Sump Pumps
Sump Pump Installation & Repair in Eau Claire, WI
When water gets into your basement, the sump pump is what gets it back out — it's the last line of defense between a working drainage system and a flooded basement. Eau Claire Drainage & Waterproofing installs new sump pumps, replaces old and failing ones, makes repairs, and adds battery backups so your system keeps running when you need it most — like during the spring storm that knocks the power out. Every job starts with a free inspection.
- Licensed & Insured
- Free Inspections
- Locally Owned
- Year-Round Service
How it works
What a Sump Pump Does and How It Works
A sump pump sits in a sump pit — a basin set into the lowest point of your basement floor. Water that collects around or under the foundation, often channeled in by an interior drainage system, flows into that pit. As the water rises, a float switch senses the level and turns the pump on; the pump then pushes the water up and out through a discharge pipe that carries it away from the house, where it can't make its way back in. When the water drops, the float switches the pump off again. It's a simple system, but it's the piece that actually removes the water everything else collects — which is why a sump pump that's undersized, worn out, or without a backup is such a common point of failure. When it works, you never think about it. When it fails during a storm, you find out fast.
What we do
Our Sump Pump Services
New sump pump installation
Whether you're adding a sump system as part of waterproofing your basement or putting one in for the first time, we install the pump and, where needed, the sump pit or basin itself — sized correctly for your basement and the amount of water it has to handle.
Sump pump replacement
Sump pumps don't last forever — most have a service life of around seven to ten years. If yours is aging, struggling, or has already failed, we'll replace it with a dependable pump before the next big storm tests it.
Sump pump repair
Not every problem means a new pump. A stuck float switch, a clogged intake, a jammed impeller, or a discharge issue can often be repaired. We'll diagnose what's actually wrong and fix it when a repair is the right call.
Battery backup systems
A sump pump runs on electricity — and the heavy storms most likely to flood a basement are also the ones most likely to knock out the power. A battery backup keeps your pump running through an outage, so a storm doesn't take out your protection at the exact moment you need it.
Warning signs
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Attention
A sump pump usually gives you warning signs before it fails outright. Don't ignore:
- The pump runs constantly, or cycles on and off rapidly
- It doesn't turn on when the pit fills, or doesn't keep up with the water
- Strange noises — grinding, rattling, or loud humming
- Visible rust, or water that has a rusty look
- Excessive vibration when it runs
- The pump is more than seven to ten years old
- Water in the basement even though the pump is there
- You've never tested it and don't know if it works
Any of these is worth a look — especially heading into spring, when our basements see the most water and a failing pump shows itself at the worst time.
Backup power
Why a Battery Backup Is Worth It
It's the detail people overlook until it costs them. The spring storms and heavy rains that overwhelm a basement and run a sump pump hardest are exactly the conditions that cause power outages — and a standard sump pump is useless without power. A battery backup system kicks in automatically when the power goes out and keeps the pump running on battery, often for hours, buying you protection through the outage. For a finished basement, or any basement you can't afford to flood, it's one of the most worthwhile additions you can make. We can add a backup to an existing system or include one with a new installation.
Cost
How Much Does a Sump Pump Cost in Eau Claire?
It depends on what you need. Replacing an existing pump is a straightforward job; a brand-new installation that also requires cutting in a sump pit costs more; and adding a battery backup is an additional piece. The type and size of pump, whether the pit already exists, and the complexity of the discharge all factor in. We inspect first and give you an upfront price before any work begins — and if your pump just needs a repair rather than a replacement, we'll tell you that instead of selling you a new one.
What to expect
What to Expect
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Free inspection.
We look at your sump pump, pit, and discharge — or assess where a new system should go — and find out what your basement actually needs.
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Clear diagnosis and quote.
You get a straightforward explanation and an upfront price, whether it's a repair, a replacement, a new install, or a backup.
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Professional installation.
Our licensed and insured crew does the work and cleans up the site.
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Reliable protection.
Your sump system is ready to handle the water — and the next storm.
Why us
Why Eau Claire Homeowners Trust Us With Their Sump Pumps
We're local to Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley, and a sump pump is part of nearly every basement waterproofing job we do — so we know how to size, install, and maintain one for the water our homes actually deal with. We're licensed and insured, our inspections are free and honest, and we'll recommend a repair when that's the right answer instead of pushing a replacement. And because we handle the whole picture — drainage, foundation, and basement — we make sure your sump pump fits into a system that keeps your basement dry.
FAQ
Sump Pump FAQs
How much does it cost to install a sump pump in Eau Claire?
It depends on whether you're replacing an existing pump, installing a new system that also needs a sump pit cut in, or adding a battery backup, along with the pump size and discharge setup. We inspect first and give you an upfront price before any work begins.
How long do sump pumps last?
Most sump pumps have a service life of around seven to ten years, though it varies with how often the pump runs and how hard it works. If yours is in that range or older, it's worth having it checked before the next big storm — a pump that fails during a spring storm fails at the worst possible time.
Why does my sump pump run constantly?
Constant running can mean the pump is undersized for the amount of water, the float switch is stuck or set wrong, there's a high water table keeping the pit full, or the discharge line is blocked and water is flowing back in. It can also wear the pump out prematurely. We can diagnose the cause and fix it.
Do I really need a battery backup?
If you can't afford to have your basement flood — especially a finished one — it's strongly worth it. The storms that run your sump pump hardest are the same ones that cause power outages, and without power a standard pump can't run. A battery backup keeps it working through an outage.
Can you repair my sump pump, or do I need a new one?
It depends on the problem and the age of the pump. Issues like a stuck float switch or a clogged intake can often be repaired, while an old or burned-out pump is usually better replaced. We'll diagnose what's actually wrong and recommend the repair when it's the right call.
My sump pump isn't working — can you help?
Yes. A sump pump that won't run is worth addressing right away, especially during a wet stretch. Call us and we'll get out to assess it, figure out whether it's a repair or a replacement, and get your basement protected again.
Free inspection
Get a Free Sump Pump Inspection
Whether you need a new sump pump, a replacement, a repair, or a battery backup, don't wait for the next storm to find out your basement isn't protected. Call Eau Claire Drainage & Waterproofing or request a free inspection, and we'll make sure your sump system is ready.