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Sump pump or interior foundation drains installers in Mount-hamilton

Avatar for Attic Pros

Attic Pros

718 Douglas Ave
4.91(
195
)
Approved Pro

Attic Pros

718 Douglas Ave
4.91(
195
)
Approved Pro
Super Service Award
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 96% of Angi customers
Recommended by 96% of HomeAdvisor customers
56 local quotes requested

Attic Pros provides outstanding products combined with superior service to ensure your satisfaction. Our team work's directly with you making sure we cover all areas that may have insulation issues. Once we've done this we can make a custom plan for property. Call Attic Pro Today for your professional consultation. *******5% Off Mold Removal Project******* For a limited time, we're excited to offer you a special discount of 5% off your mold removal project. Don't miss out on this opportunity to ensure a healthier environment for your home or business while saving money. Contact us today to schedule your mold inspection and take advantage of this exclusive offer!

"Hired to blow new insulation into the attic. Reasonable pricing, professional people who showed up on time and kept the work area clean. Would recommend."

Joyce S on August 2025

Attic Pros provides outstanding products combined with superior service to ensure your satisfaction. Our team work's directly with you making sure we cover all areas that may have insulation issues. Once we've done this we can make a custom plan for property. Call Attic Pro Today for your professional consultation. *******5% Off Mold Removal Project******* For a limited time, we're excited to offer you a special discount of 5% off your mold removal project. Don't miss out on this opportunity to ensure a healthier environment for your home or business while saving money. Contact us today to schedule your mold inspection and take advantage of this exclusive offer!

"Hired to blow new insulation into the attic. Reasonable pricing, professional people who showed up on time and kept the work area clean. Would recommend."

Joyce S on August 2025


Avatar for Fluid Dynamics Plumbing Inc

Fluid Dynamics Plumbing Inc

128 E ST JOHN STREET
4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro

Fluid Dynamics Plumbing Inc

128 E ST JOHN STREET
4.90(
10
)
Approved Pro
Free onsite estimate

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business. FluidDynamicsPlumbing.com

"Had to replace old water heater that leaked and flooded my basement- the Fluid team was amazing and timely - were able to come quickly and stop the leak and basement drain and ultimately replaced my water heater- very professional staff - communicated well and very fair pricing - would call them again for any plumbing issues at my house! "

josh b on September 2025

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business. FluidDynamicsPlumbing.com

"Had to replace old water heater that leaked and flooded my basement- the Fluid team was amazing and timely - were able to come quickly and stop the leak and basement drain and ultimately replaced my water heater- very professional staff - communicated well and very fair pricing - would call them again for any plumbing issues at my house! "

josh b on September 2025


Avatar for Major League Plumbing and Rooter

Major League Plumbing and Rooter

270 Slate Ave
5.00(
11
)
Approved Pro

Major League Plumbing and Rooter

270 Slate Ave
5.00(
11
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
46 local quotes requested
2 years of experience

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"We returned from vacation to find pools of water in the front yard caused by a major leak(s) in the water line encased in the attached garage slab. Angie responded right away with plumbing recommendations. We ultimately chose Major League Plumbing who came out the same day and made the assessment. Our house structure allowed them to bypass the leak(s) by rerouting the pipes to the first and second floors in one day thus saving us a ton of money in time, materials, and labor. Michael, the owner, was extremely pleasant and efficient. We certainly appreciate his creative solution and would definitely recommend the company and use them again for our plumbing needs."

Sharon J on September 2025

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"We returned from vacation to find pools of water in the front yard caused by a major leak(s) in the water line encased in the attached garage slab. Angie responded right away with plumbing recommendations. We ultimately chose Major League Plumbing who came out the same day and made the assessment. Our house structure allowed them to bypass the leak(s) by rerouting the pipes to the first and second floors in one day thus saving us a ton of money in time, materials, and labor. Michael, the owner, was extremely pleasant and efficient. We certainly appreciate his creative solution and would definitely recommend the company and use them again for our plumbing needs."

