If your Lafayette sump pump is falling behind, shut off its power safely, check the float and look at the outdoor end of the discharge first. Most failures come from a jammed switch, a worn check valve, a tripped circuit or a motor that is done. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Lafayette.
Lafayette in brief
Lafayette grew out of a coal-mining and farming past in southeastern Boulder County, and its homes range from Old Town houses to newer subdivisions. The city runs its own water utility and its own Water Reclamation Facility, which releases treated water to Coal Creek. That plant is designed for household wastewater, so pumped groundwater belongs outside, not in a floor drain or laundry sink. For weekend or after-hours sewer backups, the city directs residents to Boulder County Dispatch at 303-441-4444.
What to do now
- Turn off the breaker if water is anywhere near the outlet or cord.
- Free the float. A float pinned against the basin wall or caught on the cord is the usual reason a pump stays silent.
- Clear the outlet outside. Snow, ice, leaves or a crushed hose can block the line.
- Restore power and watch. If water rushes back into the pit at shutoff, the check valve has failed.
- Protect your belongings. Move boxes and electronics off the floor.
- Call a plumber if the motor hums, trips the breaker or will not start.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No sound, rising water | No power, stuck float or failed switch |
| Hum with no flow | Jammed impeller or failed motor |
| Cycles every few seconds | Float range too short or check valve leaking |
| Runs in dry weather | Water draining back, or a leak in the supply line |
| Pooling by the foundation | Discharge too short or aimed at the house |
Cost factors
- A part repair versus a new pump
- Pump size and type
- Rerouting the discharge away from the house
- Battery backup or alarm add-ons
- Any work on the service line from the meter pit to the house
In Lafayette, the meter pit is the dividing line: the city owns the service line from the main to the meter pit, and the homeowner owns everything from the meter pit to the house. Lafayette's backflow program focuses on non-single-family and commercial accounts, so if you want a water-powered backup, ask the plumber what protection your home's supply needs. The Lafayette Building Division can confirm whether your pump work needs a permit.
Sump Pumps questions in Lafayette
What should I do if the sump pit is overflowing right now?
Who do I call if water is coming up through a floor drain instead?
Where is the best place for sump discharge to empty?
Why does my sump pump keep running when it hasn't rained?
More plumbing services in Lafayette
Sump Pumps nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: