Sump pumps in St. Paul, MN

Why sump pumps matter in Minnesota

A sump pump collects groundwater from around your foundation and pumps it out of the house. In Minnesota, the hardest test usually comes in spring, when snow melts on frozen ground, and again during heavy summer storms. A pump that fails on one of those days can flood a finished basement within hours.

We repair pumps that run constantly, cycle on and off, make noise or will not start. We replace pumps that are worn out and fix float switches, check valves and discharge lines.

Where the water must go

Sump water belongs outside, not in the floor drain, laundry tub or sewer cleanout. Minnesota’s plumbing code prohibits draining stormwater into the sanitary sewer unless the local sewer authority approves it. Many metro cities also ban sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer by ordinance. West St. Paul’s code, for example, requires a permanent outdoor discharge and sets monthly penalties for violations.

The reason is capacity. The Metropolitan Council says clear water from sump pumps and foundation drains overloads the sewer system during big storms, and it asks property owners to make sure sump pumps are not connected to the sanitary sewer. If your pump drains into the house plumbing, we can reroute it outdoors. Your city may require a permit for the work.

Backup pumps and alarms

Storms that bring heavy rain often knock out power too, and a standard sump pump stops when the power does. A battery backup pump sits beside the main pump and takes over when the power fails or the main pump cannot keep up.

A high-water alarm sounds when water rises above the normal level in the pit, so you know there is a problem before the floor gets wet. Some alarms can also send an alert to your phone. We can talk through which options make sense for your basement.

Test your pump before spring

Check the pump in late winter, before the snow melts, and again before forecast heavy rain. Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should start on its own, empty the pit and shut off.

Make sure the pump is plugged in and the outlet has power.
Clear debris from the pit and the pump inlet.
Check that the outdoor discharge pipe is not frozen, crushed or buried in snow.
If you have a battery backup, check the battery as the maker recommends.

If the pump hums but does not pump, runs without stopping or does not start at all, call us at 651-488-5555. For water already rising in the basement, see our emergency service.

Signs your sump pump needs attention

The pump does not start when you pour water into the pit
The pump runs constantly or turns on and off rapidly
Humming, grinding or rattling noises
Water stands in the pit above the normal level
Damp floors or walls near the pit after rain
The discharge pipe drains into a floor drain or laundry tub
No backup for power outages during storms

Common questions

Can my sump pump drain into the floor drain or laundry tub?

No. Floor drains and laundry tubs connect to the sanitary sewer. Minnesota’s plumbing code and many city ordinances keep this clear water out of the sanitary sewer. Sump water should discharge outdoors.

How often should I test my sump pump?

Test it before spring snowmelt and before heavy rain is forecast by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should start, empty the pit and shut off.

Do I need a battery backup sump pump?

A battery backup is worth considering if your basement is finished, your pump runs often, or storms in your area often cause power outages. It keeps pumping when the power is out.

What should I do if my pump stops during a storm?

Check that it has power. If the basement is flooding near outlets or appliances, do not wade in. Shut off power only if you can do it safely, and call for emergency service.