Being a homeowner is rewarding, but it’s hard work too. While decorating is fun and high-impact, more often than not, your hard-earned money is going toward things that are, well, not all that pretty. These include new shingles, replacing weathered windows, and taking care of moisture in your basement.

One feature we are often asked about is the importance of sump pumps. Sump pumps are a common feature in many homes, including properties in Southern Ontario, but many are unsure of what a sump pump actually does or if they are necessary when owning your own home.

We’re here to answer everything that you might need to know about sump pumps and whether they are necessary for homes in Southern and Central Ontario.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a small pump designed to remove water and excess moisture from your basement. Installed at the lowest point of your basement floor, often in a dedicated sump pit (AKA a sump “tank” or “basin”), your sump pump draws in water through a filter trap. It then directs water outside and away from the foundation via a discharge pipe.

There are 2 basic types – pedestal pumps whose motor is raised above the sump pit and the more expensive but more powerful submersible pump, which is, as the name suggests, totally submerged.

Sump pumps run on electricity; although connected to your home power supply, they should always have battery backup in case of a power outage.

When Does a Home Need a Sump Pump?

All homes don’t have sump pumps. Simply put, if you don’t have a basement, you probably don’t need one. But let’s say you have a weird crawl space—do you have a sump pump? Maybe.

You can find out if you need a sump pump by walking around your house’s exterior. Do you see a pipe that’s just jutting out with nothing attached? That might be a discharge pipe that’s attached to a sump pump. Sometimes these pipes are buried though, so this isn’t a sure-fire way of finding out if you have one. If you really need to know, it might be smart to call a plumber.

Beyond your simple inspection, we recommend homeowners to have sump pumps when:

1.      When Flooding Is Common

If you own a home with a water problem or live in an area that is prone to leaks or flooding, it’s wise to invest in a sump pump to take care of any problems before they occur in your basement. The sump pump can provide an important layer of protection against leaks, keeping you dry and protecting the structural integrity.

2.      When Water Level Is High

When the water level is above the foundation of your home and it’s likely to get higher when it rains, this can lead to flooding. What you need is a sump pump to direct water away from your home. When in operation, the pump will collect any water and pump it out through the sump basin to a location away from the home.

3.      If Your Basement Is Used as A Living Space

As mentioned, it’s always a good idea to have a sump pump when living in Ontario, but it’s even more important to have a secondary system in place when your basement has been converted into a living space or stores any of your valuables. This ensures that if the first pump fails or is backed up, that the other one will take over and protect your belongings from water damage.

Don’t get stuck with costly regrets. Even a small amount of water can create expensive damage to the foundation in your home.

Who Should Install a Sump Pump?

Sump pump installation can be a DIY project for some, but a lot of knowledge is required to complete this project successfully. From inspecting where water collects to concrete demolition and plumbing experience, homeowners will quickly find themselves in deep water (pun intended) when not having the proper education.

We recommend to call the Plumbing Medics. We have years of experience in discovering the best locations, proper installation, and giving our clients the knowledge to know when something is wrong with their sump pump.

Don’t wait for a leak to happen in your basement – call us today.