- 833-603-1840
- info@jprplumbingnewton.com
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Forest Hills, Queens
When heavy rain hits and your sump pump hums but won’t pump, runs nonstop, or stays silent while water rises, your basement is at risk. JPR Plumbing helps Forest Hills homeowners repair and replace sump pumps. Call (833) 603-1840.
A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of a basement. When groundwater or rainwater collects in the pit, a float switch turns the pump on and it pushes the water out through a discharge pipe, away from the house.
Many Forest Hills homes, from detached houses near the Gardens to attached homes on side streets, have finished or partly finished basements used for storage, laundry, or living space. A working sump pump helps keep that space dry. You can read more about our full range of plumbing services in New York on our homepage.
These are the sump pump problems we see most often, what usually causes them, and how a plumber approaches the repair.
What to know
The plumber fills the pit with water to confirm the pump turns on, empties the pit, and shuts off.
A stuck float, a failed switch, or a dead motor can keep the pump from starting when water rises.
A float stuck in the up position or a broken check valve can make the pump run without stopping.
A jammed impeller or a clogged intake screen can stop water from moving even when the motor runs.
Silt, gravel, and small objects in the pit can clog the pump or jam the float.
If the check valve fails, water in the discharge pipe can flow back into the pit after each cycle.
An older or smaller pump may not keep up when a storm brings in a lot of water at once.
A plumber checks the float, switch, motor, intake, check valve, and discharge line to find the problem.
Some problems can be fixed by replacing a part. An old or burned-out pump may need to be replaced.
Stay clear of water near outlets and appliances, move valuables off the floor if it’s safe, and call (833) 603-1840.
Forest Hills considerations
Strong storms can push water toward basements across Queens, including in Forest Hills.
New York City’s Stormwater Resiliency Plan notes that extreme rain can overwhelm sewers and back water up into basements, and that the city expects more heavy-rain days in the future. It also asks residents to hold off on laundry, dishwashing, and other heavy water use during heavy rain.
Many homes use the basement for laundry, storage, or extra living space. A sump pump that isn’t working can let water damage floors, walls, and stored items.
Older Pumps. Pumps that have sat unused through dry months can stick or fail when the first big storm arrives. Testing before storm season helps.
Never stand in basement water near outlets or appliances. If water is near electrical equipment, stay out and call for help.
The cost of sump pump work depends on what’s wrong and whether the pump can be repaired or needs to be replaced. Common factors include:
A plumber can look at your pump and explain your options before any work begins. If the pump is old, the plumber may talk with you about whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense for your home.
Basement water problems sometimes involve more than the sump pump. You can also see all of our plumbing services in Forest Hills. Related services include:
We serve homeowners and co-op owners across Forest Hills, from Forest Hills Gardens and Station Square to the apartment buildings along Queens Boulevard. Contact us to confirm availability at your address.
Questions
Signs include a pump that won’t turn on, runs all the time, makes loud noises, or doesn’t empty the pit.
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should turn on, empty the pit, and shut off.
A stuck float switch, a broken check valve, or a high water table can cause the pump to run without stopping.
No. A sump pump handles groundwater in the pit. Sewer backups come through drains and need a different fix.
The city asks residents to delay laundry, dishwashing, and other heavy water use during heavy rain.
No, not if water may reach outlets or appliances. Stay out and call for help.
It depends on the pump’s age and the problem. A plumber can explain the choices after an inspection.
Call (833) 603-1840, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., or request service online. Tell us what your pump is doing and how much water you see.
