After a rainstorm, you heard your mates mention their sump pump installation once or twice. But have you ever heard anybody complain about their sump pump? Nope! Usually, they say if it wasn’t for their sump pump, then perhaps ankle-deep in bills for water and water damage. For those who don’t have one and don’t know if it’s okay for them — hear!
What is a Sump Pump?
Before it can threaten to flood your home, the sump pump is mounted under the basement ground and crawl spaces to gather groundwater. Groundwater can increase on long rainy periods through the cracks in your home’s base. If there is a chance that flooding may happen in your basement or crawl room, all this weather will be collected by the sump pump and redirected from your home. Think of it as another piece of insurance for floods!
Prevent basement flooding with a sump pump.
Basement flooding is a regular problem in Toronto’s GTA, with the torrential rains that visit the area each year. The City of Toronto recommends a number of measures homeowners can take to reduce your risk of flooding. The City offers homeowners a grant of up to $3,200 for eligible flood prevention measures, including sump pump installation.
How Does a Sump Pump Work?
A sump pump serves a simple purpose: to eliminate water from a hole in the ground known as a sump-pit. As part of a sump pit drainage system, the pit is an indentation or hole located on the floor of your basement to collect water.
The water usually gets into the basement in one of several ways:
- From weeping tiles surrounding the area
- Overflow from the groundwater if your basement level is lower than the water table
- Through your perimeter drains during periods of high water, such as rainstorms and flooding
Much of the water that gets into the sump pit contains debris, which helps to block up your drainage system and makes flooding more likely during high water and heavy rains. The installation of a sump pump allows the pumping of water and waste from the sump pit through a discharge pipe leading to the outside of the building or from the basement if it is below the sewer. This process not only prevents flooding but helps to reduce dampness in your basement.
Sump Pit and Pump Installation
You need to install a sump pump if you have a basement at risk of flooding, and any of the following applies:
- Your home currently doesn’t have a sump pit drainage system
- Your existing sump pump is faulty, makes noises or no longer works effectively
- The sump pump connected to the municipal sewer lines
Installing a sump pump involves opening up your basement draining area, digging a sump pit if none exists, and fitting the discharge pipe. The system should be located at the lowest point of your basement and at least 8 inches away from an outside wall. The sump pump is installed with a backflow prevention valve to stop water being pumped out from moving back into the basement. Then connected to an electrical outlet, and the pump’s float valve is set.
Sump Maintenance
Your sump pump installation is just the first step towards protecting your basement from flooding. The pump plays an essential role in your home’s infrastructure, and without adequate maintenance, the pump may fail. Test the pump twice a year in spring and fall, before the heavy rains arrive. The pump should also be removed and cleaned thoroughly on an annual basis, so one of these checks can take place at the time of cleaning. Clean the pump by removing all dead leaves, dirt, and other debris, then use your garden hose to fill it with water. The float should rise and activate the pump. If your system refuses to start for any reason, you may need professional help from your local plumber.
Types of Sump Pump Installation
Submersible sump pumps
The pump and engine contained in submersible pumps in one unit. They are set in a basin in your vault, submerged, and closed. Because submersible pumps are submerged entirely in the water basin, they are often quieter, saving room in your cellar, and clogging less than a pedestal. However, they may not last as long as other sump pumps owing to the impacts of water submersion. For households with significant flooding issues, this is still the best choice.
Pedestal sump pumps
A pedestal sump pump comprises a distinct generator and pump, unlike a submersible sump pump. The engine sits on a pedestal above the sink, and a tube runs to the basin where the pump located. The pump sends water to your specified drain region through the hose and out. Since the engine is not submerged, it often has a longer lifespan than other sump pumps and is simpler to access for maintenance problems. It also implies, however, that it can be louder and take up more room than the submerged pump.
Water-powered backup
By increasing water pressure, a water-powered backup clears the water in your basin. A water-powered system has the benefit that there is no need to monitor the backup or replace batteries. The use of extra water considerably increases your water bill and is somewhat contentious. Some towns do not allow installation of them.
Battery Backup
Make a battery backup part of your sump pump system. In the event of a power outage, the pump will be unable to operate and leave you with all the damage of a flooded basement. A battery backup will help to keep your basement warm and dry right through the year.
Factors that cause the cost of Sump pump installation
- Types of a sump pump
- Basement materials
- Drainage
- Permits
- Licensed professional
Are you still confused about what to do and what not to do? Why so serious, when you do have ADP Toronto Plumbing plumbers at your service. For more detail, an inspection of your existing basement drainage system or an estimate for the sump pump installation, please contact us.