Sharon J on September 2025


Avatar for Escamilla Plumbing and Rooter Inc.

Escamilla Plumbing and Rooter Inc.

Lafayette Street
4.95(
42
)
Approved Pro

Escamilla Plumbing and Rooter Inc.

Lafayette Street
4.95(
42
)
Approved Pro
Super Service Award
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
42 local quotes requested

Escamilla Plumbing & Rooter Inc. Offers reliable plumbing services at the most competitive prices. With our stellar plumbing services, we will get your plumbing system back to working at its best in no time. Whether you are experiencing a complicated plumbing issue, broken water heater, cracked plumbing fixture or leaking faucet, our experienced technicians will work quickly to fix your problem and eliminate your frustrations! We serve San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara,Campbell, Saratoga, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Gatos, and SunnyValle. We specialize in complete plumbing services including drain cleaning, clogged toilet repair, sewer replacement, cleanout installation, water leak repair, water system repipe, water service replacement, leaky toilet, household gas testing, household gas system leak detection, gas line repair, gas system repipe, gas leaks, water heater maintenance, water heater repair, water heater replacement, tankless water heater installation, tankless water heater maintenance, and tankless water heater repair.

"Finished on the same day"

Martin N on March 2025

Escamilla Plumbing & Rooter Inc. Offers reliable plumbing services at the most competitive prices. With our stellar plumbing services, we will get your plumbing system back to working at its best in no time. Whether you are experiencing a complicated plumbing issue, broken water heater, cracked plumbing fixture or leaking faucet, our experienced technicians will work quickly to fix your problem and eliminate your frustrations! We serve San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara,Campbell, Saratoga, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Gatos, and SunnyValle. We specialize in complete plumbing services including drain cleaning, clogged toilet repair, sewer replacement, cleanout installation, water leak repair, water system repipe, water service replacement, leaky toilet, household gas testing, household gas system leak detection, gas line repair, gas system repipe, gas leaks, water heater maintenance, water heater repair, water heater replacement, tankless water heater installation, tankless water heater maintenance, and tankless water heater repair.

"Finished on the same day"

Martin N on March 2025


Avatar for The Tankless Guys Plumbing Corp.

The Tankless Guys Plumbing Corp.

903 Tamarack Ln Unit B
5.00(
12
)
Approved Pro

The Tankless Guys Plumbing Corp.

903 Tamarack Ln Unit B
5.00(
12
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
141 local quotes requested

At THE TANKLESS GUYS PLUMBING CORP we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"They were prompt and fantastic"

Blaine O on January 2025

At THE TANKLESS GUYS PLUMBING CORP we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"They were prompt and fantastic"

Blaine O on January 2025


Avatar for Build The Bay, Inc.

Build The Bay, Inc.

1222 Hermosa Way
4.97(
33
)
Approved Pro

Build The Bay, Inc.

1222 Hermosa Way
4.97(
33
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
650 local quotes requested

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! Specializing in remodeling services of all kinds, we guarantee your satisfaction and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today!

"I found Build the Bay through Angi’s List and I’m so glad we went with them for our bathroom update/remodel! Working with Eitan and his team was like night and day compared to other contractors I have worked with in the past. Specifically what I appreciated is that he treated me with respect and would take the time to explain in layman’s terms what was needed. (I’m not a construction pro by any means.) Eitan even shared a list of vendors that he has worked with in the past for materials and finishes, as well as a checklist to ensure I ordered all the finishing pieces in time. He would even be willing to review any products I was interested in to let me know if it was good quality. It’s only normal for unexpected issues to come up during construction, and what was also great is how communicative Eitan and his team were with me. They would quickly let me know what the issue was, explain what my options were, the cost for each, and what those options would mean in the long run. Eitan always responded very promptly via email or text if I had any questions or requested any updates. Our project has been done for about a month now and I have to say that I strongly feel like Eitan and his team delivered high quality bathrooms in a timely manner. I would definitely reach out to the Build the Bay team again if we needed to do work on our home again."

