Memphis Sump Pump Installation
Protecting Homes from the Ground Up
Memphis gets about 54 inches of rain each year. The soil in Shelby County is dense clay, which means water pools instead of draining and reaches the lowest point in a home faster than you might expect. If your basement has standing water or your crawl space smells like it's been wet for a while, a sump pump is usually the right answer. If you already have one and it failed during the last storm, that's a more urgent problem.
At Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air, our team installs, replaces, and services sump pumps across Memphis and the surrounding communities. We carry submersible and pedestal pump options, install battery backup systems for power outages, and size each system based on what the property needs rather than what's easiest to stock. Before any work begins, you'll get a written estimate with clear pricing. No surprises after the fact.
If your basement or crawl space has water, the problem gets worse every time it rains. Contact us at (901) 290-1110 to schedule sump pump installation in Memphis.
What Our Sump Pump Installation Covers
We handle installations for new systems and replacements for pumps that have failed or reached the end of their service life.
Every installation includes:
- Site assessment – Our technicians inspect the basement or crawl space before selecting equipment, looking at the size of the sump pit, the depth of the water table, the current drainage path, and whether the discharge line exits properly. If an existing pit needs to be enlarged or the liner is cracked, we address that before the pump goes in.
- Pump selection – Submersible pumps sit inside the pit and handle larger volumes quietly. Pedestal pumps mount above the pit and work well in shallower installations. We recommend the right type based on what your home needs, not what's cheapest to install.
- Battery backup systems – The area loses power during severe weather. A battery backup activates automatically when the power goes out, keeping the pump running through the storms that are most likely to cause flooding. We install battery backup systems alongside new pumps or add them to existing installations.
- Discharge line routing – The water your pump moves has to go somewhere. We route the discharge line to a point at least 10 feet from the foundation, directed away from neighboring properties and toward the appropriate drainage outlet for your lot.
- Float switch testing – Before we leave, we test the float switch, run the pump through a full cycle, and confirm the discharge line is clear. You'll see the system work before we pack up.
Every job ends with a walkthrough. Our technicians explain what was installed, how to recognize if the pump is running abnormally, and when routine maintenance makes sense.
WHAT MAKES US THE WISE CHOICE?
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We have over 15 years in business serving the community.
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We offer emergency appointments and are available 24/7.
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We provide upfront pricing, so you know what you will pay.
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We're locally owned and stay very involved in our community.
Signs Your Sump Pump Needs to Be Replaced
Most sump pumps last between 7 and 10 years with routine maintenance. In Memphis, where seasonal storms regularly put pumps to work, some systems wear out faster. The following signs indicate a pump has reached the end of its useful life.
Watch for these warning signs:
- Continuous running – A pump that runs without stopping is often struggling to keep up with the water volume, or it has a float switch stuck in the 'on' position. Our technicians can determine which problem is present and whether repair or replacement is the better path.
- Visible rust or corrosion – Mineral buildup from local water chemistry accelerates corrosion on pump components. Rust on the exterior often signals internal corrosion that reduces output. We inspect the full unit, not just the exterior.
- Unusual noise during operation – A grinding or rattling sound usually means the impeller is damaged or debris has entered the pump. We flush the pit, inspect the impeller, and determine whether the pump can be repaired or needs to be removed.
- Water in the basement after rain – If the pump ran but water still got in, the system is undersized for your property's drainage volume, the discharge line is blocked, or the float switch is triggering too late. We trace the problem before recommending a fix.
- Pump age over 10 years – An older pump that hasn't been serviced recently is a liability heading into storm season. We inspect existing pumps and give you an honest read on whether maintenance extends the life or whether a replacement makes more sense financially.
A pump that fails during a storm costs more to address than one replaced on your schedule. If yours shows any of these signs, our team will plainly tell you what it needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sump Pump Installation
If you're deciding whether to install a sump pump or replace an existing one, the following are the questions we hear most often from homeowners.
How Do I Know If My Home Needs a Sump Pump?
