Sump Pumps in Laveen, AZ

Signs to look for

• Monsoon water pooling against a wall or in a barn and the pump not starting
• A pump that hums but sends nothing out the discharge pipe
• Rapid on-off clicking
• Water flowing back into the basin after each run
• Mud or sand clogging the pit after a storm
• A tripped GFCI near the pump

Laveen conditions

Laveen Village is one of the City of Phoenix's urban villages, between South Mountain and the Salt River, with a farming, dairy and equestrian heritage and a deliberately kept rural feel. Most housing in ZIP 85339 was built in 2000 or later, with only about 7 percent before 1980, so nearly every home is slab-on-grade. Pits show up on lower lots that collect runoff, in pool equipment areas, and in barns, arenas and shops on the remaining farm and horse properties.

For addresses inside Phoenix, the City of Phoenix Water Services Department provides water and sewer, and Laveen sewer flows to the City's 91st Avenue wastewater treatment plant. That system is for wastewater, so a sump discharge should end on the ground. Water main breaks and sewer emergencies go to the City at 602-261-8000. Some Laveen parcels remain unincorporated county islands, where utilities and permits can differ, so confirm yours.

A backup pump that runs on water pressure ties into City water and falls under the Phoenix Planning and Development backflow program, which requires assemblies to be tested at installation, repair or relocation and at least annually by a certified tester on the City's list. A battery backup avoids that.

What affects the cost

• Repairing a part versus replacing the pump
• Sump pump, barn or shop pit, or sewage ejector
• Sand, manure or debris that has to be cleaned out of the basin
• Long discharge runs on a larger lot
• Battery backup or alarm add-ons
• Permits through City of Phoenix Planning and Development for addresses inside the city

When you call

You will be connected with an independent plumber who works in Laveen. Describe the pit, what it protects and what the pump is doing. On a horse or farm property, mention gates and where to park. Shut off power to the pump circuit before going near standing water.