
Sump Pump Installation
Guaranteed Protection: Expert Sump Pump Installation for Central Iowa Basements

Basement water problems are common in Central Iowa. Heavy rain, melting snow, and a high-water table all put pressure on foundations, especially during spring and summer storms. When water has nowhere to go, it finds its way into basements fast.
Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides professional sump pump installation for Des Moines homeowners who want trustworthy protection, not guesswork. Our licensed plumbers install properly sized systems and dependable backup solutions designed to handle Iowa’s toughest conditions.
Addressing Iowa’s High Water Table and Heavy Rain Risks
Many homes in the Des Moines area sit over a naturally high water table. When soil becomes saturated, groundwater pushes against basement walls and floors. Without an effective sump system, that pressure can lead to seepage or flooding.
Seasonal downpours make the problem worse. A single heavy storm can overwhelm an undersized or aging pump. For homes with finished basements, even minor flooding can cause major damage to flooring, drywall, furniture, and stored belongings.
A correct sump pump installation is about managing water volume efficiently and moving it away from the foundation before it becomes a problem.
Precision Sizing Is the Key to Reliable Performance
One of the most common reasons sump pumps fail is improper sizing. Many off-the-shelf installations do not account for the amount of water a basement can collect during severe weather.
Our sizing process looks at several important factors:
- Basement square footage and layout
- Expected water volume during peak storms
- Proper horsepower selection, such as 1/3 HP, 1/2 HP, or higher when needed
- Discharge head, or the vertical distance water must be pumped out of the home
- Sump pit depth and sealing to ensure efficient collection
By matching the pump to the home, we help prevent burnout, short cycling, and failure when the system is needed most.
Complete Protection: Why You Need a Backup for Your Sump Pump Installation
Sump pump failures often happen during the worst storms. Those storms are also when power outages are most likely. Without a backup system, even a properly installed pump can stop working when water levels are rising.
We offer backup options designed to keep water moving even when power is lost.
Battery-powered backup systems use a secondary pump connected to a deep-cycle battery. When the primary pump loses power or cannot keep up, the backup activates automatically.
Water-powered backups are another option in some homes, using municipal water pressure to move water without electricity. These systems are discussed case by case.
For Des Moines homes, we strongly recommend a high-capacity battery backup system with every sump pump installation for dependable flood protection.
Seamless Installation by Licensed Plumbers
Our installation process is thorough and focused on long-term reliability.
A typical sump pump installation includes:
- Safe removal and disposal of the old pump, if applicable
- Installation of the new pump and properly sized discharge piping
- Inspection and installation of a check valve to prevent backflow
- Routing discharge lines to move water at least 10 to 20 feet away from the foundation
- Full testing of the primary pump, backup system, and alarm
Every system is tested before we leave to ensure it operates as intended.
Maximizing the Life of Your New Pump
A professionally installed sump pump can last seven to ten years, but only if it is maintained properly. Float switches, discharge lines, and backup batteries should be tested regularly to ensure readiness.
Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers maintenance services that include routine inspections and testing, helping homeowners avoid surprise failures during storms.
Why Des Moines Homeowners Trust Schaal
Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has served Central Iowa for over 75 years. Our team includes licensed professionals who understand local soil conditions, drainage challenges, and building codes.
Homeowners choose Schaal because we provide:
- Licensed and experienced plumbers
- Accurate system sizing and careful installation
- Transparent pricing and clear explanations
- Proven flood-prevention expertise
- Dependable service backed by decades of local experience
Protect Your Home’s Foundation and Interior Today
Basement flooding can cause lasting damage, but it is often preventable with the right system in place. If your home needs a new sump pump or replacement, professional installation makes all the difference.
Schedule online or call (515) 207-6042 to book sump pump installation with Schaal Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling and protect your Des Moines home before the next storm.



