Ejector/Sump Pumps

If you have an overhead sewer and plumbing fixtures in your basement, you most likely have an ejector pump. This pump lifts wastewater from your basement up and overhead to the pipe going through your wall and out to your street's sewer line. That pipe is your overhead sewer—it's called "overhead" because it's above the floor.

Traditionally, the building drain was piped underneath the basement floor, and any basement plumbing fixtures tied into this under-floor drain. This seems straightforward, so why go through the hassle of an overhead sewer and pumps? Why not just pipe it that way?

The problem is that on very rainy days, city sewers can become overwhelmed with the extra rainwater. Just like an overfilled bathtub, water will spill over. Since basements are at lower elevations in relation to everything else except the sewer, water will back up into basements first.

While flood controls, backwater valves, and other options can help keep your basement dry and prevent it from flooding with wastewater from your neighborhood, overhead sewers are the best and most effective way to avoid this situation. The trade-off is that you'll need an ejector pump if you want a basement bathroom.

While there's much more to discuss about ejector pumps and their importance, understanding sump pumps and their critical role in flood protection is also essential. If you have a basement, its exterior walls form your home's foundation, and these walls are likely deep enough in the ground to interact with groundwater daily.

During dry periods, your sump pump might not activate for extended periods. However, as rainfall increases and the ground becomes saturated, water will naturally enter your home through points of least resistance.

Your sump pump prevents flooding by being the lowest point in your basement, making it the path of least resistance for water. Through a corrugated pipe running along your foundation wall and into your sump pit, the sump pump removes stormwater away from your home, keeping your basement dry.

At John Lucky Plumbing, we replace old sump pumps and maintain them through regular yearly checks, advising you on whether replacement is necessary. We typically recommend replacing pumps three years earlier than the manufacturer's rated lifespan. While some pumps may last longer, depending on usage and other factors, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Whether or not a plumber can inspect your pump, homeowners should regularly check to ensure they're working correctly. While some might find the sound of pumps moving water away from their homes irritating, the peace of mind knowing your house is protected is invaluable!