Sump & sewer pump inspection & repair

Stay ahead of pump failures and enjoy a healthier home with the right service plan

In Snohomish County, rainy seasons stretch on and water tables run high, sump and sewer pump systems are pushed harder than many parts of the country.You need annual inspections—and fast action at the first sign of trouble.
WHAT IS IT?

In homes with basements, crawlspaces or low bathrooms—where gravity can’t pull waste or groundwater away—these pumps collect and discharge it safely into your main sewer line. A strong defense against water and waste going the wrong direction.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN?

Sump and sewer pumps have moving parts that eventually fail. Whether it’s a flooded crawl space, sewage in your basement, or an alarm screaming at 3:00 am, too often it results in an unhealthy disaster you won’t forget.

WHAT YOU NEED

Keep your home healthy and your basement drama-free! We inspect the whole system—not just the pump—to catch small issues before they become costly problems. When replacement is necessary, we handle the entire process with care, precision, and cleanliness.

BTW:

Sump pumps are outside your house. They protect your foundation and structure by keeping water out of crawlspaces. And help prevent mold, bad air quality and environments loved by rodents and bugs.

Sewer-ejection pumps assist the plumbing drains inside your house, helping pipes that have to work against gravity.

Schedule your pump inspection today

Licensed.
Pre-screened.
Insured.

STARS & STRIPES
SAYS...

If that pump fails, you’re not just dealing with a backup—you’re dealing with standing sewage. That’s bacteria, mold, and a giant mess under your living space.

CUSTOMER STORY

When underwear attacks: A sewer pump rescue in Granite Falls

A homeowner called Stars & Stripes Plumbing after experiencing sewage overflow from a faulty sewer-ejection pump. And complained about ongoing smell. The situation was unsanitary and concerning.

Your drain is not the laundry

Upon inspection, the technician discovered the pump itself had stopped working—not due to mechanical failure, but because a pair of underwear had clogged the impeller. Also, a lack of maintenance allowed contaminants (grease and debris) to accumulate inside the pump tank.

Before. Raw sewage seeped past a makeshift wooden lid that didn’t properly seal the system. Wooden lids are not OK—ever!

After. The homeowner avoided the cost of a full pump replacement. BUT they should replace the lid to meet code and keep out unhealthy, sewer odors.

Let the good times flow

We removed the obstruction (underwear) from the pump. After an inspection and test, it was now fully functional. Then we cleaned the tank, removed grease buildup, treated it with a degreasing agent, and reassembled the system to verify proper operation again.

It was a relatively new pump (only three years old). Simply cleaning and removing the “foreign object” fully restored it. This is why annual maintenance and proper use of the system works together to give you the longest service life for your pump.

Lessons & insights

Ensure someone examines the entire pump system, not just the pump. This prevents harmful bacteria and odors from affecting your home’s air quality and your family’s health.

Regular inspection and maintenance can extend the life of sewer and sump pumps longer than average.

Common causes of failure include “flushable wipes”, feminine products, grease buildup from improper household cleaners (certain soaps, bleach, etc.).

Careless DIY fixes (like a wooden lid) can compromise the entire system.

STARS & STRIPES
SAYS...

Sometimes the issue isn’t the pump—it’s what people put down their drains. A little prevention saves a lot of cleanup.

Warning signs your pump needs help now

We often get called too late, after the damage has started. Contact us if you notice any of these from your sewer-ejection pump:
64 water surface 2

Do you see standing water in your basement or crawl space? What about visible gunk or sludge on the holding-tank lid or surrounding area?

64 disgusted 3

Can you smell sewage near your drains or floors?

64 speaker 2

Do you hear pumps running constantly (or not kicking on at all)? Maybe warning alarms going off (or failing to)?

64 pipe 2

Are you waiting longer for downstairs toilets or showers to drain?

How a failing pump puts your health at risk

Mold from standing water, bacteria from sewage leaks, and gases from faulty lids or drains can lead to:

  • Respiratory irritation and illness
  • Headaches, nausea, and long-term exposure effects
  • Structural damage and electrical hazards
Protect your home with a team that puts your health first.

STARS & STRIPES
SAYS...

People don’t realize how bad it can get until they’re standing in it—literally.

We approach sewer and sump pumps differently at Stars & Stripes plumbing

Your pump system health = home health

Most pump failures are preventable. It’s always about the full health of the system, not just one part.

Professional inspection: Our technicians meticulously examine your entire pump system, checking for signs of wear, damage, or potential issues before they become emergencies.

Thorough cleaning & maintenance: We’ll remove your pump, clean out all accumulated debris and grease, and inspect the basin to ensure proper flow.

Valve & switch testing: We’ll verify that critical components like check valves and float switches are functioning correctly to prevent backflow and ensure proper cycling.

Full system testing: After servicing, we’ll run your system through its complete operational cycle to confirm everything is working as designed.

Clear documentation: We provide detailed service records so you’ll always know the age and condition of your pump system, and next steps.

Veteran-owned. Clean work, every time

No shortcuts! We bring a military mindset to every project. A clean workspace and a clear plan—always with the right PPE (protective equipment), disinfectants, and a priority on your family’s health.

  • Homes on steep slopes or low grades
  • Older homes with retrofitted basements or bathrooms
  • ADUs and outbuildings with non-gravity drains
  • Crawlspaces prone to standing water
plumbing van

STARS & STRIPES
SAYS...

These pumps can last 10+ years if you maintain them. But ignore them, and they can back up into your home—fast.

Ready to serve you anywhere in Snohomish County

Book your sewer or sump pump inspection today

Schedule today

Ask about military & veteran discounts

FAQs

Why does my sump pump keep running even when it’s not raining?

In Western Washington, high water tables and wet soil can trigger sump pumps year-round. If it runs constantly, it might be undersized, clogged, or have a stuck float switch. We inspect sump pump systems across Snohomish County to ensure proper sizing, drainage, and operation.

What’s that sewage smell in my basement or crawl space?

A sewage smell often means your sewer pump lid isn’t sealed, something’s clogged or you may have broken plumbing elsewhere in your system. In older Snohomish County homes, we often find makeshift lids or broken seals. Our sewer pump inspections locate and fix odor issues fast.

How often should I get my sump or sewer pump inspected?

We recommend yearly inspections for sewer pumps and every 1–2 years for sump pumps. These systems often fail quietly, leading to basement flooding or backups. Regular pump maintenance in Western Washington prevents major water and sewage damage.

Can freezing weather affect my sump or sewer pump?

Yes—frozen discharge lines are a common issue in Lake Stevens, Everett, and other cold parts of Snohomish County. If your pump’s outlet line freezes, it can fail or back up. We check for proper slope, insulation, and flow in every sump and sewer pump inspection.

Got a question?