Sewer Pump Installation, Repair, and Service in Hammond, IN

Reichelt Plumbing provides sewage ejector pump, grinder pump, and lift station pump installation, repair, and service throughout Hammond, IN and Lake County, Indiana. Fully licensed, bonded, and insured, our team is BBB Accredited A+ and has served Hammond homeowners and businesses since 1986. Hammond’s older housing stock, with a median home construction year of 1952 and nearly 45 percent of homes built before 1950, includes thousands of properties with finished basements, lower-level bathrooms, and basement laundry areas that rely on sewage ejector pump systems to move waste up to the main sewer line. When a sewer pump fails in Hammond, every fixture connected to it becomes unusable within hours. Reichelt Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency response and same-day service for Hammond sewer pump failures, along with proper permit coordination and an 18-month workmanship guarantee on qualifying installation work. Call (219) 322-4906 or visit our full Hammond plumbing services page.

What Our Hammond Customers Say

“I needed the sewer rodded in my front yard because it was backed up. Within an hour, Sam showed up. He was professional, explained everything very well and did an awesome job. We had this problem in the past and Sam was basically cleaning up what they left behind. This was the first time we were not left with an uneasy feeling about whether the job was really done right or not. We will definitely be using them for future plumbing services.”, Rocio C.

Verified on Google Reviews, HomeAdvisor, Facebook Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau.

He was professional, explained everything very well and did an awesome job.

“I needed the sewer rodded in my front yard because it was backed up. Within an hour, Sam showed up. He was professional, explained everything very well and did an awesome job. We've had this problem in the past and Sam was basically cleaning up what they left behind (A huge ball of roots). This was the first time we weren't left with an uneasy feeling about whether the job was really done right or not. We will definitely be using them for future plumbing services.”

- Rocio C.

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Sewer Pumps and Hammond’s Below-Grade Plumbing Challenges

Hammond is Lake County’s largest city, with approximately 75,276 residents and 32,877 housing units as of 2026. With a median home construction year of 1952 and approximately 45 percent of homes built before 1950, Hammond has one of the oldest residential housing stocks in Northwest Indiana. Over the decades, Hammond homeowners have converted basements into living spaces, added lower-level bathrooms, and built out basement bars, laundry rooms, and home offices in spaces that were originally unfinished.

These below-grade additions create a specific plumbing challenge. Hammond’s flat Lake County terrain means that basement floors often sit at or below the level of the main sewer line exiting the house, making gravity drainage physically impossible. A sewage ejector pump system is the only code-compliant solution for moving waste from these lower-level fixtures up to the main drain line. According to the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, all such pump work must be performed by a licensed plumber, and the City of Hammond requires permits for sewer pump installation and replacement.

Hammond’s aging ejector pump systems, many installed during basement renovation projects of the 1970s through 1990s, are now 25 to 50 years old. The combination of aging equipment, the introduction of non-flushable wipes into ejector systems, and deferred maintenance creates a pattern of sewer pump failures across the city. Reichelt Plumbing responds to Hammond sewer pump emergencies around the clock and provides proactive replacement services for aging systems before a full failure occurs.

What Is a Sewer Pump and Does Your Hammond Home Need One

A sewage ejector pump is a submersible pump that sits inside a sealed underground basin called an ejector pit. All plumbing fixtures from the below-grade level of the home drain into this pit. A float switch monitors the waste level and activates the pump when waste reaches a set level. The pump then forces the waste upward through a discharge pipe to the main drain line, which carries it by gravity to the municipal sewer connection. A check valve prevents waste from flowing back down into the pit when the pump shuts off.

Your Hammond home requires a sewer ejector pump system if any bathroom, laundry room, bar sink, floor drain, or other plumbing fixture is installed at a level where it cannot drain downward by gravity to the main sewer line. If a fixture is installed in a finished basement of a Hammond home and that home sits on flat Lake County terrain, there is a very high probability that a sewer ejector pump is already present or is required for new fixture installation.

Sewer Pump Services We Provide in Hammond, IN

Sewage Ejector Pump Installation

Reichelt Plumbing installs complete sewage ejector pump systems for Hammond homes adding basement bathrooms, laundry rooms, wet bars, or other below-grade plumbing. Every installation includes proper sizing of the pump and pit for the connected fixture load, installation of the ejector basin below the basement floor, all discharge piping and check valve work, float switch setup, pit venting through the existing vent stack, and coordination of all required City of Hammond permits. See our full sewer pump and ejector pump service overview for additional details on the pump services Reichelt Plumbing provides.