Samara W on April 2025

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! Specializing in remodeling services of all kinds, we guarantee your satisfaction and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today!

"I found Build the Bay through Angi’s List and I’m so glad we went with them for our bathroom update/remodel! Working with Eitan and his team was like night and day compared to other contractors I have worked with in the past. Specifically what I appreciated is that he treated me with respect and would take the time to explain in layman’s terms what was needed. (I’m not a construction pro by any means.) Eitan even shared a list of vendors that he has worked with in the past for materials and finishes, as well as a checklist to ensure I ordered all the finishing pieces in time. He would even be willing to review any products I was interested in to let me know if it was good quality. It’s only normal for unexpected issues to come up during construction, and what was also great is how communicative Eitan and his team were with me. They would quickly let me know what the issue was, explain what my options were, the cost for each, and what those options would mean in the long run. Eitan always responded very promptly via email or text if I had any questions or requested any updates. Our project has been done for about a month now and I have to say that I strongly feel like Eitan and his team delivered high quality bathrooms in a timely manner. I would definitely reach out to the Build the Bay team again if we needed to do work on our home again."

Samara W on April 2025


Avatar for Cal Green Remodeling

Cal Green Remodeling

1400 Coleman Ave, Unit F14-2
5.00(
14
)
Approved Pro

Cal Green Remodeling

1400 Coleman Ave, Unit F14-2
5.00(
14
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
757 local quotes requested

Welcome to Cal Green Remodeling. We do our best to take the stress out of home remodeling, working directly with our clients to make sure they understand the process, options available, and budget. Our goal is to make your project everything you dreamt it would be. From custom kitchens to concrete floors we do it all and our experienced professionals can help you figure out what products are right for you. We offer industrial grade finishes that can handle excessive traffic, as well as fine finishes for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, we look forward to hearing from you. Website - https://calgreenremodeling.com/ Phone - 800-803-9927

"We were looking to remodel our kitchen or bath for a few years. We kept getting estimates from different companies and always felt the price was off or the person was not a good fit. Then, finally, we met Shai with Cal Green Remodeling. What a great guy! He is very upfront and honest about what we can expect in terms of cost and work flow. Because of his honest approach, we hired him. We felt he gave us the good and bad and how to resolve the bad as well. In the end, the process was fairly smooth, and the few hick-ups we had, for example, the city and their permit process, were well explained to us at the beginning, so we were ready. Our kitchen or bath looks amazing, and I plan to work with Cal Green Remodeling again. Thanks Shai!"

Albert R on December 2023

Welcome to Cal Green Remodeling. We do our best to take the stress out of home remodeling, working directly with our clients to make sure they understand the process, options available, and budget. Our goal is to make your project everything you dreamt it would be. From custom kitchens to concrete floors we do it all and our experienced professionals can help you figure out what products are right for you. We offer industrial grade finishes that can handle excessive traffic, as well as fine finishes for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, we look forward to hearing from you. Website - https://calgreenremodeling.com/ Phone - 800-803-9927

"We were looking to remodel our kitchen or bath for a few years. We kept getting estimates from different companies and always felt the price was off or the person was not a good fit. Then, finally, we met Shai with Cal Green Remodeling. What a great guy! He is very upfront and honest about what we can expect in terms of cost and work flow. Because of his honest approach, we hired him. We felt he gave us the good and bad and how to resolve the bad as well. In the end, the process was fairly smooth, and the few hick-ups we had, for example, the city and their permit process, were well explained to us at the beginning, so we were ready. Our kitchen or bath looks amazing, and I plan to work with Cal Green Remodeling again. Thanks Shai!"

