Sump pumps
Maintain a sump pump and protect it with a backup to keep your basement dry.
On this page
Who should take action
- Homeowners
- Landlords and property managers
- All homes with:
- a primary sump pump that is frequently active and easily overflows
- existing or new weeping tile systems
What it is
A sump pump is:
- a device that pumps water away from a home's foundation and basement
- located in a sump or pit in the lowest part of a home, typically the basement
- The pit is fitted with a basin that holds the water
How it works:
- Excess water enters the pit from your home's weeping tiles
- When water levels rise in the pit, a float attached to the sump pump triggers a switch to activate the pump
- The pump draws water from the pit to pump it out through a discharge pipe
- A check valve is located on the discharge pipe to help prevent water from flowing back inside once it's been pumped out
- The discharge pipe directs the water outside and should discharge at least 1.5 m (5 ft.) away from your foundation if possible, and preferably to an area with good drainage, such as a lawn or garden
- If your discharge pipe is shorter than 1.5 m (5 ft.), you can fit it with a discharge hose
- An alternate power source for the main pump, plus a backup sump pump are always recommended
Backup your sump pump
Be prepared in case your sump pump fails.
A sump pump can stop working when water flows too quickly into the pit, there are issues with the float switch, the pump and discharge pipe aren't properly maintained, or the unit is nearing the end of its service life. It can also fail during a power outage.
Sump pumps rely on a functioning electrical power supply. Without power, your sump pump will not work. All sump pumps should be equipped with an alternate power source and a backup sump pump that will engage if the primary pump fails.
Battery- or generator-powered backup sump pumps ensure you'll still have a functioning sump pump when the power goes out or if other issues causes the primary pump to fail. Backup pumps that rely on the same power source as your main sump pump will also fail during a power outage.
A backup sump pump:
- is often located near or in the main sump pit
- can be powered by a battery or a generator
- configurations of the backup pump set-up differ
Battery-powered backup sump pumps are most common.
- Battery backup kits may include a backup sump pump with a marine battery, charger, float switch and battery box
- The backup kit is usually plugged into a main power source to avoid depleting the battery
Benefits
This is a high impact action that can greatly reduce the effects of a flood on your home and save you money over the long term.
In Canada, sump pumps are common in homes, as they provide a reliable and effective way to prevent basement flooding alongside other property drainage systems. These systems pump water away from your foundation that could enter your basement or crawl space, when other home drainage systems are overwhelmed by rapid rainfall, ice or snowmelt.
A secondary backup pump removes water from the sump pit, even if your primary pump reaches capacity or stops working.
What's involved
Check with your local government about regulations such as permits or inspections required before installation.
We strongly recommend working with a licensed plumbing professional to determine if a sump pump is right for your home, and then to install the device, if it's deemed necessary. A sump pump is complex and can fail to perform properly or even cause damage if installed incorrectly. A professional will determine the best type of pump and location for the install. Your experience of previous flooding and water damage in your home will help inform these decisions.
A licensed electrician might be required to set up the pump's dedicated electrical circuit.
When to do it
Sump pump installation
Ideally, your property’s grading and foundation drains, such as weeping tiles, should be able to prevent water from accumulating around your foundation. A sump pump may not be needed in these cases. When this is not possible, for example, in homes that are located in areas with a high water table or have foundation drains that don’t effectively drain to the municipal storm sewer system, a sump pump comes in handy.
Sump pump maintenance
- Check your sump pump during and after rainfall, rapid ice melt and snowmelt, and during a power outage to ensure that the pit is being emptied by the pump and backup pump
- During installation, learn about the required maintenance and warranty for your sump pump
- Sump pumps should generally be replaced every 10 years, but check your manufacturer's recommendations for specific advice
- Perform a full pump test once a year
- Ensure that the pump is connected to a power source, including the battery backup pump, if applicable
- Pour water into the sump pit to confirm that the pump activates and directs the water out
- Check that the pump discharge pipe:
- has an effectively functioning check valve. The check valve is visible on the portion of the discharge pipe that's inside of your home
- is unobstructed allowing water to flow freely. Go outside your home to check this on the exterior portion of the discharge pipe
- directs the water away from your foundation and not towards a slope that leads to your home or your neighbour's house
Backup sump pump
- Check the performance of your backup pump two to five times a year
- Testing the backup pump depends on its installation and the model of the pump
- Test it by unplugging the backup pump from its primary power source to see if it works
- Check the manufacturer's instructions or consult a plumbing professional for advice
Do these tasks together
Installing a sump pump should be considered when foundation drainage systems, such as weeping tiles, are being maintained, repaired or installed. This pairing will minimize disruptions and maximize flood ready improvements to your home.
Be flood ready
Flood readiness requires regular upkeep just like any other home or property maintenance task. Add monitoring your sump pump to your annual maintenance checklist.
Seek support from a local professional, friend, family or neighbour if you're unable to complete this task on your own.