Sewage Ejector Pump Repair

When a Hammond ejector pump runs continuously, fails to activate, makes unusual noises, or displays an alarm condition, Reichelt Plumbing diagnoses and repairs the problem. Common repair needs include float switch replacement, check valve replacement, discharge pipe repair, pit lid seal restoration, and pump motor service. Our technicians carry common replacement components on the service vehicle to resolve many pump repairs on the same visit.

Sewage Ejector Pump Replacement

Sewage ejector pumps in Hammond homes have a typical service life of 7 to 15 years depending on usage and maintenance history. Reichelt Plumbing recommends proactive replacement for aging pumps approaching or past this range rather than waiting for a failure that leaves the basement plumbing unusable. Replacement includes proper disposal of the old pump, installation of a correctly sized replacement unit, new check valve, float switch testing, and permit coordination with the City of Hammond.

Grinder Pump Installation and Service

Grinder pumps are a specialized type of sewage pump that incorporates a cutting mechanism to shred solid waste into a fine slurry before pumping it through a smaller-diameter discharge line. Hammond commercial properties, multi-tenant buildings, and residential properties where the discharge pipe must travel a long horizontal distance or through tight spaces may require a grinder pump rather than a standard ejector pump. Reichelt Plumbing installs and services grinder pump systems for both Hammond residential and commercial applications.

Lift Station Pump Service

Lift stations are larger-scale pump systems that move significant volumes of wastewater from lower elevations to higher collection points, typically serving commercial developments, municipal infrastructure, or multi-structure properties. Reichelt Plumbing provides lift station installation and service as part of our site utility construction capabilities for Hammond commercial and development projects.

Emergency Sewer Pump Service in Hammond

A failed sewage ejector pump renders every below-grade fixture in the home unusable and poses a health and sanitation risk if the pit overflows. Reichelt Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency sewer pump service throughout Hammond. Our response time from our Schererville headquarters to Hammond is typically 10 to 15 minutes for urgent calls. Call (219) 322-4906 at any hour for a Hammond sewer pump emergency. See our emergency plumbing services for the full scope of urgent plumbing situations we respond to.

Signs Your Sewer Ejector Pump Is Failing in Hammond

• Slow or no drainage from basement bathroom, laundry, or floor drain fixtures connected to the ejector system
• Gurgling sounds coming from the ejector pit area or from connected drain fixtures
• Sewer odors in the basement near the ejector pit that persist even with the pit lid sealed
• The ejector pump running continuously without shutting off between uses
• The ejector pit alarm activating, indicating waste has risen above the normal operating level
• Sewage backing up into the basement floor drain or into the basement bathroom fixtures
• Visible pit lid damage or loose seal allowing gases to enter the basement

Common Causes of Sewer Pump Problems in Hammond Homes

• Float switch failure, where the switch that tells the pump when to turn on and off either sticks open or fails to activate
• Check valve failure allowing pumped waste to flow back into the pit and keeping the waste level perpetually high
• Non-flushable materials including wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products wrapping around the pump impeller
• Grease accumulation from kitchen sinks connected to the ejector system coating the pump and pit interior
• Motor burnout from continuous running caused by a stuck float switch or overwhelming inflow
• Cracked or degraded pit basin allowing groundwater infiltration to fill the pit faster than the pump can remove it
• Vent pipe blockage causing pressure issues that affect pump performance and allow sewer gas to migrate into the basement

When Your Hammond Home Needs a New Sewer Pump System

Installing a new ejector pump system is appropriate for any of the following situations in a Hammond home:

• Adding a bathroom, laundry room, wet bar, or other plumbing fixture to a finished basement where gravity drainage is not achievable
• Replacing an existing ejector pump system that is 10 or more years old and showing performance decline
• Replacing a system that has experienced repeated failures and repairs within a short period
• Upgrading an undersized system that cannot keep pace with the fixture load from a basement renovation or addition
• Replacing a system damaged by non-flushable material introduction or long-term deferred maintenance