Albert R on December 2023


Avatar for Skytech Builders

Skytech Builders

1714 Seville Way
5.00(
21
)
Approved Pro

Skytech Builders

1714 Seville Way
5.00(
21
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1112 local quotes requested

Welcome to Sky Tech builders, a general professional construction company. Our Decades of experience in the construction and home improvement Industry will help you achieve all your dreams and have the home you always wanted. At Sky Tech we are not just general contractors, we are also homeowners. We know what it’s like to have a big home improvement project in front of you. But we also know the satisfaction of the finished job, enjoying a new, updated home that you created. That’s why we are dedicated to making it as easy as possible for you to get exactly what you are seeking. As a construction company we want to help each and any of our customers accomplish their dreams of a complete home renovation. Our mission is to give you the best quality products and customer service making you and us enjoy this mutual adventure. We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"The Hall and Master Bathrooms were fully renovated with new cabinets, countertops, showers and fixtures. Leo from Skytech assisted me along the way with option choices and recommendations. The crew was exceptional in their workmanship and were very detail oriented and made sure to clean the area prior to departure each day. I have received multiple compliments on the finished bathrooms. I would highly recommend Skytech Builders to anyone considering renovations and Leo in particular."

Bob H on July 2025

Welcome to Sky Tech builders, a general professional construction company. Our Decades of experience in the construction and home improvement Industry will help you achieve all your dreams and have the home you always wanted. At Sky Tech we are not just general contractors, we are also homeowners. We know what it’s like to have a big home improvement project in front of you. But we also know the satisfaction of the finished job, enjoying a new, updated home that you created. That’s why we are dedicated to making it as easy as possible for you to get exactly what you are seeking. As a construction company we want to help each and any of our customers accomplish their dreams of a complete home renovation. Our mission is to give you the best quality products and customer service making you and us enjoy this mutual adventure. We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"The Hall and Master Bathrooms were fully renovated with new cabinets, countertops, showers and fixtures. Leo from Skytech assisted me along the way with option choices and recommendations. The crew was exceptional in their workmanship and were very detail oriented and made sure to clean the area prior to departure each day. I have received multiple compliments on the finished bathrooms. I would highly recommend Skytech Builders to anyone considering renovations and Leo in particular."

Bob H on July 2025


Avatar for Better Water Heaters

Better Water Heaters

3010 Ridgegate Drive
4.49(
190
)
Approved Pro

Better Water Heaters

3010 Ridgegate Drive
4.49(
190
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
233 local quotes requested
24 years of experience

We started Better Water Heaters to provide fair pricing and quality service to the customers seeking water heater service or replacement. The truth is, most companies overcharge because they know you need hot water immediately and will probably pay a lot to get it quick. My typical customer is one who has price shopped the competition and have decided most companies either charge way too much or are hard to pin down to a firm price. We understand. You simply need a water heater and don’t want to deal with a sleazy salesman…you want to talk to a plumber….so give us a call and we’ll talk. At Better Water Heaters we do something quite rare in the plumbing business- install water heaters for a fair price. We grow our business one satisfied customer at a time; we don’t take advantage of a plumbing emergency and charge unreasonably. Your referral is important to us that is why we always will work to insure your complete satisfaction. We’re a small company and we keep our overhead low, because of this we don’t need to charge unreasonably. Of course we are licensed, bonded and insured and are very experienced at water heater installation and repair. We are experts in convention water heater repair and replacement, Tankless water heater installation, and other plumbing issues. We are the only water heater installation company in northern California that has earned the prestigious DIAMOND CERTIFICATION. We are also member of the Better Business Bureau. Our advertised prices include a quality water heater, basic installation and disposal of your old unit; Extra parts and labor required to do the job right, are additional. Call us for all your water heating needs. Estimates are always free and we never charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays.

