A sump pump moves groundwater out of the pit in your basement or crawlspace before it reaches the floor. If yours has stopped, is running without end or the pit is nearly full, call (630) 822-9290. Our emergency line is open 24/7, including storm nights.
While you wait, move anything valuable off the floor near the pit. Do not stand in water near the pump or touch a plugged-in pump with wet hands. If the electrical panel or outlets are wet, stay out and call. Clearing a visible blockage at the pit inlet is fine when the area is dry.
What to do right now if the pit is filling
Speed matters here. When the ground is saturated, a pit can fill quickly.
- Check power firstA tripped breaker or unplugged cord is the most common cause. Reset only if the area is dry.
- Look at the floatA float stuck against the pit wall will keep the pump from starting. Move it clear if you can reach it safely.
- ListenA humming pump that does not move water may have a jammed impeller. Unplug it before you touch it.
- Reduce water coming inSkip laundry and dishwashers, and divert a downspout away from the house if it is safe to do so.
- Call usTell dispatch how high the water is and whether you have a battery backup.
Symptoms and the usual causes
The sound or behavior of a failing pump points to its likely problem.
| What you notice | Common cause | Typical response |
|---|---|---|
| Silent, pit filling | No power, tripped breaker, dead switch | Check power, then test switch or replace pump |
| Hums but no flow | Jammed or worn impeller, clogged inlet | Pull and clean pump or replace |
| Runs without stopping | Stuck float, failed check valve, undersized pump | Reset or replace float, check discharge |
| Cycles on and off quickly | Check valve failed, water falling back | Replace check valve |
| Loud rattling or grinding | Debris or worn bearings | Clean the pit or replace the pump |
| Water outside near the discharge | Disconnected or frozen line | Repair or reroute the line |
A plumber confirms the cause on site and tests the pump before leaving.
Primary pump, battery backup and water-powered options
The primary pump does the daily work. A battery backup is a second pump that runs on a battery during an outage, which matters because storms that fill pits often knock out power.
Some homes also use a water-powered backup that runs off house pressure. It has limits and needs a way to drain, so we explain the pros and cons for your house. Pump setup follows the maker's manufacturer guidelines, and plumbing connections follow the standards in the Illinois Plumbing Code (Title 77, Part 890 of the Illinois Administrative Code). An old pump is often better replaced than repaired again.
Where the discharge water should go
The City of Darien has told residents to keep sump pump discharge off the sanitary sewer and at least five feet from a neighbor's property. It is city guidance, not a code citation, and the City water operator at (630) 353-8105 can answer questions about your address.
For you, that means the pump should push water through a dedicated line to the yard, not into a household drain. Water sent into the sanitary system adds to sewer load in storms. A discharge pipe that dumps right at the foundation just recycles water back into the pit.
How we diagnose and fix a sump system
- 1
Power and float
We check the circuit, the plug and the float travel.
- 2
Pit check
We look for debris, silt and a clogged inlet screen.
- 3
Run test
We fill the pit with water and watch the pump start, discharge and shut off.
- 4
Check valve and line
We confirm water does not fall back, and that the discharge line is clear.
- 5
Repair or replace
You hear the plain recommendation and the price before any work.
Why Darien homes see sump trouble
Darien's older subdivisions, including Marion Hills, Brookhaven, Farmingdale and Hinsbrook, date from the 1960s onward, and basement pits of that era may hold older pumps or none. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve borders the whole south edge of the city.
So after a storm, ask yourself when the pump last cycled and whether it handled the last big storm. A pump that kept up in March may struggle in a wet summer. Pumps have limited life, and testing one before the season beats testing it during a downpour.
What changes the cost of sump work
Prices vary with the problem and the setup.
Call (630) 822-9290 for a real number on your pump.
Pit full and rain still coming?
Call the 24/7 line now. We will help you slow the water while a plumber comes out.
When the pump is only half the story
If the pit keeps overflowing, the pump may be fine and the water volume too high. In that case, check basement waterproofing options and the grade near your foundation. If water is leaking from a pipe rather than the ground, our leak detection service is the right visit.
For a permit question, contact the City of Darien Community Development Department at 1702 Plainfield Rd, and ask what they need for pump work.
Sump pump questions from Darien homeowners
Yes. Our dispatch line is open 24/7 at (630) 822-9290. Tell us how high the water is and we will give you steps while a plumber is on the way. Same-day appointments are offered when available.
Storms often take out power exactly when the pit fills. A backup runs when the house is dark. We explain sizing and limits at the visit.
A stuck float, failed check valve or high groundwater can all cause it. A plumber tests the cycle and checks the discharge to find which.
We advise against it. The City of Darien has asked residents to keep discharge off the sanitary sewer, and a household drain connects there. Ask the City water operator at (630) 353-8105 for guidance.
Sump pump work needs a building permit with a plat of survey from the City of Darien. Ask Community Development, and tell us if one is already open.