A Norcross sump pump usually fails because the float sticks, the check valve leaks back, the outlet trips or the motor wears out. A plumber can repair or replace it and route the discharge away from the Gwinnett County sewer. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Norcross.
Norcross basics
Norcross is a historic 1870 railroad town in southwest Gwinnett, with a downtown square and a young, diverse population. Census survey figures put the median home at 1990, with about 18% built before 1980. Gwinnett County took over the city's water and sewer system in 2013, so Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources now handles both. The county maintains the meter and the pipe from the main; the private water line, the full sewer lateral and any backflow preventer belong to the owner. A sump pump that feeds a floor drain or laundry sink sends groundwater into county sewer, so the discharge should go to the yard instead. Older homes near downtown sometimes have pumps added years after construction with whatever piping was handy, while 1990s houses may still run the original unit. Either way, a quick bucket test tells you a lot: the pump should start, empty the pit and stop cleanly.
What to do now
- Cut power to the pump at the breaker if water is near the outlet.
- With the power off, look for a float caught on the basin wall or cord.
- Restore power and listen for the motor. If it hums but doesn't pump, turn it off.
- Check the outdoor outlet for leaves, soil or a broken pipe.
- Move stored items away from the pit.
- Note how often the pump starts and how long each cycle lasts.
- Call a plumber if the water keeps rising.
Symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Pit full, pump off | Float stuck or motor failed |
| Outlet keeps tripping | Pump drawing too much power or moisture in the outlet |
| Runs without lowering water | Clogged intake or impeller damage |
| Water slides back at shutoff | Bad check valve |
| Sewer smell near the pit | Dry floor-drain trap nearby |
Cost factors
- Part repair versus replacement
- Access to the pit
- Rerouting or extending the discharge
- Backup pump and alarm; a water-powered unit falls under Gwinnett DWR's backflow program with county-approved testers
- A city trade permit from Norcross Community Development if piping is altered; a straight swap with no piping change may not need one
- Replacing a cracked or undersized basin
Sump Pumps questions in Norcross
Does a water-powered backup pump need a backflow device?
What causes a bad smell from the sump pit?
Do I need a permit to replace or add a sump pump?
Does a house on a crawl space always need a sump pump?
More plumbing services in Norcross
Sump Pumps nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- Norcross housing by year built (via Point2Homes)
- Norcross, Georgia (Wikipedia)
- Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources: water service
- Gwinnett DWR maintains the water meter and the small pipe from the mai: service line ownership
- Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources runs the backflow and cr: backflow prevention
- City of Norcross Community Development Department: permits
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