Basement water is rising and the pump is not keeping up
Treat this as urgent. Our dispatch line, (732) 466-1098, is open 24/7. While you wait, check the pump's plug and the breaker, and look at the float. If the float is stuck against the pit wall, lifting it by hand may start the pump.
Do not wade into a flooded basement if the water is near outlets, a furnace, a panel or a freezer. Shut off power to the basement at the main panel only if you can reach it from dry ground. If you are unsure, stay upstairs and call.
- Move valuables and stored boxes off the floor if the water is still shallow.
- Do not run a wet-dry vacuum or extension cord through standing water.
- If a sewage smell comes from the pit or floor drain, avoid contact. It may be an ejector pit, not a sump.
- Take photos of the water level and anything damaged before cleanup.
How a failing sump pump shows itself
| What you notice | Common cause | Where it points |
|---|---|---|
| Runs constantly, even when dry | Stuck float or failed check valve | Float or valve repair |
| Hums but does not pump | Seized motor or clogged impeller | Cleaning or new pump |
| Does not start at all | Tripped breaker, dead switch or burned motor | Power check, then replacement |
| Loud rattling or grinding | Worn bearings or debris in the pit | Inspect and likely replace |
| Runs but water is not leaving | Frozen or blocked discharge, or a failed check valve | Clear line or replace valve |
A pump that cycles every minute on a dry day may be pulling groundwater from a bigger problem. A plumber can tell the difference between a pump issue and the water coming in.
Water climbing in the pit? Call now and tell us how close it is to the floor.
(732) 466-1098Power outages, storms and battery backup
Heavy rain and power cuts tend to arrive together, which is exactly when a plug-in pump goes quiet. A battery backup pump sits in the same pit and takes over when the primary stops or the grid drops.
A backup has limits. The battery lasts a set number of hours under load, so ask how long yours is rated for. Test it each season by pouring water into the pit and confirming both pumps start.
Sump pump or sewage ejector
Sump pump
Moves groundwater from a pit near the foundation out and away from the house. Clean water, usually little solids.
Sewage ejector
Lifts wastewater from a basement bathroom or laundry up to the sewer line. It handles solids and sits in a sealed pit.
Why it matters
They are different pumps. A sump pump in an ejector pit will clog, and an ejector pit should never be uncovered or drained into the yard.
Installing a new pit and pump
According to the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs plumbing board, a permit has to be signed by the licensed plumber or a bona-fide representative. A homeowner cannot simply have someone else pull it, so ask who is signing for your pit and pump work.
- Assess the waterThe plumber looks at where water collects and whether a pit already exists.
- Size the pumpHorsepower and lift depend on how high the water must go and how fast it enters.
- Set the pit and check valveThe pump sits level on a stable base. A check valve on the discharge keeps pumped water from flowing back into the pit.
- Route the dischargePipe goes out of the house and away from the foundation. This step has local rules, covered below.
- Test and demonstrateThe plumber fills the pit, confirms the float works and shows you the reset points.
A new pump is a fixed installation job in the same family as other plumbing installation work, with power and discharge planned together.
Source: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers FAQ, njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu/Pages/FAQ.aspx
Where the discharge goes: ask before you route it
We do not have a sourced New Brunswick ordinance on sump discharge, and we will not state one from memory. Many municipalities limit where pumped water may go, including whether it may enter a sanitary sewer. Ask the building department before the work is planned.
In Highland Park, a utility affiliate of Middlesex Water operates the borough's water and wastewater system, and the borough owns its sewer collection network. If you live there, call that operator or the borough about discharge before connecting anything to a sewer line. See our page for plumbing help in Highland Park.
Source: Middlesex Water, Utility Service Affiliates Highland Park
Flooding in this area: what we can and cannot say
We have no sourced local flood history for New Brunswick to cite, so this page does not claim one. The practical position is simple. Any basement can take water in a heavy storm or a long wet spell, and a working pump with a battery backup is the plain defense.
If you suspect water is entering from a pipe rather than the ground, a leak detection visit separates the two. East Brunswick residents can read about service in East Brunswick.
What sets the price of sump pump work
Homeowners policies often exclude water that backs up from a sump or drain unless an endorsement was added, so ask your insurer what your policy says.
We give a clear price before work starts. For a real number, call (732) 466-1098.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Dispatch runs 24/7, and we offer same-day appointments when available, including overnight and weekend calls during storms. Tell the dispatcher how high the water is.
Keep out of standing water near electrical equipment while you wait.
It varies with use, water quality and pump type, and we will not offer a number. A pump that has run hard through many storms is a candidate for replacement, especially if it is noisy or cycling oddly.
It can be. A stuck float or failed check valve are common causes. If it runs on a dry day, call for a check, since constant running wears the motor.
If the basement matters to you, it is worth considering. A backup keeps the pit emptying during a power cut. Ask about the rated runtime.
A sump pump handles groundwater. An ejector lifts sewage from a basement bathroom or laundry. They are not interchangeable.
Ask the building department or your sewer utility. We do not state local rules from memory. Discharge near the foundation or onto a neighbor's property often causes new problems.
Yes, a clear price before work starts. Call (732) 466-1098 for a real number.