Sump Pump Installation & Battery Backup in Southeastern Wisconsin
Keep the Water Moving. Even When the Power Goes Out.
Your sump pump is the last line of defense between groundwater and your basement floor. American Foundation Specialists installs properly sized sump pumps, battery backup systems and secondary pumps that keep working through heavy storms, worn-out switches and power outages.
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- Family owned for 80 years
- Since 194780 Years of Experience
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- Warranty BackedUp to 20-Year Warranty
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Experienced Waterproofing Specialists
The Pump That Protects Everything Downstairs
Every drop of water your drain tile collects ends up in the sump pit, and the pump is what gets it out of the house. In many Southeastern Wisconsin homes, especially near rivers, lakes and low areas, that pump runs often through spring and after every big storm.
That's exactly when sump pumps tend to fail. A pump that's undersized, worn out or stuck can't keep up, and heavy storms are also when the power is most likely to go out. A standard pump stops the moment the electricity does, and a finished basement can flood in the time it takes the power to come back.
We install pumps sized for how much water your home actually handles, rebuild undersized or makeshift pits and add battery backup systems that switch on automatically when they're needed. It's one of the simplest, most affordable ways to protect your basement, and it's part of our full range of basement waterproofing services.
How It Works
What Makes a Sump System Reliable
The pit collects water from your drain tile. Many older homes have shallow or makeshift pits added decades after the house was built, which force the pump to cycle on and off constantly and wear out early. A properly sized pit with a sealed lid gives the pump room to work and keeps odors and debris out.
The primary pump does the everyday work. It needs enough capacity to keep up during the heaviest storms, a reliable float switch and a check valve that keeps pumped water from flowing back into the pit. A pump that's too small or too old is the most common reason a basement floods during a storm.
A battery backup system has its own pump and battery. If the power goes out or the primary pump fails, it switches on automatically and keeps the water moving. For any finished basement, or any basement where the pump runs often, it's inexpensive insurance against a very expensive cleanup.
Why Pumps Fail
The Most Common Reasons Sump Pumps Fail
- Power OutagesStorms knock out power right when the pump needs to run, and a standard pump stops with it.
- Stuck Floats & SwitchesA float switch that hangs up or fails means the pump never turns on, or never turns off.
- Age & WearPumps that run often wear out faster than most homeowners expect.
- Frozen or Clogged DischargeA frozen or blocked discharge line leaves the water with nowhere to go.
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs Attention
- The pump runs constantly, even in dry weather
- It cycles on and off every few minutes
- Grinding, rattling or humming noises
- The pit fills faster than the pump can empty it
- The pump is more than several years old
- No battery backup for power outages
Is Your Sump Pump Ready for the Next Storm?
We'll check your system and recommend the right pump and backup for your home.
What We Install
Sump Pump & Backup Solutions
Sump Pump Installation & Replacement
We replace worn-out and undersized pumps with ones sized for the water your home actually handles, with a dependable float switch and a check valve on the discharge line. In homes with shallow or makeshift pits, we install a properly sized, sealed pit so the pump can work the way it should.
For homes that don't have a sump system at all, a new pit and pump are typically installed as part of an interior drain tile system. See drain tile repair and replacement.
Battery Backup & Secondary Pumps
A battery backup system adds a second pump powered by its own battery. When the power fails or the primary pump stops, the backup switches on automatically, and many systems sound an alarm so you know something needs attention.
For basements that take on a lot of water, a secondary pump in the same pit adds capacity during the heaviest storms and protection if the main pump fails. It's especially worth considering for homes near rivers, lakes and low areas. See wet and leaky basements.
Sized for your home's water load, with a reliable float switch and check valve.
Switches on automatically during power outages or primary pump failure.
Extra capacity and protection for basements that handle a lot of water.
What to Expect
Our Sump Pump Process
- 01InspectWe check your pit, pump, discharge line and how much water you handle.
- 02SizeWe recommend the right pump, pit and backup for your home.
- 03InstallWe install the system and connect the discharge properly.
- 04TestWe run the system and walk you through how it works.
Sump Pump Questions
Sump Pump & Battery Backup FAQs
How long do sump pumps last?
It depends on the pump's quality and how often it runs. Pumps that run frequently wear out sooner. If yours is getting old, noisy or struggling, it's worth replacing before it fails.
How do I know if my sump pump is working?
Slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise, the pump should turn on, empty the pit and shut off. If it doesn't, have it checked.
Why does my sump pump run all the time?
In high-groundwater areas, frequent running in wet seasons can be normal. A pump that runs constantly in dry weather may have a stuck float, a failed check valve or a pit that's too small.
Do I really need a battery backup?
If your basement is finished, your pump runs often or you store anything valuable below grade, a battery backup is strongly recommended. Storms often cause power outages exactly when water is rising.
How long does a battery backup run?
It depends on the battery and how often the pump cycles. A good system can typically keep pumping through most outages. We'll recommend a system sized for your home.
What's the difference between a battery backup and a secondary pump?
A battery backup runs when the power goes out. A secondary pump adds capacity when the main pump can't keep up or fails, even with the power on. Some homes benefit from both.
What is a check valve?
A one-way valve on the discharge pipe that keeps pumped water from flowing back into the pit when the pump shuts off. A failed check valve makes the pump work harder.
Where should my sump pump discharge?
Away from the foundation, so the water doesn't soak back into the soil around your basement. Discharge lines that end right next to the house are a common problem.
Can you add a sump pump to a basement that doesn't have one?
Yes. A new sump pit and pump are usually installed along with interior drain tile, which collects the water and carries it to the pit.
How long does sump pump installation take?
Replacing a pump or adding a battery backup usually takes a few hours. A new pit with drain tile takes longer. You'll get a timeline with your estimate.
Thousands of Wisconsin Homeowners Have Trusted Their Foundations to American Foundation Specialists.
“Jayme and Scott came out on an urgent call today. Although there was no foundation issue, they correctly diagnosed a plumbing issue… I highly recommend their professional and friendly service.”
“The team at American Foundation did a great job installing steel beams to brace one of our basement walls… The work looks great and they did good cleaning up afterwards.”
“We worked with Lyle. He was great to work with, explained everything that needed to be done… Fair price and excellent work.”
Related Repairs
Related Foundation Repair Services
Drain Tile Repair & Replacement
Floor & Wall Seepage
Wet & Leaky Basements
Don't Wait for a Small Problem to Become a Bigger One.
Let's Find Out What's Happening With Your Foundation.
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect the problem, explain what's causing it and help you understand your repair options.
American Foundation Specialists — Protecting Wisconsin Homes for 80 Years.