Ejector Pump Repair & Installation in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs
When your below-grade bathroom or laundry room stops draining, you need trained plumbers that know how to fix ejector pumps. At H2O Plumbing and Sewer Services, we repair and replace ejector pumps for homeowners all across Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and many of the surrounding areas!
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What Is an Ejector Pump, and Do You Have One in Your Home?
An ejector pump is in a sealed pit below your basement floor that takes sewage from places in lower level spots like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any floor drains below the level of your home’s main sewer line. It then pumps the waste upward to reach the main sewer line to remove the sewage normally.
Without an ejector pump, gravity is just not able to push the sewage up to the main line of your home. If your home has a bathroom in the basement, a laundry room in the basement, a utility sink, or any below-grade feature, there’s a good chance you have an ejector pump system. It is specifically a sewage pump, and it’s completely separate from a sump pump. It also requires a licensed plumber for proper diagnosis, repair, and replacement.
Signs Your Ejector Pump Is Failing
Ejector pump failure has a distinct and unmistakable character — the symptoms go beyond a slow drain and signal that sewage is no longer being pumped away from below-grade fixtures. If you notice any of the following in or near your basement, call a plumber before the situation escalates.
Sewage Odor in the Basement
A constant smell of sewage coming from your basement most likely means the pit is not sealed or not disposing of waste properly. If you’re experiencing this issue, it is a health hazard, and we highly recommend giving us a call immediately to come out and help.
Backed-Up Below-Grade Fixtures
If your toilet in the basement isn’t flushing, or your floor drains are overflowing, your fixtures may be backed up from sewage not leaving your home properly.
Pump Alarm or Continuous Cycling
Many ejector pumps now include an alarm that goes off when there’s too much sewage and the level rises higher than it’s normally supposed to. If the pump is continuously cycling, which means the pump is constantly running but the level isn’t going down, this indicates a possible failing pump and should be checked out as soon as possible.
Visible Overflow or Wet Pit Exterior
If there is any moisture or liquid around the pit, or signs of sewage starting to overflow, this is a serious sign that we recommend calling us out immediately. Raw sewage being in your basement is a health hazard, and we need to make sure the problem doesn’t get any worse.
If any of these signs are present, call H2O Plumbing & Sewer Services at (847) 577-8817.
How H2O Diagnoses and Services Ejector Pump Systems
When calling out a plumber for service with your ejector pump, they need to be experienced with this type of system and not just sump pumps. At H2O Plumbing and Sewer Services, we are licensed and have plenty of experience with ejector pumps, and we’re ready to help whenever you need us to.
Our service process:
- Sealed pit inspection — We will open and inspect the lid of the pit, seal condition, and the interior looking for signs of backup, corrosion, or debris.
- Float switch testing — The float switch triggers the pump to work when the sewage gets up to a certain level. This is a common issue with ejector pumps, and it could be the reason yours is malfunctioning.
- Pump performance assessment — We run the pump to check if there are any specific performance issues we need to be aware of.
- Waste-line and vent verification — Proper venting of the sewage is necessary and prevents odors, and that’s why we verify the connection is clear.
- Repair or replacement recommendation — After assessing the entire system and looking into all of the options, we will come to you with a recommendation for either a repair or replacement. We will explain why we believe it is the right option, and we will gather your thoughts before beginning any work.
Ejector Pump Questions — Answered
How much is it to repair or replace an ejector pump?
It costs $800-$900 to repair or replace your ejector pump. This does vary depending on the type of service you need, so make sure to contact us for an exact quote.
My basement is backing up with sewage. What should I do?
Leave the basement, shut the door if there is one, and give us a call right away. Sewage being in your basement is a health hazard and needs to be handled by professionals immediately.
Should I repair or replace my ejector pump?
This entirely depends on your current situation and certain factors like age, performance, and possible issues. If your ejector pump is 7-10 years old, and starting to have some issues, we’ll most likely recommend a replacement. If it’s less than seven years old and needs a cheaper repair, we’ll most likely recommend a repair. We always have your best interests in mind, and we’ll always give you our fair and honest professional opinion. Feel free to have us come and assess your current setup any time!
Is an ejector pump the same thing as a sump pump?
No, ejector pumps and sump pumps are not the same thing. Ejector pumps take sewage from certain fixtures in your home out and away, while sump pumps take water coming in from rain or snow melting away from your home.
How long does an ejector pump typically last?
Ejector pumps typically last 7-10 years with proper upkeep and maintenance.
What are some things I can do to keep my ejector pump running as long as possible?
Besides regular maintenance, one of the best things you can do is avoid flushing anything besides toilet paper. This includes wipes, feminine products, paper towels, grease, or anything like these items. They are not meant to be in an ejector pump, and they will end up hurting your system.
Does my ejector pump need regular maintenance?
Yes, we highly recommend regular maintenance to help your ejector pump last as long as possible. This includes:
- Testing the pump's performance every 3-6 months by flushing a toilet on a low level and making sure the pump turns on quickly and empties the pit quickly.
- Make sure not to open the pit, just do your best to listen for the running and then it stops.
- Inspect the vent pipe at least once per year to ensure there are no blockages.
Feel free to handle all of this if you’re comfortable doing so, and if you’re not comfortable, feel free to give us a call any time and we’ll handle your ejector pump maintenance for you!
What does sewage odor from the basement mean?
This most likely means a cracked or displaced lid seal, a blocked or disconnected vent, or the pump isn’t removing sewage as it should be. If this is the case and there is an odor, make sure to call us immediately as it can be a health hazard.
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Whether you're dealing with a backed-up basement bathroom, a pump alarm, or a system that's been running for over a decade without inspection, H2O Plumbing & Sewer Services is ready to help. We serve Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, and the surrounding Northwest Chicago suburbs.