Sump pumps and a battery backup in a basement

Sump Pump Installation & Battery Backup in Milwaukee

Keep It Pumping. Even in an Outage.

Your sump pump is the last line of defense between groundwater and your basement floor. Basement Specialists installs properly sized pumps and battery backups that keep running when storms knock out the power.

  • Since 1981Locally owned & operated
  • Free EstimatesWritten & no-pressure
  • Warranty BackedUp to 20 years
  • Licensed & InsuredFully bonded
  • 4.7 Stars on GoogleFrom local homeowners

Sump Pumps & Backups

The Pump That Protects Everything Downstairs

Every drop of water your drain tile collects ends up in the sump pit, and the pump is what gets it out of the house. In homes near lakes, rivers and low areas, that pump can run constantly through spring and after every big storm.

That's exactly when sump pumps tend to fail. A pump that's too small, worn out or stuck can't keep up, and heavy storms are also when the power is most likely to go out. A standard pump stops the second the electricity does.

We install pumps sized for how much water your home actually handles, rebuild undersized or makeshift pits and add battery backups that switch on automatically. It's one of the simplest ways to protect a basement.

Sump pit with pump and battery backup

How It Works

What Makes a Sump System Reliable

Sealed sump pit
The PitProperly Sized Pit

A deep, sealed pit gives the pump room to work and keeps odors and debris out.

Sump pump in a pit
The PumpPrimary Pump

Sized to keep up during the heaviest storms, with a reliable float switch and check valve.

Battery backup control panel
The BackupBattery Backup

Switches on automatically when the power fails or the main pump stops.

What Causes It

Why Sump Pumps Fail

Most failures happen during the storms you need the pump for.

Power OutagesStorms knock out power right when the pump needs to run, and a standard pump stops with it.
Stuck FloatsA float switch that hangs up means the pump never turns on, or never turns off and burns out.
Age & WearPumps that run often wear out faster than most homeowners expect, often without warning.
Frozen DischargeA frozen or clogged discharge line leaves pumped water with nowhere to go.
Water across a basement floor
Sump pump in a pit

Warning Signs

Signs Your Sump Needs Attention

Pumps rarely fail on sunny days. Catch these before the next storm.

  • Runs constantly in dry weather
  • Cycles on and off every few minutes
  • Grinding or rattling noises
  • Pit fills faster than it empties
  • Pump is many years old
  • No battery backup
  • Visible rust on the pump
  • Discharge ends next to the house

How We Fix It

Sump Pump Solutions

New sump pump being installedPumps

Pump Installation & Replacement

We replace worn-out and undersized pumps with ones sized for the water your home actually handles, with a dependable float switch and a check valve on the discharge line.

In homes with shallow or makeshift pits, we install a properly sized, sealed pit so the pump can cycle the way it should and last longer.

If your home doesn't have a sump system at all, a new pit and pump are typically installed along with interior drain tile.

Drain Tile Details
Battery backup panel with status lightsBackups

Battery Backup & Second Pumps

A battery backup adds a second pump powered by its own battery. When the power fails or the main pump stops, it switches on automatically, and many systems sound an alarm so you know.

For basements that take on a lot of water, a second pump in the same pit adds capacity during the heaviest storms and protection if the main pump fails.

We'll recommend the setup that fits how much water your home sees, so you're covered without paying for more than you need.

Wet Basements
Primary PumpSized for your water load with a reliable float.
Battery BackupRuns automatically during outages.
Second PumpExtra capacity for very wet basements.

What to Expect

Our Sump Pump Process

  1. 1InspectWe check your pit, pump and discharge line.
  2. 2Size ItWe recommend the right pump and backup.
  3. 3InstallWe install it and route the discharge properly.
  4. 4TestWe run it and show you how it works.
Technician testing a sump pump with a homeowner

Common Questions

Sump Pump FAQs

How long do sump pumps last?

It depends on the pump and how often it runs. Old, noisy or struggling pumps should be replaced.

How do I test my sump pump?

Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should turn on, empty it and shut off.

Why does it run all the time?

In wet seasons that can be normal. Constant running in dry weather may mean a stuck float or small pit.

Do I need a battery backup?

If your basement is finished or your pump runs often, yes.

What's a check valve?

A one-way valve that keeps pumped water from flowing back into the pit.

Where should it discharge?

Well away from the foundation so water doesn't soak back in.

What Homeowners Say

Trusted by Milwaukee-Area Homeowners

GoogleGoogle Rating4.7Based on 13 Google reviewsRead Our Reviews
“We had Basement Specialists do foundation work for us, they were affordable, completed the work in a timely manner, and did a great job at cleanup. We even had some extra work done around the porch foundation which was reasonable and looks great. We would highly recommend them!!”
Gay H. Google Review
“We have used Basement Specialists a couple of times. They have been simply wonderful to work with. To start with, the office is responsive, and they were easy to schedule with. Dale showed up promptly…”
Elizabeth H. Google Review
“Just had them do foundation work for us. They did a good job, they did put runners down. Even put some on the basement steps, even after I told them they didn't have to…”
Sharon G. Google Review

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Ready for the Next Storm?

Let's Make Sure Your Pump Is.

We'll check your sump system and give you a free written estimate.

Battery backup sump pump
Basement Specialists
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