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Sump Pump Questions, Answered Plainly
These are the questions Lafayette Parish homeowners ask most about sump, drainage and sewage pumps. Each answer starts with the short version, then adds the detail. Jump to a topic below or call if your pit is full right now.
- 25 answers
- 7 topics
- Sources linked
- Test before replaceAsk why the pump failed
- Quote before workAsk for every fee up front
- Right size pumpSized to your pit and water
- Second opinionsNo pressure to hire
Short answers
The Six Questions Everyone Asks First
Last updated October 19, 2026. Every fact on this page links to its source.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Is my pump dead? | Often not; check the outlet and the float first. |
| Who should fix it? | A licensed plumber who works on pumps. |
| Repair or replace? | Repair one failed part; replace a worn out motor. |
| What does it cost? | It depends on the part; get line items in writing. |
| Do I need a backup? | Yes, if storms cut your power or water is near living space. |
| Is it urgent? | Yes, if the pit is full or water is near outlets. |
Jump to a topic
Topic 01
Finding the Problem
What should I check first when my sump pump stops?
Check the power. Look for a tripped GFCI outlet or breaker, and reset it only if the floor around it is dry. Then look at the float from above to see if it is stuck.
How do I test a sump pump with a bucket of water?
Pour water into the pit until the float rises. The pump should start, drop the water fast and shut off on its own. If it never starts or never stops, the switch is the first suspect; see the float switch guide.
Why does water come back into the pit right after the pump stops?
Usually a failed check valve. Water in the line falls back into the pit, so the pump runs again and again. A new valve stops the cycle; read about check valve and line repair.
What does a burning smell from the pit mean?
It often means the motor is overheating from running dry or from a jammed impeller. Unplug the pump and call a plumber before you run it again.
Topic 02
Costs and Quotes
What should a sump pump repair quote include?
Each cost on its own line: the visit fee, the part, the labor and any line or basin work. Ask if the visit fee counts toward the repair. The cost guide lists what changes the price.
Why do two plumbers quote such different prices for the same pump?
They may be quoting different fixes. One may replace a switch while the other replaces the pump. Ask each one what failed and why, then compare the same job.
Is it cheaper to fix the float switch or buy a new pump?
A switch is usually the smaller job, if the motor is still healthy. On some pumps the switch is built in, so the whole pump has to come out. The plumber can tell you which kind you have.
Topic 03
Repair or Replace
When does a sump pump need to be replaced?
When the motor is worn out, seized or burned, or when the pump cannot keep up with the water. A pump that only had a stuck switch or a clog can often be repaired.
Can a pump be too big for my pit?
Yes. A pump that is too large for a small pit turns on and off nonstop and burns out early (Plumber magazine). Ask how a new pump was sized before it goes in.
What is the difference between a submersible and a pedestal pump?
A submersible pump sits under water in the pit. A pedestal pump has its motor up on a post above the water. Both can be repaired; see submersible and pedestal pump repair.
What is a weep hole and does my pump need one?
It is a small hole in the pipe between the pump and the check valve that lets trapped air out. Many pump makers call for one, and a missing weep hole can keep a pump from moving water.
Topic 04
Backups and Power Outages
Does a sump pump work when the power goes out?
No. A standard pump stops the moment the power does. A battery backup pump takes over until power comes back.
When is the best time to add a backup pump in Lafayette?
Before hurricane season. The Atlantic season runs from June 1 to November 30 (National Hurricane Center), and storms are when outages and heavy rain arrive together. See battery backup sump pumps.
How do I know the backup battery still works?
Most backup units have a test button or a status light. Test it each spring, and replace the battery when the unit or the label says it is due.
Can a generator run my sump pump?
A portable generator can, if it is connected safely by an electrician or with a proper cord, and never run indoors. A battery backup still starts on its own when you are not home.
Topic 05
Sewage and Ejector Pumps
What does a sewage ejector pump do?
It lifts waste from a toilet, shower or sink that sits lower than the sewer line. It lives in a sealed, vented basin and handles solids a sump pump cannot.
What should I do when the sewage alarm goes off?
Stop using every drain that feeds that basin, then call. Do not open a sewage basin yourself. Read more about sewage and ejector pump repair.
Why do wipes cause so many ejector pump calls?
Wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They wrap the float and jam the impeller, which stops the pump and sets off the alarm.
Topic 06
Lafayette and Lafayette Parish
Why do sump pumps run so much in Lafayette?
Rain, flat ground and slow draining clay. Lafayette gets about 62.8 inches of rain in an average year, and June is the wettest month (NOAA normals via Wikipedia).
Where does storm water go in Lafayette Parish?
Most of it ends up in the Vermilion River. The parish government calls the river its major storm drain, fed by coulees such as Coulee Mine and the Isaac Verot Coulee (Lafayette Consolidated Government).
Which areas does the line cover?
Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, Carencro, Scott and River Ranch, plus Milton and Duson. Call with your address to check yours.
Topic 07
Choosing a Plumber
How do I check a plumber's license in Louisiana?
Ask for the license number, then look it up with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana, which has a licensed plumber search.
What should I ask a plumber before a pump is replaced?
Ask what failed, why a repair will not work, how the new pump was sized, and if the price includes the check valve and weep hole. The answers should be clear and in plain words.
Is a handyman a good choice for a sump pump?
For a quick float check, maybe. For sizing a pump, line work or any sewage pump, call a licensed plumber.
Want the whole story in one place? Read our Lafayette sump pump repair answers on the main page, or the six steps on our process page.
Talk to someone about your sump pump
Call and describe what the pump is doing. We connect you with a local plumber who works on sump pumps, based on who is available.