Any fixture installed below your home's main sewer line — a basement bathroom, a laundry hookup, a wet bar sink — can't drain by gravity. An ejector pump sits in a sealed basin, collects that wastewater, and pumps it up and into the main line. When it fails, those drains back up fast, and basement sewage backups are one of the messiest calls we take. We treat ejector pump failures as same-day priority work.
Signs your ejector pump needs attention
- Gurgling or slow-draining basement sink, shower, or toilet
- A sewage smell near the basin or in the basement
- The pump running constantly, cycling rapidly, or not running at all
- Visible water, staining, or corrosion around the pit cover
- An audible alarm, if your system has one installed
A basement backup or standing sewage is an emergency — call (847) 553-4041 for 24/7 dispatch.
Repair, or full replacement?
We diagnose on site before recommending either path. A newer pump with one failed component — float switch, check valve, capacitor, or wiring — is usually a straightforward repair. A pump past 7-10 years old, one that's already failed more than once, or a basin that's cracked or undersized for the fixture load calls for a full replacement, done to current code with a proper check valve, vented cover, and — where the home warrants it — a backup alarm. Either way, you get a flat-rate number before we start, not after.
Installed and permitted right
New ejector pump installations — a basement bathroom addition, a converted laundry room, a finished basement wet bar — need a correctly sized pump and basin, a code-compliant check valve and vent, and in most North Shore municipalities, a permit and inspection. We size the system to your fixture load, pull the permit, and handle the inspection so the work holds up at resale.
Ejector pumps — common questions
Straight answers for North Shore homeowners. Don’t see yours? Call (847) 553-4041.
What does an ejector pump do?
An ejector pump moves wastewater from a below-grade fixture — a basement bathroom, laundry, or wet bar — up to the main sewer line, which sits above it. Without one, those drains can't flow by gravity and will back up.
How do I know my ejector pump is failing?
Common warning signs: gurgling from basement drains, slow or backed-up basement fixtures, a sewage odor near the pit, the pump running constantly or not at all, or visible water around the basin. Any of these is worth a same-week look, and a backup or odor warrants a call today.
Should I repair or replace my ejector pump?
A pump under a few years old with a single failed part (float switch, check valve, or capacitor) is usually a repair. A pump over 7-10 years old, one that's failed more than once, or a system with a cracked basin or undersized pump for the fixture load is typically a replacement. We'll camera and pressure-test on site and give you both numbers before we touch anything.
How much does ejector pump repair or replacement cost?
It depends on whether it's a component repair, a pump swap, or a full basin replacement, plus pit access and code requirements (check valve, vented cover, alarm). We give a flat-rate number after a hands-on look — see typical plumbing price ranges on our pricing page.
Is ejector pump work permitted in Lake and Cook County?
Yes — ejector pump replacement and new installation are plumbing work most North Shore municipalities require a permit and inspection for. We pull the permit and handle the inspection as part of the job.