The One System You Never Want to Fail During a Storm
Sump pumps spend most of their time doing nothing, which makes it easy to forget about them until water is already rising in the basement. The problem is that heavy rain events and sump pump failures tend to occur at exactly the same time, since a pump that has been sitting idle through a dry stretch is more likely to have developed a problem than one that runs regularly. A.W.E. provides sump pump installation, repair, and replacement throughout West Chicago and DuPage County so that when the next significant rain hits, your basement stays dry.
Sump Pump Installation Done Right
Whether you are adding a sump pump to a basement that has never had one or replacing an existing system, proper installation makes a significant difference in long-term reliability. The pump needs to be correctly sized for the pit dimensions and the volume of water the system is expected to handle. The discharge line must be routed to an appropriate exit point away from the foundation, sloped correctly to prevent backflow, and protected from freezing in an Illinois winter. A properly installed check valve prevents water from flowing back into the pit after the pump cycles off. A.W.E. handles all of these details so the system is built to perform reliably rather than just functional on the day it is installed.
Battery Backup Systems and Why They Matter
The most common time a sump pump is needed is during a severe storm, which is also the most common time the power goes out. A primary pump with no backup is a single point of failure in exactly the conditions where failure is most costly. A battery backup sump pump activates automatically when the primary pump loses power, providing continued protection through a power outage for as long as the battery holds charge. Some systems also activate when the primary pump is overwhelmed by inflow volume or fails mechanically, adding a layer of redundancy that significantly reduces the risk of a basement flood. For any home in a flood-prone area or with a history of basement water issues, a battery backup is worth serious consideration.
Sump Pump Repair and Replacement
A sump pump that is running continuously, cycling on and off rapidly, making unusual sounds, or failing to activate when the pit fills needs attention before the next rain event, not after. Float switch failures, stuck impellers, burned out motors, and check valve failures are among the most common repair needs. Pumps that are more than seven to ten years old and showing signs of wear are often better candidates for proactive replacement than continued repair, since the cost of a flooded basement far exceeds the cost of a new pump. Our technicians assess the condition of your system honestly and give you a clear recommendation on whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
