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Thawline Plumbing

1 services · Sacramento

Basements & sump pumps in Sacramento, CA

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 Sacramento

Sump pump service

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 Sacramento: what's different

Sacramento sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, protected by levees. Low-lying neighborhoods like Natomas take sump pumps and backwater protection seriously.

Testing pumps before winter storms and checking discharge lines help prevent water damage.

Few Sacramento homes have full basements, but many in low areas have crawl spaces and garages that take on water during heavy winter storms. Keeping yard drains clear and making sure pumps discharge away from the house protects foundations and plumbing underneath.

Water and sewer in Sacramento
The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities provides water and sewer service inside the city.
Permits in Sacramento
Plumbing permits are issued by the City of Sacramento Community Development Department.

Sacramento housing and plumbing

Midtown, Land Park and East Sacramento have many homes from the 1910s–1940s with clay sewer laterals and galvanized supply; Natomas is newer construction on low-lying land.

Other Sacramento conditions that affect plumbing

  • Tree roots: Sacramento's large urban tree canopy sends roots into older clay laterals.
  • Flood-prone low areas: Low-lying areas near the rivers benefit from working sump pumps and backwater protection.
  • Older supply lines: Galvanized pipe in pre-war homes causes low pressure and discolored water.
  • Flood protection city: Sacramento sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers and is protected by levees. Low-lying neighborhoods such as Natomas take sump pumps and backwater protection seriously.

Neighborhoods and ZIP codes

Plumbers on Thawline cover Sacramento and Sacramento County, including Midtown, Land Park, East Sacramento, Natomas, Curtis Park, Pocket. ZIP codes: 94203 · 94204 · 94205 · 94206 · 94207 · 94208.

When to call a plumber in Sacramento

  • 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 Sacramento

Do Natomas homes need sump pumps?

Many do because of the low-lying land and high water table.

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 Sacramento

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