Sump Pump Repair & Installation in McLean, VA

Most McLean homes have basements, and many have a sump pit in the floor. Groundwater collects in the pit and the sump pump sends it outside. When the pump fails during a storm, water can rise over the floor in hours. We repair, replace and back up sump pumps so the basement stays dry. If water is coming up through the floor and you are not sure why, our guide to water coming up through the basement floor helps you tell groundwater from a plumbing leak. For active flooding, call our emergency plumber line.

What our sump pump service includes

• Diagnosis of pumps that will not start, will not stop or cycle too often.
• Float switch, check valve and discharge line repair.
• Pump replacement with a correctly sized submersible pump.
• Battery backup pumps and high-water alarms.
• Sealed pit lids to reduce moisture and debris.
• Discharge line checks so water drains away from the foundation.
• Testing the full system before we leave.

Signs and causes

How sump pump repair works in McLean

1. Check power and the float. Many no-start calls are a tripped outlet or a float wedged against the pit wall.
2. Test the pump. We fill the pit and watch the start, pump-out and shutoff.
3. Check the check valve and discharge. Water should not flow back into the pit, and the outside line should be clear and drain away from the house.
4. Repair or replace. We replace failed parts or install a new pump sized for the pit and inflow.
5. Add backup if wanted. A battery backup pump or alarm protects you during outages.
6. Test again. We run a full cycle and show you how to test it yourself.

Primary and backup options compared

What affects the cost

• Repair part versus new pump.
• Pump size and type.
• Adding a battery backup or alarm.
• Discharge line changes outside.
• Access to the pit in a finished basement.
• Emergency timing during storms.

DIY vs calling a pro

You can reset a tripped GFCI, free a stuck float and test the pump with a bucket of water. Unplug the pump before touching anything in the pit. Call a plumber when the pump hums but does not pump, runs nonstop, short-cycles, or when water is rising and the pump cannot keep up.

Insurance notes in Virginia

Virginia's Bureau of Insurance says insurers must offer coverage for water that backs up through sewers or drains, and that it may cost extra. Many standard policies do not cover flood or surface water. Ask your agent whether your policy covers sump pump failure and what limit applies.

How long does a sump pump last?

There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on how often the pump runs, how much debris reaches the pit and whether it ever runs dry. Signs a pump is near the end: it hums but does not move water, it runs longer than it used to, it trips the breaker or the motor gets very hot. If your pump is old and your basement is finished, replacing it before the wet season costs far less than drying a flooded basement. When we replace a pump we also check the check valve, float clearance and discharge line, because a new pump on a bad discharge will still fail.

Local note

Basements are common in Oakton and Vienna colonials, and lower lots near streams in Great Falls can see more groundwater after heavy rain. Many Reston homes sit near lakes and wooded stream valleys, where a working sump pump matters.

Sump pump questions

Why is my sump pump running constantly?

A stuck float switch, a missing or failed check valve that lets water flow back, a pump too small for the inflow, or a high water table after heavy rain. If it runs with no rain at all, a plumbing leak under the slab is also possible.

Why won't my sump pump turn on?

Common causes are a tripped GFCI outlet or breaker, a float stuck against the pit wall, a burned-out motor or debris clogging the intake. Unplug it before reaching into the pit.

Do I need a battery backup sump pump?

Storms that bring heavy rain can also knock out power, which is exactly when the main pump stops. A battery backup or second pump keeps water moving during an outage.

How often should a sump pump be tested?

Test it a few times a year and before storm season by pouring water into the pit until the float lifts. The pump should start, empty the pit and shut off.

Is sump pump failure covered by insurance?

Often only with added coverage. Virginia's Bureau of Insurance says insurers must offer water and sewer backup coverage, which may cost extra. Check your policy.

Sources

• Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance — Homeowners Insurance Consumer's Guide
• Fairfax County Land Development Services — Residential Plumbing Permit

Last reviewed 2026-11-07. This page is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Read how we research and check pages in our editorial policy.

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Helpful guides

• Seasonal & Emergencies

  Water Through Basement Floor

  Tell groundwater from a plumbing leak, and know whether you need a sump pump, a plumber or both.

• Seasonal & Emergencies

  Prevent Frozen Pipes

  Which pipes freeze in Northern Virginia homes, how to protect them and how to thaw one safely.

• Costs & Insurance

  Slab Leak Insurance

  What Virginia homeowners policies often cover after a slab leak, what they exclude and how to file.