If your basement or crawl space has experienced standing water after heavy rain, you need a sump pump. You also need one if your home sits in a low-lying area, if the soil around your foundation stays saturated after storms, or if there are visible water stains along the lower walls of your basement. Our technicians assess your specific drainage situation before recommending a system.
How Long Does a Sump Pump Installation Take?
Most installations take between two and four hours, depending on whether an existing pit needs to be modified, how long the discharge line needs to run, and whether a battery backup is being added at the same time. Our technician will walk you through the timeline when they arrive and inspect the space.
Do I Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump?
In Memphis, yes. Severe weather that causes the most flooding also knocks out power regularly. A battery backup system activates automatically the moment power goes out and keeps your pump running until the grid is restored. We install battery backups alongside new pumps and as add-ons to existing systems.
How Often Should a Sump Pump Be Serviced?
Annual inspections are the standard recommendation. During a service visit, our technicians test the float switch, clear the pit of debris, check the discharge line, inspect the pump for wear, and run the system through a full cycle. Total Care Club members receive this inspection as part of their annual plumbing check.
What Happens If My Sump Pump Fails During a Storm?
Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. If your pump fails during a storm, call (901) 290-1110 and a licensed technician will respond. We carry submersible and pedestal pumps on our trucks for same-day replacements.
5-Star Service That Speaks for Itself Hear From Smitty's Fans
Smith’s has earned over 3,000 5-star reviews because we treat every home like our own.
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“It started with Brock, a proficient, patient, helpful, thorough, and courteous representative of Smith’s Plumbing who arrived at scheduled time.”- Magda F.
I am an extremely pleased customer!
"It started with Brock, a proficient, patient, helpful, thorough, and courteous representative of Smith’s Plumbing who arrived at scheduled time. With 3 bids on hand, after Brock responded to my questions on different brands of tankless, position of gas and water pipes, along with a competitive price, It was an EASY decision to have Smith’s Plumbing replacing my 2 tanks water heater with a Rinnai RSC 199 tankless! Respectful, pleasant, and skillful install crew, Cody and Eli along with roofer Scott, took great care to protect wood floor and extra careful with hauling equipment up and down the stairs. The tankless water heater was up and running prior to 5PM on the same day. Rest assured it was my first and surely not my last experience with Smith’s Plumbing as I am an extremely pleased customer!"- Magda F.![]()
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“Best customer service I have ever received!”- Lynn K.
I can highly recommend Smith’s plumbing!
"I can highly recommend Smith’s plumbing! Will Newman came and helped us uncover a leak that was coming from under our refrigerator. Will took the time to make a video report for our insurance adjuster and also made a call to a water mitigation company that showed up the next morning. Best customer service I have ever received!"- Lynn K.![]()
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“Great job! The crew was friendly and courteous, which is a plus for me, great customer service goes a long way.”- Former Client
They did everything we discussed at an affordable price!
"Great job! The crew was friendly and courteous, which is a plus for me, great customer service goes a long way. I was well informed of the process for the project. They did everything we discussed at an affordable price. I appreciate how they refilled my yard back. It will be easier to get my lawn back in shape and summer ready."- Former Client![]()
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“They made my situation priority and got me taken care of in no time.”- Raven W.
Exceptional service from the front desk to the technician!
"Exceptional service from the front desk to the technician! They made my situation priority and got me taken care of in no time. My technician was Mr. Brock and up front and honest from the jump. Very knowledgeable, clean, respectful and efficient. I would recommend Smith's Plumbing Services to anyone I know! Not to mention, affordable!"- Raven W.![]()
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“I would recommend to anyone their services, they were upfront on costs and their estimates.”- Reggie W.
Their technicians and management were very professional and helpful.
"Smith Plumbing was awesome and went beyond normal procedures to provide us the support we needed to stop a main line water leak at our home. Their technicians and management were very professional and helpful. I would recommend to anyone their services, they were upfront on costs and their estimates. My wife and I appreciate their service and won't hesitate to call again on any plumbing issue we or friend and family incur."- Reggie W.![]()
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