Top Sump Pump Installation & Repair Companies in Memphis, Tennessee Ranked

A sump pump is a critical line of defense for Memphis homes, actively removing groundwater before it can flood your basement or crawl space. This service matters immensely here, where seasonal rains and a high water table can threaten your foundation and property. You can use this resource to understand your options, learn about local installation considerations, and connect with qualified professionals who can assess your specific needs and provide a reliable solution.

Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C

5320 US-70, Mason, TN 38049

Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C serves Memphis, TN, providing plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. With over 20 years of experience and more than 1,000 positive reviews, they handle leak repairs, drain cleaning, sump pump repairs, toilet repairs, and repiping. Their team offers comprehensive home comfort solutions, including heating and AC installation and maintenance. Established in 2005, Patton Plumbing Heating & A/C is known for skilled workmanship and reliable service.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

Above and Beyond Plumbing and Electric Company, Inc

7302 Memphis Arlington Rd, Bartlett, TN 38135

Above and Beyond Plumbing and Electric Company, Inc provides plumbing and electrical services in Memphis, TN. Their plumbing services include water heater repair, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, and gas line installation. The company also offers electrical work such as panel upgrades, rewiring, lighting installations, and surge protection. With years of experience serving the Memphis community, they focus on delivering skilled workmanship and ethical service. Licensed, bonded, and insured, they emphasize ongoing employee training and community safety.

4.9

587 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

9373 Macon Rd Ste 5, Cordova, TN 38016

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides full-service plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services in Memphis, TN. Serving both residential and commercial customers, they offer a range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, and clogged drain cleaning. Established in 1935, Roto-Rooter has over 90 years of experience and operates 24/7 to handle emergency plumbing needs. Their use of state-of-the-art drain cleaning equipment supports efficient and thorough service delivery.

4.8

548 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

254 Court Ave Ste 107, Memphis, TN 38103

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers full-service plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup services in Memphis, TN. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they provide expert solutions including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, and clogged drain cleaning. Established in 1935, Roto-Rooter has over 90 years of experience and operates 24/7 to handle emergency plumbing needs with state-of-the-art equipment.

4.8

493 Reviews

Ray Baker Plumbing Heating & Cooling

5080 Wilfong Rd, Bartlett, TN 38134

Ray Baker Plumbing Heating & Cooling serves Memphis, TN, providing a range of plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. Their plumbing expertise includes sump pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. With over 20 years of experience, the company offers reliable solutions to keep home systems running smoothly. They are known for handling installations, maintenance, and repairs across plumbing and HVAC needs.

4.1

16 Reviews

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Why Memphis Homes Need Sump Pumps

Memphis presents a unique set of challenges that make a functional sump pump system more of a necessity than a luxury for many properties. The city's location contributes to a naturally high water table, meaning groundwater sits closer to the surface ¹. When heavy rains arrive, this water has nowhere to go but towards the lowest point in your home. Compounding this issue is the region's prevalent clay soil¹. Unlike sandy soil that drains quickly, clay retains water, creating persistent hydrostatic pressure against your home's foundation walls and floor slab ². Without a way to relieve this pressure, water will eventually find a way in, leading to dampness, mold, and structural damage.

Furthermore, the storms that bring this deluge often cause power outages¹. A standard sump pump connected to your home's electricity is useless during a blackout, precisely when it's needed most. This underscores why a battery backup system is considered an essential component, not an optional extra, for a reliable Memphis installation ³. Ultimately, investing in proper foundation protection through a sump pump is a proactive measure that safeguards your home's structural integrity and prevents exponentially more expensive repairs down the line ².

Types of Sump Pumps and Key Components

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for effective water management. The two primary types of sump pumps are submersible and pedestal models, each with distinct advantages.

• Submersible Pumps: As the name implies, the entire pump and motor unit operates underwater inside the sump basin. These models are generally quieter, can handle small solids and debris better, and are ideal for high-volume water removal, making them a popular choice for new installations ^{1 4}.
• Pedestal Pumps: In this design, the motor is mounted on a long pedestal above the sump pit, with only the pump impeller extending down into the water. They are typically easier and less expensive to maintain, often have a longer motor life due to better cooling, and are more affordable upfront. However, they tend to be louder and are less effective in smaller pits ^{1 5}.

