Pump Repairs & Replacements
When it comes to residential plumbing, sewer and drains, and septic systems, there are a variety of pumps that may be on your property with an important job to fulfill. We service every kind of pump, including sump pumps, sewage ejector pumps, lift pumps, lift stations, septic tank effluent pumps, and grinder pumps. If pumps aren’t maintained or repaired properly, it can lead to emergency service calls and extensive damage to your home or system. No matter what pump is causing you problems, Rapid Flush’s team of experts can repair or replace it.
Why Rapid Flush is the Trusted Pump Expert
When it comes to failing pumps, Rapid Flush takes every precaution to restore your existing pump system and bring it back to peak performance. Unlike traditional plumbers or drain cleaners, our team’s expertise extends past pump repair; we service lift stations and mound systems too.
No matter what condition your pumps are in, our team will fully assess the integrity of your system to identify the underlying cause and provide you with a quote upfront; you won’t receive any surprises or hidden fees from us. As experienced professionals certified in repairing and replacing all major pump brands, you can trust us for your pump repairs. We also know that pumps fail at the most inconvenient times, which is why we’re available 24/7, including nights and weekends.
Residential Sump Pump Systems
If you live in a rural or country area, it’s common to have a sump pump (or a water pump) in your basement. With the help of footer tiles located on the perimeter of your home that takes in rainwater and a pump crock that collects the water, sump pumps remove the clean groundwater from your foundation and deposit it outside. Typical sump pump systems come with a 1-5 year warranty. We recommend having your pump replaced at the end of the warranty or every 5-6 years, depending on how frequently it is used. If your water is especially high in iron, your sump pump should be replaced every 3-5 years.
Every sump pump has a check valve that prevents water from entering the pump until it’s time to pump it out. Over time, hinges on the check valve can wear out and fail, which is why it’s recommended to replace it every 3-5 years. If the check valve breaks or a sump pump fails entirely, you’ll likely experience clear standing water in your basement. This is especially common to experience after heavy rains. When Rapid Flush repairs or replaces a sump pump of any kind, the installation of a new check value is always included in our service.
For homes with a finished basement, or a basement that houses valuable items and doesn’t have a backup generator, we recommend investing in a battery-operated sump pump for when you lose power after a heavy storm. Without power, a sump pump is unable to bring the water out of your home, which causes water to pool in your basement, and could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. Battery-operated sump pumps don’t cost much and will save you thousands down the line.
Indoor Sewer Ejector Pumps
A sewer ejector pump is located inside of a home and moves septic waste and water out of your home and into a septic tank. These systems also have a sewer ejector crock or a sewer lift pump, which is a plastic tub underground with pipes that connect to a septic line. Crocks must have an airtight seal due to the dangerous gasses and smells that come from toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and human waste that move through the pipes. If your sewer ejector crock is not sealed properly, methane and hydrogen gasses could end up in your home, causing residents to experience headaches and foul smells.
Whether your sewer ejector pump needs to be repaired, replaced, or just requires a new check valve, Rapid Flush is the team for the job.
Exterior Sewer Ejector Pumps (Lift Pumps)
Michigan residents that have pressurized drain fields either have a gravity system or a mound system to filter water that comes out of a septic tank. Gravity systems are located below ground underneath a drain field to prevent septage from contaminating ground water. This is more common in sandy terrain.
Septic systems on clay terrain likely have a mound system that sits above ground and filters water through sand, producing a clean water output. Sewer ejector lift pumps either run on an on-demand dosing tank or a time-dose system. This controls the water output from the mound so too much water doesn’t enter the drain field at one time, which can oversaturate the field. These systems typically require annual maintenance; unfortunately, many installers fail to properly educate owners on proper maintenance of lift pumps which makes them vulnerable to costly failures and results in emergency repairs.
If you’re not sure what system you have, don’t panic. Our team of pump experts will inspect and identify your system, find where the problem is, and fix it efficiently.
Lift Station Pumps
In some areas, when gravity is not enough to move wastewater down a line, lift station pumps are used to elevate pumps about 3 ft higher before traveling a few more miles to another lift station. This system keeps waste and water pumping and lifting. Due to the contents of the pumps, lift stations are filled with hydrogen sulfide gas.
Some lift stations have an alarm or light that goes off when it’s time to call professionals to inspect the system. In that case, our team can treat any issues we identify and even introduce an SRS biology to eat up sulfides within a pump. Without treatment, gasses can erode the cement surrounding the system and even cause erosion.
Septic Tank Effluent Pumps (S.T.E.P.)
Septic tank effluent pumps, or S.T.E.P., are pumps that move only water out of a septic tank and into a central treatment system. This keeps the solids and sludge in the septic tank and allows effluent to leave and become treated enough so that when it’s discharged, it won’t harm the environment.
If your septic tank pump or filter needs to be replaced, repaired, or cleaned out, our team can service it.
Grinder Pumps
Some properties have a grinder pump to shred sanitary napkins and wipes into small bits. While Rapid Flush doesn’t install these pumps in homes with a drain field because it may lead to drain field failure, it is necessary for some applications.
Even if residents send only “flushable” sanitary napkins down their drains, it can still lead to clogs. Our pump experts unplug any line and even offer to pump crocks, lift stations, or septic tanks in conjunction with any necessary pump repairs.
FAQs About Pumps
Yes, sump pumps must have a cover or a lid for safety purposes to prevent children or animals from getting injured. If your sump pump is uncovered, contact our team to make your sump pump safe and up to code.
Pump repair costs depend on what type of pump you have and what the underlying issue is. Before we start any repairs, our team will always provide you with a free quote after our initial inspection.
Typically, sewage ejector pumps are designed to run as needed, meaning they turn on and off automatically depending on the amount of waste and water that needs to be moved out of the home and into the septic tank. The frequency of use depends on the size of the pump, the number of people living in the home, and their water usage habits. A professional on-site wastewater expert, like Rapid Flush, can assess your specific situation and recommend a maintenance schedule that suits your needs.
The lifespan of a sewage ejector pump can vary depending on various factors such as the frequency of use, size of the pump, head pressure, materials pumped through, and proper installation. Generally, sewage ejector pumps can last for anywhere between 3 to 7 years with proper maintenance and regular servicing. However, if the pump is not well-maintained, it can fail prematurely, leading to plumbing issues and even water damage. When it comes time to replace the pump, the check valve should be replaced as well. It’s essential to have a professional onsite wastewater expert, like Rapid Flush, inspect and service your sewage ejector pump regularly to ensure it’s running smoothly and avoid any potential issues.
Schedule a Pump Appointment
If you’re experiencing a flooded basement, toilets that won’t flush, or any other issues with your pump system, don’t hesitate to call our team of experts at Rapid Flush. Our experienced technicians specialize in repairing and replacing all types of pump systems, from sump pumps and sewer ejectors to lift stations and S.T.E.P. We’ll work diligently to restore your system’s performance to its peak, ensuring your drains run smoothly once again. Contact us today to schedule pump services.
