Sewage & Sump Pump Solutions for Your Norcross, GA, Area Home
Storm season in the South can be quite a roller coaster. When storms start rolling in during the spring, they can drop surprisingly high amounts of rain in a very short amount of time. That level of precipitation is easily enough to overwhelm homeowner's basements and cause severe water damage to a home if it's not protected. At Chen Plumbing, we provide expert installation, repair, and maintenance services for sewage and sump pumps, keeping your home dry and your plumbing system running smoothly.
Sewage and sump pumps play a crucial role in preventing flooding and ensuring waste is properly removed from your home. Our experienced plumbers specialize in diagnosing issues, providing expert repairs, and installing high-quality pumps tailored to your home’s needs.
Don't leave your home vulnerable to catastrophic water damage. Take advantage of our expert services and defend yourself against storms and flooding. Drop us a message online or call 678-621-6363 today!
Understanding The Difference Between Sewage Pumps & Sump Pumps - And Why Your Home Might Need Both
We often get questions about the difference between sewage pumps and sump pumps, and understanding this distinction is crucial for homeowners in Norcross. Sewage pumps handle wastewater from your home's plumbing fixtures - toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines. These powerful units are designed to move solid waste and liquid sewage up from basement bathrooms or laundry rooms to your main sewer line when gravity alone cannot do the job. Sump pumps, on the other hand, deal exclusively with groundwater and surface water that accumulates around your home's foundation. We install these pumps in specially constructed sump pits in basements or crawl spaces to prevent flooding by automatically removing excess water before it can cause damage. While both pumps protect your property, sewage pumps manage waste disposal and sump pumps focus on water management and flood prevention.
A Sump Pump Failure Can Be Dangerous For Your Home
When we service homes after sump pump failures, we see firsthand the devastating consequences that many homeowners never anticipate. A failed sump pump transforms your basement from a functional space into a breeding ground for mold and mildew within 24 to 48 hours. We've witnessed thousands of dollars in damage to flooring, drywall, furniture, and personal belongings that could have been prevented with proper pump maintenance. The stagnant water creates serious health hazards, particularly for family members with respiratory conditions or allergies. Foundation damage becomes a real threat as water pressure builds against basement walls, potentially causing cracks that compromise your home's structural integrity. We've also seen electrical hazards develop when water reaches outlets, panels, or appliances, creating dangerous situations that require immediate professional attention. The financial impact extends beyond immediate repairs - insurance claims, temporary housing costs, and lost personal items can quickly accumulate into overwhelming expenses.
To learn more about the risks of a malfunctioning sump pump, check out our blog entry, "When Sump Pumps Fail."
Sump Pump FAQs
We typically see sump pumps lasting between 7 to 10 years with proper maintenance, though several factors influence their lifespan. The frequency of operation plays a major role - pumps that run constantly during heavy rain seasons or in homes with high water tables will wear out faster than those used occasionally. We've installed quality pumps that have lasted 15 years in ideal conditions, while others may need replacement after 5 years due to heavy usage or poor maintenance. The type of pump also matters - submersible pumps generally last longer than pedestal pumps because they're sealed and protected from debris. Water quality affects longevity too, as pumps handling sandy or gritty water experience more wear. We recommend scheduling annual inspections to catch problems early and extend your pump's life. Warning signs that replacement time is approaching include frequent cycling, unusual noises, rust or corrosion, and decreased pumping capacity during heavy rains.
We determine the right sump pump size based on several critical measurements and calculations specific to your Norcross home. The most important factor is your basement's square footage and the rate at which water enters during heavy rainfall. We measure the vertical lift required - the distance from your sump pit to where water exits your home - because pumps lose capacity as lift height increases. For most residential basements, we recommend pumps with capacities between 2,500 to 4,000 gallons per hour at a 10-foot lift. Larger basements or those prone to significant water intrusion may require higher capacity units or multiple pumps. We also consider your soil type, local water table levels, and typical rainfall patterns in the Norcross area. Clay soils retain more water, requiring more powerful pumps, while sandy soils drain better. During our assessment, we examine your existing drainage systems, foundation permeability, and any history of basement flooding to ensure we recommend the optimal pump size for your specific situation.
