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Thawline Plumbing

1 services · Des Moines

Basements & sump pumps in Des Moines, IA

A sump pump keeps groundwater from rising into a basement or crawl space. Most last about 7 to 10 years. Replacing an aging pump before storm season, and adding a battery backup or alarm, is far cheaper than cleaning up a flooded basement.

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Finished basement with laundry and a bathroom

Basements & sump pumps services in Des Moines

Sump pump service in Des Moines

Urgent

A sump pump that won't run usually has a stuck float switch or a failed motor. One that runs constantly may have a bad check valve or a high water table. In cold winters, a frozen discharge line outside is a common cause of a pump that runs but doesn't empty the pit.

Local conditions

Basements & sump pumps in Des Moines: what's different

The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers have flooded the city in the past, so low-lying areas take sump pumps and backwater valves seriously. Spring thaw is when sump pumps work hardest.

Water heaters and laundry in older basements sit near floor drains that back up first.

Testing pumps before spring and adding battery backups help.

Older Beaverdale and Sherman Hill homes have floor drains tied directly to the lateral, so a clog or storm backup shows up there first. A backwater valve helps in low-lying areas, and a battery backup keeps sump pumps running during spring storms.

Water and sewer in Des Moines
Des Moines Water Works supplies water to the city.
Permits in Des Moines
Plumbing permits are issued by the City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center.

Des Moines housing and plumbing

Beaverdale and Sherman Hill have early 1900s homes with basements and older drains.

Other Des Moines conditions that affect plumbing

  • Frozen pipes: Deep cold freezes pipes in exterior walls.
  • Flood risk: River flooding and heavy rain test sump pumps.
  • Older laterals: Clay laterals in older neighborhoods collect roots.
  • 2008 flood history: The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers have flooded the city in the past, so low-lying areas take sump pumps and backwater valves seriously.

Neighborhoods and ZIP codes

Plumbers on Thawline cover Des Moines and Polk County, including Beaverdale, Sherman Hill, Drake, East Village, Waveland Park, Highland Park. ZIP codes: 50301 · 50309 · 50310 · 50315 · 50317 · 50321.

When to call a plumber in Des Moines

  • The pump runs constantly or turns on and off rapidly
  • The pump hums but doesn't move water
  • Water in the basement after a storm
  • Rust, loud noise or a pump more than seven years old
  • No backup during storms that knock out power

How these problems start and how to choose between repair options is covered in the basements & sump pumps guide.

Basements & sump pumps questions in Des Moines

When do Des Moines sump pumps work hardest?

During spring thaw and heavy spring rain.

How do I test a sump pump?

Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should start, empty the pit and shut off. If it doesn't start, check that it's plugged in and the float can move freely.

More plumbing in Des Moines

All plumbing in Des MoinesBasements & sump pumps nationwideLeaks, pipes & freezing in Des MoinesDrains & sewer in Des MoinesWater heatersToilets, faucets & disposalsOutdoor & seasonalGas lines

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