Most Apex sump pump calls come down to a float switch that sticks, a check valve that has failed, a tripped outlet or a motor that is worn out. Apex homes are newer, so the pump is often the one the builder installed and was never serviced. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Apex.
Apex homes and their pumps
Apex is one of the newest towns in the Triangle. The median home was built in 2008 and fewer than 4% were built before 1980, according to Census survey data. Builders put pits and pumps in where a lot sits low or a crawl space tends to collect water, and many of those original pumps are now old enough to start giving trouble. A pump that sits idle most of the year can seize just when it's needed.
The Town of Apex treats wastewater at its Middle Creek facility and at the Western Wake Regional plant it shares with Cary and Morrisville. Sump water is groundwater and doesn't belong in that system. If the discharge runs into a drain or cleanout, it should be moved outside.
Apex's cross-connection rules require testable assemblies to be checked at installation and every year by a Town-registered certified tester. A water-powered backup pump connects to your drinking water, so ask the plumber what protection it needs under those rules. Apex also requires permits for some plumbing changes, including same-size drain line replacement, so new discharge or drain work may need one.
Repair or replace?
| What you're seeing | Usually | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Float hangs up on the pit wall | Repair | Reposition the pump or replace the switch |
| Water drops back into the pit | Repair | The check valve is worn or stuck open |
| Motor hums but won't pump | Often replace | Seized impeller or failing motor |
| Pump can't keep up in heavy rain | Depends | Could be a clog, a long discharge run or an undersized pump |
Other warning signs
- Water standing in the crawl space after storms
- A pump that runs often in dry weather
- Loud clunking when it shuts off
- A tripping GFCI outlet
Seasonal notes
A quick test before late summer and fall storms is worth the five minutes, because a seized pump usually shows itself during the first big rain. In winter, check that the outdoor end of the discharge line isn't blocked or frozen, and keep leaves and mulch clear of the outlet year-round so the water can drain freely. A backup battery more than a few years old is worth replacing before storm season.
Sump Pumps questions in Apex
How can I tell whether my sump pump still works?
Does sump pump work need a permit here?
Does a water-powered backup pump need a backflow device?
Can a sump pump help a house built on a slab?
More plumbing services in Apex
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