A working sump pump is the difference between a dry basement and a very expensive weekend. In Lake County and across Northern Illinois, high water tables, heavy clay soils, and seasonal storm swings put constant pressure on residential foundations. HT Strenger has been keeping local basements dry since 1911, and sump pump installation and replacement is one of the calls the team handles most often, especially during spring melt and summer storm season.

Sump Pump Installation

A good quality sump pump is a must and your best protection against flooding. Installing a pump in an new well or replacting an existing sump pump, HT Strenger is your go to plumbing service

Sump Pumps We Carry

  • ION
  • Pro-Series Pumps
  • Wayne
  • Champion Pump
  • Goulds
  • Zoeller
  • Superior Pump
  • Little Giant
  • Liberty
  • Cast Iron Sump Pump

Why sump pumps matter in Northern Illinois

Much of Lake County sits over shallow groundwater, and the older housing stock in Libertyville, Barrington, Waukegan, and Lake Forest often relies on original pit and pump setups that were sized for a much drier era. When rain hits saturated ground, water pushes up through the footing drains and into the sump pit.

The pump is the one piece of equipment standing between that water and finished flooring. A failure during a big storm can mean thousands of dollars in damage, and homeowners insurance rarely covers groundwater intrusion without a specific rider.

Picking the right horsepower and pump style

Pump sizing depends on how much water the pit actually sees. A 1/3 HP pump handles a typical suburban lot with average groundwater. A 1/2 HP unit is the common upgrade for homes on lower ground or lots with grade problems. A 3/4 HP pump belongs in high water table areas or homes with long discharge runs. Submersible pumps sit inside the pit and run quieter and cooler, which is why most new installs use them. Pedestal pumps keep the motor above the pit and are easier to service, but they are noisier and tend to be a fit for older, narrower pits.

What a proper installation includes

A complete install covers more than dropping a pump in the hole. The check valve on the discharge line prevents water from falling back into the pit each cycle. Discharge pipe should be 1.5 inch schedule 40 PVC at minimum, run to daylight well away from the foundation, and pitched so it drains fully in winter. A frozen discharge line is one of the most common causes of basement flooding in January and February around here. The pit itself needs a sealed lid to control radon and humidity, and the float switch has to have clean travel with no wire snag.

Sump Pump Repairs

HT Strenger is your trusted leader for affordable emergency sump service and sump pump installation, keeping your basement dry and stress-free.

We repaire all sump pump sizes from discharge size and everything in between in our state-of-the-art repair center. We carry a complete line of pumps, pump batteries, and backup systems from industry leaders like.

Cast iron vs plastic, and why it matters

The brands HT Strenger stocks, including Zoeller, Liberty, Goulds, Wayne, Ion, Little Giant, Superior, Pro-Series, and Champion, cover both plastic and cast iron housings. Cast iron pumps dissipate heat better and last longer under heavy duty cycles, which matters in homes that see steady groundwater year round. Plastic housings are lighter and less expensive, and they work well in drier pits with occasional use.

Call your local plumber

HT Strenger is family owned, fully insured, licensed in Illinois under Plumbing License #055-013973, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. To schedule a sump pump inspection, replacement, or new installation across Lake County and Northern Illinois, reach the office through the contact page or call before the next forecast turns ugly.