Sump Pump in Sterling, VA

Is it time to call?

• The pit fills after rain and the pump does not start
• A steady hum, but no water leaving through the discharge
• Rapid cycling that never quite empties the basin
• Water draining back into the pit with a thud at shutoff
• Damp baseboards, peeling paint or a musty smell downstairs
• Rust, scale or a broken lid on the basin

Sterling's housing and utilities

Sterling began with the Sterling Park development on former farmland in the early 1960s, next to what became Dulles International Airport. About 43% of homes in the 20164 ZIP code were built before 1980, with many more from the 1970s and 1980s. That puts a lot of Sterling basements well into their second or third pump, and some still have discharge lines that drop water close to the foundation.

Sterling is unincorporated, and Loudoun Water provides both public water and sewer. Its sewer is for household wastewater, so a sump discharge plumbed into a floor drain or laundry tub should be redirected outdoors. For a public-side problem after business hours, Loudoun Water's emergency line is 571-291-7878; Customer Relations is 571-291-7880.

Loudoun Water also runs a cross-connection backflow program, and backflow preventers must be tested every year by a certified tester. A water-powered backup pump ties into drinking water, so it brings that requirement with it. A battery backup does not. New piping or an ejector for a basement bathroom goes through Loudoun County Building and Development.

Cost factors

• Switch, float or check valve repair versus pump replacement
• Sump pump or sewage ejector
• An older pit that needs a new liner or lid
• Moving the discharge farther from the house
• Battery backup or a high-water alarm
• Permit steps for new piping
• After-hours and storm-day service

What happens next

Calling the number connects you with an independent plumber who serves Sterling. Share how quickly the water is coming in, what the pump sounds like and whether the basement is finished. Turn off the basement circuit if water is close to power. The plumber will test the pump, inspect the check valve and discharge, and recommend a repair or replacement.