Beyond the pump itself, a complete system includes several vital components:

• Sump Basin & Lid: The basin (or pit) collects water. It must be properly sized and include a stand to keep the pump off the bottom silt. An airtight, sealed lid with grommets for pipes prevents moisture, radon gas, and pests from entering your home ⁴.
• Battery Backup: This is a separate pump or a power transfer system that kicks in during a utility power failure. Given Memphis's storm frequency, this add-on is highly recommended and can add $150-$300 or more to the project cost ^{1 3}.
• Discharge Line & IceGuard®: The pipe that carries water away from your home must be properly routed. In colder months, a special IceGuard® fitting or similar protection is often installed to prevent the discharge line from freezing shut, which would render the pump useless ⁵.

Understanding Sump Pump Costs in Memphis

The cost for sump pump services in Memphis varies widely based on the scope of work, from a simple repair to a complex new installation. Local factors like clay soil and the potential need to break through concrete significantly influence the final price ^{6 7}.

New Installation (with pit excavation): This is the most involved and costly scenario. It involves digging a new sump pit, often through a concrete basement floor, installing the basin, running discharge and electrical lines, and setting up the pump. In Memphis, you can expect a range of $500 to $2,500+ for a quality installation ^{6 8 9}. The higher end accounts for difficult excavations, the addition of a battery backup system, and necessary electrical work like adding a dedicated GFCI circuit ^{10 11}.

Replacement in an Existing Pit: If a functional pit and discharge line are already in place, costs drop substantially. This typically involves removing the old pump and installing a new one, with total costs often under $1,000. The pump unit itself may cost between $100-$300, with the remainder covering professional labor and testing ^{6 7}.

Repair Services: For a pump that's malfunctioning-not running, running constantly, or making strange noises-repair is the most affordable option. Basic repairs like clearing a stuck switch or cleaning the inlet screen might cost under $100, while replacing a faulty float switch or impeller will be more ^{8 10}.

General Price Ranges:

• Basic Install/Replacement (Existing Pit): $450 - $1,000^{6 10}
• Submersible Pump Installed: ~$900 - $1,000+⁷
• New Full System with Backup: $1,000 - $2,500+^{8 9}

The Professional Installation Process

A proper sump pump installation by a qualified technician is a multi-step process that ensures long-term reliability. It begins with a site assessment to determine the best location for the pit, typically at the lowest point where water naturally collects. If a new pit is needed, the technician will core or break through the concrete floor-a labor-intensive step that adds to the cost but is necessary for effectiveness ⁶.

Next, the sump basin is set into the excavated hole, surrounded by gravel for drainage and stability. The pump is then placed on a stand inside the basin to keep it above any settled silt. A critical phase involves running the discharge piping. This pipe must have a proper downward slope away from the foundation and terminate in a location where water won't simply seep back toward the house. In Memphis, installing a check valve on this line is standard to prevent backflow, and an IceGuard® may be added for winterization ^{5 4}.

Finally, the electrical connections are made, usually to a dedicated GFCI outlet for safety. If included, the battery backup unit will be wired and tested. The entire system is then tested by pouring water into the pit to trigger the pump and float switch, ensuring everything operates smoothly before the job is considered complete.

Maintenance Tips for Your Sump Pump

To ensure your system is ready for the next downpour, regular maintenance is key. This is something homeowners can do themselves a couple of times a year, especially before the rainy season.

1. Visual Inspection: Lift the lid and check that the pump is sitting upright and that the intake screen is clear of debris.
2. Test the Pump: Slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The float should rise, triggering the pump to turn on, and the water should be quickly pumped out. Listen for normal operating sounds.
3. Check the Discharge: While the pump is running, go outside and verify that water is flowing freely from the discharge pipe and draining away from your foundation.
4. Clean the Pit: Periodically, unplug the pump, remove it, and clean out any gravel, silt, or debris that has accumulated in the bottom of the pit. This prevents clogs and overheating.
5. Backup Battery Care: If you have a battery backup, check its charge level according to the manufacturer's instructions and replace the battery every 2-3 years as needed.

For peace of mind, many homeowners opt for an annual professional inspection. A technician can check electrical connections, test the backup system under load, and ensure all components are in optimal condition.

Signs You Need Sump Pump Service

Don't wait for a flood to discover your sump pump has failed. Be proactive and watch for these warning signs:

• Unusual Noises: Grinding, rattling, or screeching sounds often indicate a worn bearing or damaged impeller.
• Constant Running: If the pump runs non-stop, even during dry weather, it could be a stuck switch, a clog, or an incorrectly sized pump for the water volume.
• Infrequent Cycling: Conversely, if the pump doesn't run during heavy rain, the float switch may be stuck or the pump may have burned out.
• Visible Rust or Corrosion: This can signal excessive moisture and potential failure points.
• Old Age: Most sump pumps have a lifespan of 7-10 years. If yours is approaching or has exceeded this age, proactive replacement is smarter than emergency repair.

Frequently asked questions

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