Sump and Ejector Pumps

Difference Between Sump and Ejector Pumps

Golf Villas residents that have a lower level will have an ejector pump. Some may have a sump pump as well. The main difference between a sump pump and an ejector pump is that a sump pump sits in a pit that captures water coming into the lower level from outside such as ground water and rain. Ejector pumps disperse the sewage and wastewater generated from inside the house itself.

Ejector Pumps

All Golf Villas condos that have plumbing fixtures below the level of the main sewer line will have an ejector pump to remove interior wastewater. Ejector pumps connect directly to the home’s main sewer line, sending wastewater to the municipal sewage system.

Residents are responsible for maintenance and replacement of their ejector pump.

Sump Pumps

A sump pump sits in a pit that captures water coming into the lower level from outside such as ground water and rain. Sump pumps discharge water away from the home’s foundation, often to the yard or a storm sewer. Not all lower-level units have a sump pump. If a pump serves only one unit, the homeowner is responsible for its maintenance and replacement. Pumps serving multiple units fall under the Golf Villas HOA’s responsibility.

Residents should check to see that their sump pumps are performing properly during heavy rains. If you wish to test the sump pump at another time, you can pour water into the pit to confirm proper activation and drainage.

Sump Pump Battery Backup

If your sump pump has a back-up battery, it needs to be replaced periodically. A beeping alarm indicates a low battery.

To stop the beeping, please follow the following steps:

Blue Labeled Unit

Press the down arrow until you get into the RESET menu then press ENTER.
Once you are in the reset menu, press the down arrow until you see the question - RESET BATTERY TIMER?
Press YES and hit ENTER and it will reset.

Red Labeled Unit

Press and hold down the function button until you see the letter "R" then let the button go.
Once you are in the "R" menu, look for the question RstBatTmr? (Reset battery timer)
Hold down the button on this question until the cursor toggles to the "Yes" and let it go. It should say Reset Battery Timer.
Press YES.

Outside Sump Pump Drain Line

It's important to know where your sump pump drain line exits your unit and to check it frequently for proper drainage. If you see any water backing up or pooling of water in the area, contact the management company.

Also check that the popup drain is working properly and that water is draining away from the property.

Are You Covered?

Condo buildings from the 1980s–90s are seeing sewer backups due to tree root intrusion—messy and expensive!

Golf Villas residents can add Water Backup Coverage to their insurance HO6 policies to protect against damage from sewer or sump pump failures. Standard policies don’t cover it.

Also, residents should increase their HO6 Loss Assessment coverage to $25,000 to cover the Association’s deductible if a backup in your unit leads to an Association claim. Without it, the unit owner is responsible for that cost.

For any issues or questions related to sump or ejector pumps, contact FirstService Residential at 877.999.6491 or email residentservices.il@fsresidential.com.

Please note: If a resident repairs or replaces an HOA-owned sump pump without going through the property management company, they will be responsible for the full cost of that work.