Our Sewer Pump Service Process in Hammond

• Site assessment. We inspect the existing ejector system or the proposed installation area, evaluate the fixture connections, measure available ceiling height for the discharge pipe routing, and confirm venting access through the existing stack.
• Pump and system sizing. We select the correct pump size for the connected fixture load and the required lift height from the pit to the main drain connection.
• Permit application. Reichelt Plumbing pulls all required permits from the City of Hammond building department before installation begins.
• Installation. We install or replace the ejector basin, pump, discharge pipe, check valve, float switch, and pit lid. All connections are made to Indiana plumbing code standards.
• System testing. We run a full operational test, confirming float switch activation and cutoff, verifying the check valve holds, and checking for any discharge pipe leaks.
• Inspection coordination. We schedule and coordinate the required city inspection and confirm the installation receives sign-off.
• Owner orientation. We walk the Hammond homeowner through the system, explain what should and should not be introduced into the ejector pit, and answer any questions about the alarm system.

Permit Requirements for Sewer Pump Work in Hammond, IN

Sewage ejector pump installation, replacement, and all associated plumbing work in Hammond requires permits from the City of Hammond building department. Per the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, all plumbing work in Indiana must be performed by or under direct supervision of a licensed plumber. Unpermitted sewer pump work creates liability issues, may affect homeowner’s insurance coverage, and can complicate real estate transactions. Reichelt Plumbing handles all permit coordination as a standard part of every Hammond sewer pump project.

Why Hammond, IN Homeowners Choose Reichelt Plumbing for Sewer Pump Service

Areas Near Hammond We Also Serve

In addition to Hammond, Reichelt Plumbing provides sewer pump installation and repair services throughout Northwest Indiana including Schererville, IN, Highland, IN, Munster, IN, Griffith, IN, Dyer, IN, Saint John, IN, Crown Point, IN, Hobart, IN, Merrillville, IN, Gary, IN, Lansing, IL, Chicago Heights, IL, Calumet City, IL, and South Holland, IL.

Related services: Sump Pump Installation and Repair | Battery Backup Sump Pump | Tankless Water Heater Service in Hammond | Sewer Line Camera Inspection | Emergency Plumbing

FAQs About Sewer Pumps in Hammond, IN

What is a sewage ejector pump and what does it do?

A sewage ejector pump is a submersible pump installed in a sealed underground pit, called an ejector basin or ejector pit, that collects wastewater from plumbing fixtures located below the level of the main sewer line. When the wastewater in the pit reaches a set level, the pump activates automatically and pushes the waste upward through a discharge pipe to the main drain line, from where it flows by gravity to the municipal sewer system. Ejector pumps handle both liquid and soft solid waste from toilets, sinks, showers, and floor drains.

When is a sewage ejector pump required in a Hammond home?

A sewage ejector pump is required in any Hammond home where a bathroom, laundry room, bar sink, or other plumbing fixtures are installed at a level below the main sewer line exiting the house. In Hammond’s older homes, this commonly occurs in finished basements or lower-level additions where the fixtures cannot drain downhill by gravity to the main sewer connection. Any Hammond homeowner adding plumbing to a basement space should have Reichelt Plumbing evaluate whether an ejector pump system is required before beginning construction.

What is the difference between a sewage ejector pump and a sump pump?

A sewage ejector pump handles wastewater and soft solids from below-grade plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, sinks, and showers. It sits in a sealed pit with a tight-fitting lid to contain waste and odors. A sump pump removes groundwater and rainwater from a sump pit to prevent basement flooding and is not designed to handle sewage or solid waste. Many Hammond homes need both systems serving different functions. Reichelt Plumbing installs and services both, and our separate 

What is a grinder pump and when would I need one instead of an ejector pump?

A grinder pump includes a cutting mechanism that shreds solid waste into a fine slurry before pumping it through the discharge line. It is typically used when the discharge pipe must be smaller in diameter than what a standard ejector pump can accommodate, when the waste must be pushed a longer horizontal distance to reach the sewer connection, or when a low-pressure sewer system is in place. Grinder pumps are more common in commercial applications and in residential situations with specific site constraints.

How does a sewage ejector pit system work in a Hammond home?