"Better Water Heater installed our tankless water heater incorrectly, creating a significant safety hazard for our tenant, an African American family of 5 with 3 small children. After a contractor from AHS reviewed the installation, they confirmed multiple issues, including code violations and fire risks. Major Problems with the Installation: Unsafe placement in a closet - The condensate has no proper drainage, which could lead to mold, rust, and fire hazards. Improper use of an evaporator pan - This pan is not intended for water heaters, creating a fire risk in an enclosed space. Oversized unit for our home - The Rinnai RU160iN is designed for larger homes. It's far too big for our 1-bed, 1-bath house, making it inefficient. Insufficient gas line - According to AHS, the gas line is too small to support this oversized unit, which could lead to gas flow issues or even pose a fire hazard. The city won't allow this installation to pass inspection because the gas line doesn't meet the required capacity. Permit/code violations - The installation was done without a permit and violates multiple building codes. When we confronted the company, they insisted their work was done correctly. Their "solution"? If we wanted the job to be done legally, we would have to pay for both the permit, their time working with inspectors, and additional costs to fix their mistakes--$995 for a bigger gas line to support the oversized unit. On top of that, they quoted us $585 for permit costs, even though the city building department told us the permit fee is only $150. Bottom Line: If you want a safe, legal, and code-compliant installation, DO NOT trust Better Water Heater. They cut corners, refuse accountability, and expect customers to pay extra to fix their mistakes."

Han-Shen Y on February 2025

We started Better Water Heaters to provide fair pricing and quality service to the customers seeking water heater service or replacement. The truth is, most companies overcharge because they know you need hot water immediately and will probably pay a lot to get it quick. My typical customer is one who has price shopped the competition and have decided most companies either charge way too much or are hard to pin down to a firm price. We understand. You simply need a water heater and don’t want to deal with a sleazy salesman…you want to talk to a plumber….so give us a call and we’ll talk. At Better Water Heaters we do something quite rare in the plumbing business- install water heaters for a fair price. We grow our business one satisfied customer at a time; we don’t take advantage of a plumbing emergency and charge unreasonably. Your referral is important to us that is why we always will work to insure your complete satisfaction. We’re a small company and we keep our overhead low, because of this we don’t need to charge unreasonably. Of course we are licensed, bonded and insured and are very experienced at water heater installation and repair. We are experts in convention water heater repair and replacement, Tankless water heater installation, and other plumbing issues. We are the only water heater installation company in northern California that has earned the prestigious DIAMOND CERTIFICATION. We are also member of the Better Business Bureau. Our advertised prices include a quality water heater, basic installation and disposal of your old unit; Extra parts and labor required to do the job right, are additional. Call us for all your water heating needs. Estimates are always free and we never charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays.

"Better Water Heater installed our tankless water heater incorrectly, creating a significant safety hazard for our tenant, an African American family of 5 with 3 small children. After a contractor from AHS reviewed the installation, they confirmed multiple issues, including code violations and fire risks. Major Problems with the Installation: Unsafe placement in a closet - The condensate has no proper drainage, which could lead to mold, rust, and fire hazards. Improper use of an evaporator pan - This pan is not intended for water heaters, creating a fire risk in an enclosed space. Oversized unit for our home - The Rinnai RU160iN is designed for larger homes. It's far too big for our 1-bed, 1-bath house, making it inefficient. Insufficient gas line - According to AHS, the gas line is too small to support this oversized unit, which could lead to gas flow issues or even pose a fire hazard. The city won't allow this installation to pass inspection because the gas line doesn't meet the required capacity. Permit/code violations - The installation was done without a permit and violates multiple building codes. When we confronted the company, they insisted their work was done correctly. Their "solution"? If we wanted the job to be done legally, we would have to pay for both the permit, their time working with inspectors, and additional costs to fix their mistakes--$995 for a bigger gas line to support the oversized unit. On top of that, they quoted us $585 for permit costs, even though the city building department told us the permit fee is only $150. Bottom Line: If you want a safe, legal, and code-compliant installation, DO NOT trust Better Water Heater. They cut corners, refuse accountability, and expect customers to pay extra to fix their mistakes."

