Sump Pump

Sump Pump Repairs

If you have a sump pump installed in your home, you’re ahead of the game. But of course, to do its job and protect your house from flooding, your sump pump must be in good working order.

We specialize in:

• Sump pump installations
• Sump pump repairs
• Sump pump replacements
• Sump pump cleaning

Drain Rescue is a licensed, insured and experienced plumbers who can help you with any sump pump issue.

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a device that removes water from basements in houses where the foundation falls below the water table. When water accumulates, for example, after a huge rainfall, it goes into what is called a sump pump basin. Then the sump pump moves the water to a location where it is unlikely to cause further damage and prevents it from leaking into your home.

There are two types of sump pumps: pedestal and submersible. A licensed plumber can help you determine what the right choice is for you. Both sump pumps come with many features and options including:

• Manual or automatic operation
• Differences in voltage
• Battery backups
• Various pump sensitivities

The best selection for your home depends on a number of factors and a qualified  plumber can help you make the best decision. In fact, the City of Toronto has a sump pump installations subsidy program that will actually help you pay for your sump pump installations – all you need to do is verify your qualification and submit the required paperwork.

The Potential for a Flood

Any house is subject to flooding, especially those inadequately waterproofed. You run the risk of water making its way into your basement for any number of reasons including heavy rain, nearby flooding or even for the sole reason that your basement is located below the water-table level.

The costs associated with damages caused by basement flooding are astronomical. So it’s wise to do anything and everything you can to maintain a dry and safe home.

Have No Fear

If a sump pump installation is something you’re considering, then you’ve already taken a minute to evaluate the repercussions of what might happen if you don’t have one. Basement flooding can be a serious, devastating and costly event.

Although it sounds complicated, sump pump installations are relatively quick when performed by a professional plumber. At Drain Rescue, we believe sump pumps installations are an important part of every home’s plumbing system.

How Sump Pump Installations Work

Here are the steps our trained plumbers follow during any sump pump installations:

1. A hole is dug through your basement floor.
2. A sump pump basin is lowered into the pit.
3. Filter fabric keeps your sump pump safe by blocking sediment from entering the plumbing device.
4. Once it is submerged, we take other precautions to make sure everything is in good working order such as using a paver to level out the surface on which the pump lays.
5. We custom lay pipes that work to guide water out of your basement and off your property, preventing any kind of flooding or water damage.

Take Preventative Measures

Prevention is the key to avoiding disasters. Protecting your home from flooding is definitely a challenge but there are steps you can take to help you avoid unnecessary damages caused by flooding:

1. Install a sump pump. This is a smart move for any homeowner but particularly for those whose homes fall below the water table level.

2. Consult with a plumbing professional. Not only can an experienced plumber help you make the best sump pump choice, but they can also provide advice on other related plumbing matters and assistance with subsidy programs if you qualify.

Does Your Sump Pump Need Replacement?

Like anything else, sump pumps can malfunction, break down or stop working at any time. In an effort to save you money, our first priority is always to repair. But sometimes a sump pump replacement may be needed. In such a case, Drain Rescue performs the new sump pump installations on the spot. How? Because we arrive with fully stocked trucks with replacement sump pumps and all the equipment we need to perform the job. When you contact us, you never wait.

Just because your old sump pump was of a certain configuration or brand, doesn’t mean we’ll replace it with exactly the same device. In fact, we probably won’t because it’s highly likely that plumbing technology has advanced since your last sump pump installations and there’s something newer – and better – on the market now. Submersible sump pumps versus pedestal sump pumps are just one of the options to consider. Our experienced and knowledgeable plumbing team is always happy to provide information, advice and guidance to help you make the best decision for your sump pump replacement.

Whatever you choose, we perform calibration on the pump’s float switch right away. Your sump pump will be back in working order and keeping your home flood free in no time!

Common Sump Pump Problems

1. The sensor.

Most sump-pumps rely on a built-in sensor, which is typically just a basic float switch. When the water level rises to a critical point, the float on the pump also rises to activate the pump. As the pump works its magic, the water level goes down. Once a safe water level has been reached, the float lowers and shuts off the pump. If, for whatever reason, your float switch has become stuck, you must call in a professional to make the repair and put your home back in the protection zone.

2. Power supply.

Power supply issues can present themselves in many different ways. While most sump pumps installations have a back-up battery supply, these can sometimes fail as well. When this happens, call a qualified plumber to examine the situation and determine whether prompt repair or replacement is your best solution.

Making Sure Your Sump Pump is in Good Condition

Sump pumps are always located in the basements of homes. Simply put, your sump pump gathers water from your entire home’s drains and pipes. All liquid flows downward in your home, so naturally it’s the sump pump’s job to collect it and pump it out of your home (and repeat this process over and over again).

The mechanical workings of your sump pump installations are a little complicated, so it takes the know-how and expertise of a professional plumber to inspect your sump pump and ensure it’s in good working condition. If your sump pump is working correctly, it should pump all the water and waste out of your home and into the city’s sewers – and it’s the city’s responsibility to handle from here.

To avoid any risk of flooding and to prevent water damage to your home’s walls and structures,  hire a plumber to verify that your sump pump installations works perfectly and that your drains are cleared from any blockages or debris.