Every spring, the Cache la Poudre River rises with Rocky Mountain snowmelt — and the water table across much of the Fort Collins area rises with it. For homeowners with finished basements, especially in newer subdivisions near the river or low-lying areas of town, a working sump pump isn't optional — it's the only thing standing between your investment and thousands of dollars in water damage. Star Plumbing Co. LLC repairs and replaces sump pumps quickly, with battery backup options that protect your basement even when the power goes out during a spring storm.
If the water level in your sump pit is rising and the pump isn't activating, the float switch has likely failed or the pump motor has seized. This is the highest-urgency failure scenario — especially heading into spring.
A healthy sump pump runs with a low, consistent hum. Rattling, grinding, or screeching sounds indicate worn impeller bearings, debris in the pump, or a motor that's beginning to fail and needs to be replaced before it goes out completely.
A pump that never shuts off may have a stuck float, an undersized unit struggling to keep up with inflow, or a discharge line that has frozen or become blocked — causing water to recirculate back into the pit.
A pump that isn't keeping pace with groundwater lets moisture migrate through the foundation walls and slab. Persistent dampness and musty smells are early warning signs that your sump system isn't functioning at full capacity.
Fort Collins spring storms frequently cause brief power outages — exactly when your pump is working hardest. A primary pump without battery backup is a single point of failure. If you don't have a backup system, now is the time to add one.
Most sump pumps have a service life of 7–10 years. If yours is approaching or past that age, a proactive replacement before the spring snowmelt season is far cheaper than an emergency call after a basement flood.
When your pump is past repair, we install a correctly sized replacement — cast iron or stainless impeller models rated for Fort Collins groundwater conditions. We size the unit to your pit dimensions, discharge height, and historical water inflow rate.
Schedule ServiceThe float switch is the most common sump pump failure point. We diagnose whether the issue is a stuck or corroded float, replace it with a tethered or vertical float switch appropriate for your pit, and verify activation at the correct water level.
Schedule ServiceA battery backup pump activates automatically when the primary pump fails or power is lost. We install backup systems sized to give you adequate protection through a typical Fort Collins spring storm outage — typically 8–12 hours of continuous run time.
Schedule ServiceA cracked, improperly pitched, or frozen discharge line can send water back into the pit — causing the pump to run continuously. We inspect and repair the discharge line from the pump to the exterior outlet, including freeze protection where needed.
Schedule ServiceA crumbling or undersized pit liner limits pump performance. We replace damaged basin liners, resize pits that are too shallow for proper float operation, and install sealed pit covers to reduce radon and humidity migration from the pit.
Schedule ServiceFort Collins sits at 5,003 feet elevation on the Front Range, and the city's groundwater dynamics are strongly influenced by the Cache la Poudre River and its seasonal flow patterns. During the spring snowmelt period — which typically runs from late March through June depending on the snowpack in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding ranges — the Poudre River rises significantly and groundwater levels across the lower-lying portions of the city follow suit. Neighborhoods built near the river corridor, including parts of the Timberline area, Maple Hill, and developments along East Prospect Road, can see groundwater within a few feet of the surface during peak melt years.
The 2013 Larimer County flood event remains a vivid reminder of how quickly conditions can change in this region. While Fort Collins fared better than Lyons and Loveland, significant flooding occurred along Poudre Park Drive and in lower-elevation neighborhoods, and the event demonstrated that no part of the Front Range urban corridor is completely immune from high-water events. Newer subdivisions like Fossil Lake Ranch, English Ranch, and Ridgewood Hills were built with basement drainage systems specifically because builders and engineers recognized the groundwater risk. Those homes have sump systems that must be maintained and tested proactively.
Many Fort Collins homeowners don't think about their sump pump until they hear it running during a heavy rain — or until they walk downstairs to find an inch of water on their carpet. We strongly recommend an annual pre-season check before snowmelt begins, including testing the float switch, checking the discharge line for winter frost damage, verifying the battery backup charge level, and running the pump through a full cycle. A 30-minute inspection can prevent a five-figure water damage claim.
Describe what you're seeing — no activation, strange sounds, water in the basement, or you just want a pre-season check. We'll schedule your visit and give you an honest time window for arrival.
We inspect the pump motor, float switch, discharge line, pit liner, and battery backup system. We test float activation and confirm water is properly expelled from the property — not just recirculated.
If repair or replacement is needed, we give you a written estimate before doing anything. We explain what failed, why it failed, and what the best solution is — with options where they exist.
Most sump pump repairs and replacements are completed in a single visit. We carry common replacement pumps, float switches, and backup battery units in our trucks so you're not waiting for parts to arrive.
We pour water into the pit, verify the pump activates at the correct level, confirm the discharge line is clear, and walk you through how to test the system yourself going forward. You leave knowing your basement is protected.
Frequent running during the spring snowmelt season is normal in Fort Collins, especially in years with heavy mountain snowpack. What's not normal is a pump that runs continuously without ever shutting off (suggesting it can't keep pace with inflow or there's a discharge problem) or a pump that doesn't run at all when the pit has water (suggesting a float or motor failure). If you're uncertain, a quick inspection gives you peace of mind.
Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and slowly pour it into the sump pit. The float should rise and activate the pump before the water reaches the top of the pit. If the pump doesn't start, check the circuit breaker first. If power is confirmed, the float switch or motor may have failed. You can also test the battery backup by unplugging the primary pump and pouring water in — the backup should activate.
City of Fort Collins code requires sump pump discharge to be directed away from the house foundation and away from neighboring properties. It cannot discharge into the sanitary sewer. The discharge line should terminate at least 10 feet from the foundation, sloped to drain fully and not create ice near walkways in winter. We verify discharge compliance as part of every service call.
Battery backup pumps are the most common secondary system and work well for most Fort Collins homes. Water-powered backup pumps use city water pressure to operate (no battery needed) but require good city water pressure and are only suitable for homes on municipal water — not well systems. For homes with extremely high water table conditions or extra-large basements, a dual primary pump setup with battery backup may be worth considering.
A failed sump pump during Poudre River snowmelt season can mean thousands in water damage. Star Plumbing Co. LLC gets Fort Collins homeowners protected before the water table rises.
419 N Meldrum St,
Fort Collins, CO 80521, United States