Standard sump pumps cannot operate during power outages because they rely on electricity, which is why we strongly recommend backup power solutions for our Norcross customers. We offer three main backup options to keep your basement protected when the power goes out. Battery backup sump pumps are the most popular choice - these systems automatically activate when your primary pump loses power and can typically run for 5 to 7 hours depending on usage. We also install water-powered backup pumps that use your home's water pressure to operate, though these require adequate water pressure and increase your water bill during operation. For maximum protection, we recommend combination systems with both battery and water-powered backups. Some homeowners invest in whole-house generators, which restore power to your primary sump pump along with other essential systems. We've seen too many flooded basements after storms knock out power, so we always discuss backup options during installations. The investment in backup power is minimal compared to potential flood damage costs.
We recommend testing your sump pump every three to four months and performing maintenance twice yearly - once before spring rains and again before winter. Testing is simple: pour water into the sump pit until the float rises and triggers the pump, then verify it removes water quickly and shuts off properly. During these tests, we advise listening for unusual noises, checking that the discharge pipe is clear, and ensuring the float moves freely without obstruction. For maintenance, we clean debris from the pit, inspect the pump for rust or damage, and test the backup power source if you have one. The discharge pipe should be checked annually to ensure it directs water away from your foundation and hasn't become clogged or damaged. We also recommend having professional inspections annually, especially before storm season. During our service calls, we check electrical connections, test pump capacity, clean internal components, and replace worn parts before they fail. Many homeowners forget about their sump pumps until problems arise, but regular maintenance prevents emergency failures and extends equipment life significantly.
Our Sewage & Sump Pump Services
We provide comprehensive solutions for sump and sewage pump installation, repair, and maintenance in Norcross, GA. Our goal is to protect your home from flooding, sewage backups, and costly water damage through expert care and proactive service.
Sewage Pump Installation & Replacement
Safely and efficiently move wastewater from lower-level plumbing systems to your home’s main sewer line.
- We install and replace sewage ejector pumps for basements and below-grade bathrooms.
- Our technicians ensure correct sizing, code compliance, and long-term durability.
- We use top-rated equipment for consistent performance and minimal maintenance.
Sump Pump Installation & Replacement
Prevent basement or crawl space flooding with a sump pump system tailored to your property’s needs.
- We assess your home’s drainage and water table before recommending a solution.
- Installations include submersible or pedestal pumps, sealed sump pits, and check valves.
- Designed for Georgia’s seasonal rainfall and heavy storms to ensure full protection.
Sump Pump & Sewage Pump Repair Services
Restore your system fast when it’s noisy, constantly running, or fails to activate.
- We troubleshoot issues like float switch failures, clogged discharge lines, and worn motors.
- Repairs are performed with high-efficiency parts to extend pump life.
- Emergency repair services are available for urgent flooding or sewage problems.
Battery Backup System Installation
Maintain sump pump function during power outages and storm-related blackouts.
- We install reliable battery backup systems that automatically activate when needed.
- These systems keep your home protected when your primary pump loses power.
- Especially critical during spring thunderstorms and hurricane season in Georgia.
Routine Maintenance, Inspections & Testing
Ensure your pumps are storm-ready with proactive care and seasonal checkups.
- We clean sump pits, test float switches, check battery backups, and inspect discharge flow.
- Our team recommends biannual or seasonal inspections to catch small issues early.
- Maintenance services reduce the risk of surprise failures during heavy rain.
Signs You Need Sewage or Sump Pump Service
- Basement or crawl space flooding
- Sewage backups or slow drainage
- Unusual noises coming from your pump
- Pump running continuously or failing to turn on
- Foul odors around drains or sump pit
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, prompt attention can help you avoid costly water damage or system failures.
Why Choose Chen Plumbing?
✔ Experienced & Licensed Plumbers – Decades of expertise in sewage and sump pump services.
✔ Upfront Pricing & Free Estimates – No hidden fees, just honest and transparent service.
✔ Reliable & High-Quality Products – We install durable, efficient pumps from trusted brands.
✔ Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed – We take pride in delivering professional and dependable service.
Schedule Your Sewage or Sump Pump Service Today!
Don’t wait for an emergency—ensure your sewage and sump pumps are in top condition with expert service from Chen Plumbing. Call us today at 678-621-6363 to schedule an appointment and protect your home from water damage.