Han-Shen Y on February 2025


Avatar for Yad Construction

Yad Construction

.
4.50(
2
)
Approved Pro

Yad Construction

.
4.50(
2
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
1194 local quotes requested

Welcome to Yad Construction, your premier choice for home remodeling and construction services in San Jose, California. With years of experience in the industry, we take pride in our ability to deliver exceptional results that meet and exceed our client's expectations. MISSION At Yad Construction, our vision is to be the leading provider of construction and remodeling services in San Jose and the surrounding areas. We strive to deliver exceptional quality, value, and customer service to each and every one of our clients, and to build lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and respect. VISION Our mission at Yad Construction is to provide our clients with the highest quality construction and remodeling services, delivered with professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. We are committed to exceeding our client’s expectations by listening carefully to their needs and working closely with them to ensure that their vision is brought to life. We believe in building strong, lasting relationships with our clients, employees, and partners, and in giving back to the community.

"Very good work. Performed carpentry, drywall , stucco, painting and brickwork. Finished job on time. Arrived promptly ; cleaned up before leaving each day."

Wes R on June 2024

Welcome to Yad Construction, your premier choice for home remodeling and construction services in San Jose, California. With years of experience in the industry, we take pride in our ability to deliver exceptional results that meet and exceed our client's expectations. MISSION At Yad Construction, our vision is to be the leading provider of construction and remodeling services in San Jose and the surrounding areas. We strive to deliver exceptional quality, value, and customer service to each and every one of our clients, and to build lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and respect. VISION Our mission at Yad Construction is to provide our clients with the highest quality construction and remodeling services, delivered with professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail. We are committed to exceeding our client’s expectations by listening carefully to their needs and working closely with them to ensure that their vision is brought to life. We believe in building strong, lasting relationships with our clients, employees, and partners, and in giving back to the community.

"Very good work. Performed carpentry, drywall , stucco, painting and brickwork. Finished job on time. Arrived promptly ; cleaned up before leaving each day."

Wes R on June 2024

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FAQs for sump pump or interior foundation drains installation projects in Mount-hamilton, CA

Most residential pumps draw approximately 1,300 to 2,900 watts when they first start, then settle at roughly 800 to 1,050 watts during normal operation. The exact number depends on the motor’s horsepower and how often the float switch tells the pump to run. Even at the high end, the electricity cost is minor compared with the expense of cleaning up a flooded basement.

Grab a ruler and an empty 18‑inch‑wide pit. During a steady rain, time how much the water rises in one minute. Multiply that depth (in inches) by 60 to calculate gallons per hour, then add 50% for safety. If the result tops 2,100 gallons per hour—about 35 gallons a minute—you’ll need a 3/4‑horsepower unit. Anything lower, and a 1/3- or 1/2-horsepower pump should do the trick.

Loud rattling, constant cycling, or shuddering vibrations are the pump’s way of telling you it’s on its last legs. Musty smells, higher electric bills, and visible rust are other red flags. If the unit is 10 years old or older and exhibits any of these symptoms, replace it before the next heavy rain turns your basement into a wading pool.

You don’t have to hire a licensed plumber, but you should still bring in someone who installs sump pumps for a living—whether that’s a plumber, basement‑waterproofing specialist, or experienced handyman. They know the local codes, can wire the pump safely, and will test the system before they leave. Skipping professional help might void the warranty and could leave you with a pump that fails when you need it most.

Not every basement needs a pump, but if your home sits in a floodplain, has a high water table, or has ever taken on water during a storm, a sump pump is inexpensive insurance. For basements that only struggle with condensation or the occasional damp spot, sealing cracks and improving drainage may be all that is needed.

The Mount-hamilton, CA homeowners’ guide to sump pump or interior foundation drains installations

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.