Why Sump Pumps Matter Along the Wasatch Front
Many homes in the Salt Lake Valley depend on a sump pump because of heavy rain, spring snowmelt, and the way basements are built along the Wasatch Front. When groundwater rises around your foundation, the pump moves that water out of the sump pit and away from your home. When it fails, water can reach finished basements, stored belongings, and mechanical equipment like your water heater. It can also create unsafe conditions around electrical panels and outlets.
Fixing a pump before a storm costs far less than cleaning up after one. Water damage, mold growth, and foundation problems are expensive and slow to fix.
Warning Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Attention
Call us if you notice any of these:
It runs constantly, or shuts off and on. This often points to a stuck float switch or a clogged discharge line.
It makes grinding or humming noises. A broken impeller or a failing motor are common causes.
Water is not leaving the pit. The pump may be clogged or have failed outright.
The breaker keeps tripping. Electrical problems around a pump should be handled by a professional.
It is more than 10 years old, shows rust or corrosion, or your basement gets damp after heavy rain.
A Quick Pre-Storm Check You Can Do Today
Clear the pit. Remove any debris that could jam the pump or float.
Test it. Pour a few gallons of water into the pit. The pump should turn on, empty the water, and shut off.
Check the discharge line. Make sure it is not blocked, frozen, or draining too close to your foundation.
Confirm the power. Check that the pump is plugged in and the breaker is on.
Move valuables off the basement floor. It takes minutes and could save a lot.
If the pump does not start or sounds wrong during this test, do not wait for the storm. Call us.
The Power Outage Problem
Storms often cause outages, and a sump pump with no power does nothing. This is how many basements flood even when the pump is in good shape. Wind-driven outages are a regular part of life along the Wasatch Front, and they tend to hit just when groundwater is highest.
That is why we recommend a battery backup system for homes with finished basements or a history of water problems. A backup keeps the pump running when the grid goes down. For homes that want protection for the whole house, not only the pump, a standby generator is another option. See our generator installation and repair page for details.
How We Repair Sump Pumps
Our plumbers diagnose the full system, not only the pump. We look at the float switch, impeller, motor, check valve, discharge line, and the power supply. Our sump pump repair covers both submersible and pedestal pumps. Submersible pumps sit in the pit and run quietly. Pedestal pumps keep the motor above the pit and are easier to service. We work on both.
Sump pumps run on dedicated circuits and involve water and electricity together, so we do not recommend do-it-yourself repairs. A temporary fix often misses the real cause, like a failed check valve or a discharge line that empties too close to the house.
How We Install and Replace Sump Pumps
When a pump is past repair, or when your home needs a stronger setup, our sump pump replacement service gives you a pump sized for your basement, not a one-size-fits-all unit. Here is what a typical installation includes:
Correct sizing. We calculate the horsepower your home needs so the pump does not burn out early.
Battery backup options. A secondary system can keep working through a storm-related power outage.
A clean, organized install. Discharge lines are secured and the basin is cleared of debris.
Testing before we leave. We test the float and confirm the check valve works.
Sudden replacements are a hit to the budget, so we offer financing and payment plans, plus free estimates.
Already Seeing Water? Call Right Away
If your pump has failed and water is rising, we offer same-day appointments and 24/7 emergency plumbing service. Our team can assess the problem, get your pump or a backup working again, and recommend changes, like rerouting a discharge line or adding a second pump, so it does not happen again. If water is near outlets, panels, or appliances, stay away and do not step into standing water.
Why Neighbors Choose Big Brothers
We are a veteran-owned, family-oriented company with 65+ years of combined experience, and our customers rate us 4.9 stars across 800 reviews. We give honest recommendations, upfront pricing, and we treat your home the way we would treat our own. We also provide bilingual service in English and Spanish. Hablamos español.
Do Not Wait for the Storm
Call (385) 469-4940 or book online to schedule a sump pump inspection, repair, or replacement before the rain hits. Big Brothers Home Services, 28 East Fireclay Avenue, Murray, UT 84107. Let's Fix It Right.