Living in Toronto is wonderful, but we’re all a little too familiar with leaky basements. Between the older homes and the crazy weather, basements are notorious for being dark and dank. There is a simple solution, though, and that’s Toronto sump pump installation. Between 90 and 94 percent of basements in Toronto will have some kind of water problem at some point that a simple solution like a sump pump can stop from happening. When an inch of water is all it takes to cause expensive damage and make a mess that takes hours to clean up, it’s a good idea to look into preventive options. So what can a sump pump do for you?
- Safely removes excess water to prevent flooding
- Prevents rust and corrosion of metal appliances (heaters, washers, etc.)
- Prevents wall coverings and paint from peeling
- Prevents insect infestation
- Removes moisture that can cause mold, fungus, and mildew
Sump pump installation is super easy and fast for a good plumber. It’s a small pump installed at the lowest part of your basement/crawl space. The pump typically turns on automatically either by a float activator or a pressure sensor – as long as it’s been installed by a qualified professional. While they fill with water, they pump it out safely from your home and your neighbors’.
Moisture Test
Easily conduct a moisture test in your basement by getting a square sheet of plastic and taping it to a basement wall, making sure to seal the edges. Over the next few days, keep an eye on it and note if any moisture appears. If the moisture is on the inside of the plastic (between the plastic and the wall), you likely have a water leak. If the moisture is on the outside, that’s a sign of dampness.
Why Do I Need a Plumber?
DIY is great, and there are a lot of fantastic home repairs that you can definitely do yourself. But when it comes to water leaks, you should always talk to a pro first before attempting to repair them yourself. Water leaks in basements aren’t always just because of rain or melting snow. There can be a lot of other causes that, if ignored, can rapidly spiral out of control and end up wreaking havoc on your home.
Talking to a plumber and having them take a look is just smart. You don’t want to install a sump pump if you’ve got a pipe leaking behind the walls. Sure, it’ll take care of the water that makes it to the floor, but it won’t fix the more serious underlying issue. Addressing the problem head-on is the smartest choice you can make.
Choosing a Sump Pump
There are a few features you should consider when you’re looking at buying a sump pump:
- Submersible vs. Pedestal: A submersible allows the sump pump to be covered with a lid, which reduces pump noise and keeps it clear of any debris. Getting an airtight lid will also help keep the moisture out of your home.
- Cast Iron Core: Get a pump with a cast iron core because it will help dissipate the heat to the surrounding water, which will keep your pump functioning longer.
- Design: A no-screen intake design with an impellor that handles solids up to 1/2” diameter will minimize the chances of clogs
- Switch: A mechanical switch is better than a pressure switch. The floating part of the pump needs to be solid so it doesn’t get waterlogged, fail to switch off or end up burning out the pump.
It’s never to early to consider Toronto sump pump installation to ensure your home—and belongings—are safe from flooding.
