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Sump pump service is part of whole-basement waterproofing. Not every Eagle Mountain home has a sump, but homes with interior drain tile, a high seasonal water table or a history of floor-wall seepage depend on one.
How a Sump System Works
Perforated drain pipe collects water at the footing and carries it to a pit (the sump basin). A float switch turns the pump on as water rises, and the pump pushes it through a discharge pipe and check valve to the yard, away from the foundation.
Sump Pump Types
| Type | Pros and cons | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible | Quiet, sealed in the pit, longest life; most common choice | $800 – $2,000 |
| Pedestal | Motor above the pit, easy to service, louder | $600 – $1,500 |
| Battery backup | Runs when power fails or the main pump quits | $600 – $1,500 added |
| Water-powered backup | Uses city water pressure; no battery to maintain | $500 – $1,200 added |
| New pit + pump (no existing sump) | Cut floor, dig basin, connect to drain tile | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Homes with high groundwater near the Jordan River, such as Bluffdale basements, lean hardest on a battery backup.
Choosing a Pump
| Feature | Typical choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 1/3 HP for most basements; 1/2 HP for high water or long discharge runs | Bigger is not always better; an oversized pump short-cycles |
| Body | Cast iron | Sheds heat better and lasts longer than plastic |
| Switch | Vertical float or electronic switch | Less likely to snag on the pit wall than a tethered float |
| Check valve | Required on the discharge | Stops water in the pipe from falling back into the pit |
| High-water alarm | Strongly recommended | Tells you the pump failed before the floor is wet |
Battery or Water-Powered Backup?
A battery backup runs a second pump when the power is out or the main pump fails; the battery needs replacing every few years. A water-powered backup uses city water pressure and needs no battery, but it uses a lot of water while running and needs a proper backflow preventer, so it only works on homes with good municipal pressure. Either one beats finding out the hard way.
Utah Winter Problem: Frozen Discharge Lines
A discharge line that freezes in January leaves the pump with nowhere to send water, and it burns out or overflows the pit. Bury lines below the frost line where possible, slope them so they drain, and add a freeze-guard fitting that lets water escape near the house if the outlet ices over.
A pump that fails during snowmelt can flood a finished basement quickly; our basement flood cleanup steps cover the first hours.
Where the Water Should Go
Discharge should land well away from the foundation, on ground that slopes away, and never into a window well or next to a neighbor's foundation. Sump water should not be tied into the sanitary sewer without city approval; check with Eagle Mountain City before rerouting a line.
Crawl spaces with standing water use the same equipment on a smaller scale; see crawl space sump systems.
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Service
- The pump runs constantly, or cycles on and off every few seconds.
- It hums but does not move water — often a jammed impeller or failed check valve.
- Rust, debris or a stuck float in the pit.
- Water in the basement near the pit.
- The pump is more than 7–10 years old.
Test Your Pump Twice a Year
- Before spring snowmelt and before summer stormsRemove the lid and look for debris.
- Pour water inSlowly pour a bucket of water into the pit until the float rises.
- Watch it runThe pump should start, empty the pit and shut off cleanly.
- Check outsideWater should exit the discharge line well away from the foundation.
Flooded because a pump failed? Dry it fast, then see our basement mold removal after sump failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does sump pump installation cost?
Replacing a pump in an existing pit costs about $600 to $2,000. Installing a new pit and pump runs $1,500 to $4,000. A battery backup adds $600 to $1,500.
What type of sump pump do I need?
A submersible pump with a cast-iron body suits most basements. Add a battery backup if a power outage during snowmelt or a storm would flood the basement.
How long do sump pumps last?
Usually 7 to 10 years. Replace it sooner if it struggles, cycles constantly or is noisy.
Should a sump pit have a lid?
Yes. A sealed lid keeps moisture and soil gases (including radon) out of basement air and keeps debris out of the pump.
Do I need a battery backup sump pump?
If a power outage or pump failure during snowmelt or a storm would flood a finished basement, yes. It is far cheaper than the cleanup.