Sump Pumps & Flood Protection in Roanoke, VA
In a valley where heavy rain is the main weather risk, the sump pump is the part of the plumbing that earns its keep on the worst night of the year.
Request a plumberHow a sump works
Groundwater collects in a pit below the basement floor. When it rises, a float switches the pump on and sends the water outside, well away from the foundation.
Test it before storm season
Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should start, empty the pit and switch off. If it hums without pumping, sticks or runs nonstop, have it looked at before the next storm.
Battery backup
Storms and power cuts arrive together. A battery backup pump, or a water-powered backup where there's city pressure, keeps going when the main pump loses power.
Where the water goes
The discharge pipe should end well away from the house, not by the foundation where it can soak back in. In winter, a discharge line that freezes can stop the pump working.
Backwater valves
If storm water overloads the sewer, it can push back up through a basement floor drain. A backwater valve on the main lets water out but not back in.
After a flood
Once water is out, have the pump and any wet water heater or gas appliance checked before using them again. See flood-season prep.
Noise and smell
A sump pit with a sealed lid keeps radon and damp air out of the basement and cuts pump noise. Ask about one if your pit is open.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do sump pumps last?
- Often seven to ten years, less if they run a lot. Replace an old one before it fails, not after.
- Can I plug my sump pump into an extension cord?
- It's better on its own outlet. A plumber or electrician can advise if yours isn't.
Other plumbing services
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