair, Installation & Replacement

Don’t wait for a flooded basement. Southside Plumbing’s master plumbers provide expert sump pump repair, replacement, battery backup installation, and same-day emergency service throughout Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Littleton, and the South Denver metro.

PROTECTING YOUR HOME

What Is a Sump Pump and Why Does Your Home Need One?

A sump pump is a device installed in a pit at the lowest point of your basement or crawl space. When groundwater, snowmelt, or heavy rain causes water to collect in the pit, the pump activates and pushes water away from your foundation through a discharge line — protecting your home from flooding, structural damage, and mold growth.

In the Highlands Ranch and South Denver metro area, Colorado’s rapid spring snowmelt and intense summer thunderstorms create conditions that can overwhelm a home’s natural drainage. Many neighborhoods — especially those built in the late 1980s and 1990s — have original sump pumps that are well past their expected lifespan. Whether you need a repair, replacement, or a brand-new installation with battery backup, Southside Plumbing’s master plumbers have been solving sump pump problems for Highlands Ranch homeowners since 2005.

850+ Google Reviews

Serving South Metro Denver

Family Operated

Insured

SUMP PUMP SERVICES

Comprehensive Sump Pump Services

From emergency repairs to full installations with battery backup, our master plumbers handle every sump pump need with precision and transparency.

  • Sump Pump Repair
  • Sump Pump Installation
  • Sump Pump Replacements
  • Battery Backup Systems
  • Sump Pump Maintenance & Testing
  • Sewage Ejector Pumps

TROUBLESHOOTING SUMP PUMP GUIDE

Is Your Sump Pump Failing? Here’s What to Look For

If your sump pump is showing any of these warning signs, don’t wait for the next storm. Our master plumbers can diagnose and fix the problem — often the same day.

Won’t Turn On at All

Start by checking the power: is the pump plugged in, does the outlet work, and is the breaker tripped? If power is fine, the float switch may be stuck or tangled. If neither is the issue, the motor itself may have burned out and the pump needs replacement.

Running Constantly

A pump that never shuts off usually means a stuck float switch, a failing check valve that lets water drain back into the pit, or a pump that’s undersized for the water volume it’s handling. Continuous running burns out the motor quickly and spikes your electricity costs.

Cycling On & Off Rapidly

Short cycling wears out the motor fast. It’s usually caused by a float switch set too close to the pump’s trigger point, a leaking check valve recycling water back into the pit, or a sump pit that’s too small for the incoming water volume.

Making Grinding or Rattling Noises

Strange sounds typically point to a damaged impeller, worn motor bearings, or debris caught in the pump intake. A loud bang each time the pump cycles off often means the check valve is broken and water is slamming back through the discharge line.

Vibrating Excessively

Heavy vibration usually means the impeller — the fan-like component that draws water into the pump — has been bent or damaged by debris. A damaged impeller forces the motor to work harder and, if left unrepaired, will cause the pump to fail.

Visible Rust or Corrosion

Rust around your sump pump isn’t just cosmetic. As corrosion builds, it can clog the pump intake and impeller, block discharge lines, and ultimately prevent the pump from moving water. Iron bacteria in the water can accelerate this corrosion.

Draining Too Slowly

If your pump activates but the water level barely drops, the pump may be undersized for the volume it needs to handle, or the discharge line could be partially clogged or frozen. An improperly installed pump may also be fighting too much vertical distance.

Water in the Basement Despite the Pump

A wet basement despite a working sump pump usually points to a few culprits: power loss to the pump, an overwhelmed pit, a frozen or clogged discharge line, or water seeping through foundation cracks — which bypasses the sump system entirely.

Sump Pump FAQ

Test your sump pump at least every three months, and always before Colorado’s spring snowmelt and summer storm seasons. Pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the pit and confirm the pump activates, removes the water quickly, and shuts off on its own. If anything seems off — slow draining, unusual sounds, failure to shut off — call us for an inspection.

Most sump pumps last 7 to 10 years with normal use. Pumps that run frequently due to a high water table may wear out sooner. If your pump is approaching 10 years, a professional inspection can help you evaluate whether repair or proactive replacement makes more sense for your situation.

We strongly recommend it, especially in the Highlands Ranch area where summer thunderstorms frequently cause power outages — often at the exact moment your sump pump needs to be running. A battery backup activates automatically during an outage, keeping your basement protected. It’s especially important for homes with finished basements or valuables stored below grade.

A foul odor coming from your sump pit is usually caused by stagnant water sitting in the pit for too long, dried-out drain traps allowing sewer gas to escape, or the buildup of organic debris. In some cases, it can indicate the pump is connected to a sewage line incorrectly. Our team can identify the source and resolve it.

The cost varies based on the type of pump, the scope of the repair, and whether additional work like pit construction or discharge line rerouting is needed. We give you an upfront price before any work begins — no hidden fees, no surprises. We also offer financing options for larger projects. Call us at 303-346-8426 for an honest assessment.

Your Sump Pump Experts Are Ready to Help!

Schedule with Southside Plumbing today.