Sump Pump Service

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Sump Pump Installation & Repair in Reading, PA

We Take Care of Sump Pumps, Well Pumps and Sewage Pumps

Many homes and commercial properties use sump pumps. These devices are often located in the basement and are used to pump excess water out of a basin.

Sump pumps are typically used to combat basement flooding, but there are also other uses for them. Some older homes use them as a means to pump excess wastewater to a sanitary sewer or septic tank system. Although this method is not commonly used anymore in newer homes, mainly because it goes against local plumbing codes, some older houses still use sump pumps to perform this duty.

Whether you need to repair or replace your sump pump, we can help. You can find us serving customers throughout Reading and surrounding areas in Berks County.

Call us today at (610) 929-8860 for immediate sump pump services at competitive rates!

Sump Pump Types

There are two main types of sump pumps.

Submersible pumps

This is typically placed below the water in a basin, and the water is pumped through it.

Pedestal pumps

This pump has the motor located above the pump. It is easier to service than the submersible pump.

A sump pump installed in a basement of a home with a water powered backup system.

At The Plumbing Works, we regularly assist our customers with comprehensive plumbing maintenance in Reading and throughout the surrounding areas. Our friendly and professional team can help you get the most out of your home or business.

Pumps 101

Sewage Pumps

Sewage pumps, unlike regular sump pumps, are heavy duty and able to handle solid waste. They are often installed to complement basement bathrooms or septic systems.

Since basement bathrooms are located below the sewage line entrance, the sewage pump helps direct waste away from your home. The sewage pump is installed similarly to a sump pump, except you will need an additional vent pipe set up to filter out gas and odors from the waste.

If you do not have access to the public sewer, you may have a septic field in place. If this is the case, you must use a sewage pump to break down and pump out waste into the septic tank. For homeowners with septic systems, we recommend looking for pumps made of cast-iron, which is durable and up for the heavy duty work involved.

Well Pumps

Some of our customers use well water and need a well pump to connect to their plumbing system. There are shallow well pumps, deep well pumps, and convertible jet well pumps. Which pump you install depends on your specific well set up and your needs.

Shallow well jet pumps
These pumps are ideal for wells less than 25 feet deep. Shallow pumps are not designed to be submersible; they are placed in a well housing. With shallow well pumps we recommend looking for systems that have overload protection to prevent motor burnout. Also look for pumps with a tank or booster that increases PSI, which helps deliver constant water pressure.
Deep well pumps
Wells 90-300 feet deep require deep well pumps. These pumps are submerged inside the well. You can choose between two- or three-wire models. Three-wire pumps are easier to maintain since they feature above-ground starter controls. Two-wire models are easy to install but will require surfacing to fix any problems.
Convertible jet well pumps
If you live near a fluctuating water table, we recommend installing a convertible jet well pump. These pumps are not submersible, and are installed with either a nozzle (for wells up to 25 feet deep) or an ejector assembly (for wells 25-90 feet deep).

Our team will help you determine your plumbing needs and install the right well pump for your home.

Common Sump Pump Problems

Ask about our 5 year pump warranty!

Your sump pump may malfunction or stop working over time. Many models have reset buttons located on them in case the motor performs a thermal shutdown. Oftentimes, you simply have to go to the pump and press the switch for the pump to start working normally.

Another problem involves a malfunctioning impeller inside the pump. Small debris and sludge buildup can impede the movement of an impeller and the bearings can seize up. When this happens, it generally means that the impeller needs to be replaced.

The electrical windings inside the pump motor can also become hot and separate. This prevents the motor from functioning. You will have two options in this case. You can either have the motor rebuilt, or install a new motor.