1 services · Washington

Basements & sump pumps in Washington, DC

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.

Call +1 (380) 273-8171

Licensed local plumbers
The problem explained before work starts
Price agreed before the job begins

Finished basement with laundry and a bathroom

Basements & sump pumps services in Washington

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 Washington: what's different

Many D.C. rowhouses have finished basements, often as rental units, with floor drains and sewage ejector pumps. These pumps need regular service, and a failure can flood the basement quickly.

Heavy storms can push water through floor drains when combined sewers overflow. A backwater valve, a working ejector pump and a sump pump where groundwater is an issue are the main protections.

Rowhouses converted to include a basement apartment add more fixtures below the sewer line, so the ejector pump and floor drains work harder than they were designed to.

Water and sewer in Washington: DC Water provides water and sewer service across the District.
Permits in Washington: Plumbing permits are issued by the D.C. Department of Buildings.

Washington housing and plumbing

Rowhouses from the late 1800s and early 1900s in Capitol Hill, Petworth and Columbia Heights often have basements, cast-iron drains and old service lines.

Other Washington conditions that affect plumbing

Combined sewer backups: Older parts of the city have combined sewers that can back up during heavy storms.
Lead service lines: DC Water has a program to replace lead service lines.
Rowhouse drains: Shared-wall rowhouses have long drain runs and old cast iron.
Clean Rivers project: DC Water's Clean Rivers tunnels reduce combined sewer overflows, but older rowhouses can still see basement backups in heavy storms.

Neighborhoods and ZIP codes

Plumbers on Thawline cover Washington and District of Columbia, including Capitol Hill, Petworth, Georgetown, Brookland, Columbia Heights, Navy Yard. ZIP codes: 20001 · 20002 · 20003 · 20004 · 20005 · 20006.

When to call a plumber in Washington

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 Washington

How often should a basement ejector pump be serviced in D.C.?

At least once a year. Ejector pumps handle sewage from basement bathrooms, and a failure can cause a backup.

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 Washington

All plumbing in Washington Basements & sump pumps nationwide Leaks, pipes & freezing in Washington Drains & sewer in Washington Water heaters Toilets, faucets & disposals Outdoor & seasonal Gas lines

Need help with basements & sump pumps in Washington?

Tell us what's going on and your ZIP code. You'll be connected with a licensed plumber who serves your area.

Call now to check plumber availability

Call +1 (380) 273-8171