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A sump pump is one of the most important plumbing systems in a Wisconsin home — and one of the most ignored. I've seen too many Wausau basements flooded because a pump that wasn't tested failed during a spring rainstorm. Here's the maintenance routine that keeps your sump pump ready when you need it most.
Pour a 5-gallon bucket of water slowly into the sump pit. The float should rise, the pump should activate, water should discharge, and the pump should shut off when the pit empties. If any step fails, call (715) 675-2000. Do this in early spring (before rain season) and late fall (before freeze season).
Debris and sediment can clog the pump inlet screen and reduce capacity. Once a year: disconnect power, remove the pump, rinse the inlet screen, and clear debris from the pit. Check the discharge line is clear to its exit point.
In winter, sump pump discharge lines can freeze at their exit point — causing the pump to run continuously and burn out. Make sure the discharge terminates away from the house foundation and is sloped to drain fully when the pump stops.
Wisconsin storms knock out power when rainfall is heaviest. A battery backup sump pump is the single best upgrade for any Wausau basement. It activates automatically when the primary pump fails or loses power. Genrich Plumbing installs battery backup systems throughout our service area.
Sump pumps typically last 7–10 years. Replace yours if: it runs continuously, makes unusual grinding or rattling noises, fails the bucket test, cycles on and off repeatedly, or is over 10 years old. Don't wait for it to fail during a storm.
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Pour a 5-gallon bucket of water into the sump pit. The float should rise and the pump should activate, discharge, and shut off when the pit empties. If it doesn't, call Genrich Plumbing at (715) 675-2000.
Strongly recommended. Wausau area storms frequently cause power outages during heavy rainfall — exactly when you need your sump pump most. A battery backup system provides protection during any power failure.
Sump pump replacement typically costs $400–$900 installed depending on pump type and discharge line condition. Battery backup systems add $200–$500. Genrich Plumbing provides free upfront estimates.
Bob answers personally. Expect a same-day callback Mon–Fri 7 AM–7 PM.
