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Ejector Pump Installation & Repair Rockford & Northern Illinois
If you have a basement bathroom, laundry room, or floor drain below street level, you rely on an ejector pump to lift wastewater up into the main sewer. A Drop Above Plumbing installs, replaces, and services ejector pumps and overhead sewer systems in Rockford, Machesney Park, Loves Park, Roscoe, and across Northern Illinois.
Licensed Illinois plumbing contractor for ejector pumps, overhead sewer systems, and basement plumbing code compliance.
- Basement toilet or shower backs up
- Ejector pit is overflowing or smells like sewage
- Pump runs constantly or won’t turn on
- You’re finishing a basement bathroom below the sewer line
What Is an Ejector Pump?
An ejector pump is a heavy-duty pump that moves sewage and wastewater from below-grade fixtures (like basement toilets, showers, laundry sinks, and floor drains) up into the main building drain and out to the city sewer or septic line. [oai_citation:0‡A Drop Above Plumbing](https://www.adropaboveplumbing.com/ejector)
Why Gravity Isn’t Enough
Your main sewer line is usually higher than your basement floor. That means gravity alone can’t carry waste from a basement bathroom or laundry room. An ejector pump sits in a sealed pit, turning on automatically to lift wastewater up and out so it can flow by gravity with the rest of your home’s plumbing. [oai_citation:1‡A Drop Above Plumbing](https://www.adropaboveplumbing.com/ejector)
Overhead Sewer Systems
Many Rockford-area homes pair an ejector pump with an overhead sewer system. The basement fixtures discharge into an ejector pit, the pump lifts that wastewater up to an overhead sewer line, and then gravity carries it out. This setup greatly reduces the chance of a sewage backup into your basement during storms or blockages. [oai_citation:2‡A Drop Above Plumbing](https://www.adropaboveplumbing.com/ejector)
Required by Illinois Plumbing Code
Illinois Plumbing Code requires that any fixtures below the level of the city sewer discharge through a properly designed lift system, such as an ejector pump, so wastewater is safely conveyed to the main sewer and does not back up into the home. [oai_citation:3‡A Drop Above Plumbing](https://www.adropaboveplumbing.com/ejector)
Ejector Pump Services in Rockford & Northern Illinois
From emergency replacements to new basement bathrooms, we handle everything related to ejector pumps and overhead sewer systems.
Ejector Pump Replacement
- Removal of failed ejector pump
- Installation of a properly sized, sealed ejector pump
- New check valve and fittings where needed
- Testing for proper operation and discharge
New Ejector Pit & Basement Rough-Ins
- Basement bathroom or laundry room additions
- Concrete breaking and new pit installation (where applicable)
- Drain, vent, and ejector tie-in to existing plumbing
- Overhead sewer conversions and design
Troubleshooting & Repairs
- Float, switch, and check valve issues
- Frequent cycling or pump not turning on
- Odor problems from improperly sealed pits
- Recommendations for backup and alarm options
Code & Safety Upgrades
- Bringing older ejector pits up to current code
- Proper venting and discharge routing
- Upgrades when finishing a basement or adding fixtures
- Compliance with Illinois Plumbing Code requirements
Signs Your Ejector Pump Needs Service
If you notice any of these in your Rockford-area home, it’s time to have your ejector pump inspected before a small issue turns into a basement disaster.
- Gurgling or bubbling from basement drains
- Toilet in the basement flushes slowly or backs up
- Water visible at the top of the ejector pit
- Sewage smell coming from the pit or nearby fixtures
- Pump runs constantly or not at all
- Breaker tripping when the pump tries to run
- Alarm (if present) is going off repeatedly
- Recent basement flooding or backup after heavy rain
Our Ejector Pump Process
We keep the process clear and simple so you know what’s happening at every step.
We inspect your ejector pit, pump, discharge line, and fixtures to determine whether you need a repair, a full replacement, or a new system for added basement plumbing.
You’ll get straightforward options in plain language — keep your existing setup with targeted repairs or upgrade to a new ejector pump or overhead sewer configuration — along with transparent pricing before any work begins.
We complete the work to Illinois plumbing code, protect your basement while we’re on site, and test the system under real-world conditions before we leave.
We walk you through how your ejector pump system works, what to watch for, and basic maintenance tips to help prevent future emergencies and backups.
Serving Rockford & Surrounding Northern Illinois Communities
A Drop Above Plumbing installs and services ejector pumps and overhead sewer systems across Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb & McHenry Counties.
Ejector Pump FAQ – Rockford & Northern Illinois
Need Ejector Pump Help in the Rockford Area?
Don’t wait until sewage backs up into your basement. If you’re seeing warning signs — or planning a new basement bathroom — let A Drop Above Plumbing design, install, or replace your ejector pump and overhead sewer system the right way.
💧 Current Specials
Take advantage of limited-time savings on professional plumbing installations and replacements.
🔥 Water Heater Special
$200 OFF Any New Water Heater Installation
Keep your home comfortable all year long.
Includes Bradford White and Rheem models.
💦 Water Treatment System Deal
$200 OFF Any Whole-Home Water Treatment or Softener Install
Cleaner, softer water for your family and long-lasting plumbing protection.
⚡ Pump Protection Special
$100 OFF Any Sump or Ejector Pump Replacement
Protect your basement before the next storm hits. Same-day installs available.
Offers subject to change without notice. Residential customers only.