The ejector pit is a sealed underground basin, typically made of polyethylene, installed below the basement floor. All plumbing fixtures from the lower level drain into this pit. A float switch monitors the waste level inside the pit. When the waste reaches the activation level, the float rises and triggers the pump to turn on. The pump pushes the waste upward through a discharge pipe that connects to the main drain line above the pit. A check valve in the discharge line prevents waste from flowing back into the pit when the pump shuts off. A vent pipe allows gases to escape safely through the home’s existing vent stack.

What are the warning signs that my sewer ejector pump is failing?

Warning signs of a failing ejector pump in a Hammond home include slow drainage or no drainage at all from basement fixtures, gurgling sounds from the ejector pit, sewer odors coming from the basement area near the pit, frequent pump cycling or a pump that runs continuously, the ejector pit alarm activating, and sewage backup into the basement bathroom or floor drain. Any of these signs indicates the system needs immediate professional evaluation.

How long do sewage ejector pumps typically last?

A quality sewage ejector pump installed correctly and maintained properly typically lasts 7 to 15 years depending on usage, the volume of waste handled, and whether non-flushable items have been introduced into the system. Hammond homes with basement bathrooms that see heavy daily use may experience shorter pump lifespans than those with occasional-use lower-level plumbing. Annual inspections help identify early signs of wear before a full failure occurs.

Can I add a basement bathroom in my Hammond home without a sewer pump?

Only if the basement drain lines can connect to a main sewer line that exits the house below the level of the fixtures, which is unusual in Hammond’s flat terrain. In most Hammond homes with existing basement space, any new basement bathroom, laundry sink, or wet bar requires a sewage ejector pump system to move waste up to the main drain line. Reichelt Plumbing evaluates existing drain conditions and confirms whether a pump system is required before any Hammond basement renovation begins.

What should never be flushed into a sewage ejector system?

Wipes marked as flushable, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, dental floss, cotton swabs, grease, and any other non-degradable materials should never enter a sewage ejector system. Unlike the municipal sewer system, an ejector pump handles a relatively small volume of waste and is much more susceptible to clogs from non-degradable materials. Even products marketed as flushable can accumulate inside the ejector pit and on the pump impeller over time, leading to pump failure.

How often should a sewage ejector pump system be inspected?

Annual inspection of the sewage ejector system is recommended for Hammond homes. During an inspection, Reichelt Plumbing checks the pump motor, float switch operation, check valve condition, discharge pipe integrity, and pit seal. Early identification of a worn float switch or aging motor prevents the sudden failure of a pump system that, when it goes down, renders the entire lower-level plumbing unusable.

What causes a sewage ejector pump to run continuously?

Continuous running typically indicates a stuck or faulty float switch that cannot signal the pump to shut off, a check valve that has failed and is allowing discharged waste to flow back into the pit keeping the level high, or an actual high-water condition where incoming flow is exceeding the pump’s capacity. A pump running nonstop in a Hammond home needs same-day service because a motor running without interruption will overheat and fail.

What is a float switch and why is it critical to the ejector system?

The float switch is a buoyancy-activated switch that rises with the waste level in the ejector pit and falls as the level drops. When it rises to the activation point, it triggers the pump to turn on. When waste is pumped down and the float drops, it signals the pump to shut off. A failed or stuck float switch is one of the most common causes of ejector pump problems in Hammond homes, resulting in either a pump that never activates or one that runs continuously without shutting off.

Does sewer pump installation or replacement require a permit in Hammond, IN?

Yes. Sewer pump installation, replacement, and any plumbing work connected to the ejector system in Hammond requires permits from the City of Hammond building department. All plumbing work must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed plumber per Indiana Professional Licensing Agency requirements. Reichelt Plumbing pulls all required permits and coordinates inspections for Hammond sewer pump work.

What causes sewer odors near my ejector pit in Hammond?

Sewer odors near the ejector pit typically indicate a compromised pit lid seal, a cracked pit basin, a failed wax ring or connection at a fixture draining into the pit, a dry floor drain trap nearby allowing sewer gas to enter the basement, or a vent pipe blockage that is causing negative pressure to pull sewer gas back through fixtures. Reichelt Plumbing inspects the full ejector system and surrounding drain connections to locate the actual source.

What is a lift station pump and is it different from a home ejector pump?

A lift station pump serves a similar function to a residential ejector pump but operates at a larger scale, typically for commercial properties, multi-unit buildings, or municipal applications where significant volumes of wastewater must be pumped from a lower elevation to a higher connection point. Reichelt Plumbing installs and services lift station pumps for Hammond commercial properties and larger residential applications as part of our 

Can Reichelt Plumbing service commercial sewer pump systems in Hammond?

Yes. Reichelt Plumbing installs and services sewage ejector pumps, grinder pumps, and lift station pumps for Hammond restaurants, commercial kitchens, office buildings, medical facilities, and other commercial properties. Commercial sewer pump systems handle higher volumes and may require grinder pump technology or multi-pump configurations. Our team sizes and installs commercial systems based on the property’s actual waste flow requirements.

How quickly can Reichelt Plumbing respond to a sewer pump emergency in Hammond?

Reichelt Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing service and our Schererville headquarters is approximately 10 to 15 minutes from central Hammond. When a sewage ejector pump fails in a Hammond home, the basement fixtures become unusable and the pit can overflow if the pump is not restored or replaced promptly. Call (219) 322-4906 any time of day or night for emergency sewer pump service in Hammond.

What happens if a failing ejector pump is ignored in Hammond?

A failing ejector pump that is not repaired or replaced will eventually cause the ejector pit to overflow, resulting in raw sewage backing up into the basement through the floor drain or through connected fixtures. The cleanup and remediation costs from a raw sewage overflow far exceed the cost of a pump replacement. Any warning sign from an ejector system in Hammond warrants immediate professional evaluation rather than a wait-and-see approach.

My ejector pump alarm is going off. What should I do?

A sewage ejector pit alarm indicates that the waste level in the pit has risen above the normal range and the pump is not keeping pace. Minimize water use from all fixtures connected to the ejector system, which includes the basement bathroom, laundry, and any other below-grade fixtures. Do not flush anything into the system until the alarm is resolved. Call Reichelt Plumbing at (219) 322-4906 for same-day service in Hammond. An active alarm means the system is at risk of overflow.

What is the typical process for ejector pump replacement in Hammond?

Reichelt Plumbing begins with a visual inspection of the existing system and an assessment of the pit condition, discharge pipe, check valve, and float switch. We obtain required permits from the City of Hammond, remove and properly dispose of the old pump, install the replacement pump and a new check valve, test the float switch activation and cutoff, verify the discharge connection is secure, and confirm the pit lid seal is intact before completing the job.

Is it common for Hammond homes to have below-grade plumbing that requires a sewer pump?

Yes. Hammond’s housing stock, with nearly 45 percent of homes built before 1950, includes many properties where basement spaces have been converted to living areas, laundry rooms, or added bathrooms over the decades since the original construction. Many of these lower-level additions were plumbed with sewage ejector systems that are now 20 to 40 years old. Reichelt Plumbing regularly installs, replaces, and repairs ejector pump systems in Hammond’s older residential housing stock.

Can grease or wipe accumulation cause an ejector pump to fail?

Yes. Grease from kitchen sinks that drain into an ejector system will accumulate on the pump impeller and inside the pit over time, eventually reducing pump efficiency and causing blockages. Wipes, even those marketed as flushable, do not break down and can wrap around the pump impeller, leading to motor overload and failure. Avoiding introduction of these materials into the ejector system is the most effective way to extend pump life.

How deep is a typical sewage ejector pit in a Hammond home?

Most residential sewage ejector pits in Hammond are 18 to 30 inches in diameter and 24 to 36 inches deep, though exact dimensions vary based on the volume of connected fixtures and the required storage capacity. The pit is installed below the basement floor level and sealed with a tight-fitting lid to contain gases and prevent odors from entering the basement.

Do you offer coupon savings on sewer pump installation in Hammond?

Yes. Reichelt Plumbing offers coupon savings on qualifying pump services. Current offers are available on our 

How do I schedule sewer pump service in Hammond, IN?

Call Reichelt Plumbing at (219) 322-4906 to schedule sewage ejector pump installation, repair, replacement, or inspection in Hammond. We serve Hammond and surrounding Lake County communities including Highland, Munster, Griffith, Schererville, Dyer, and others. Emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for active pump failures.

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