Your Sump Pump Questions Answered

A sump pump might not be the flashiest upgrade for your home or cottage, but it can be one of the most important investments you make to protect your property from water damage.

What Does a Sump Pump Do?

A sump pump’s main job is to redirect groundwater away from your home’s foundation to help prevent flooding. Installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawlspace, it works with your home’s weeping tile system to collect water in a basin. When the pump’s sensors detect rising water levels or pressure, it automatically activates to discharge the water to a safe location — such as a well, pond, creek, storm drain, or permeable surface — far enough from your foundation to keep it from flowing back.

How Do I Know If I Need a Sump Pump?

If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding or sits below the water table, a sump pump can be an essential line of defense. Even if you’ve never experienced water issues, it’s worth considering one as weather patterns become more unpredictable.

If you’re moving into a new neighbourhood or building a home or cottage, ask local homeowners whether they’ve dealt with basement moisture or flooding. Their experiences can help you gauge potential risks. And if your basement has always been dry and you live in an arid area, you might decide to invest in a different home project instead — perhaps that wine cellar you’ve been dreaming about.

What Are the Different Kinds of Sump Pumps?

There are two main types: submersible and pedestal.

• Submersible sump pumps are installed below the floor in your basement, with both the motor and basin contained in a single unit. They’re quieter, save space, and typically clog less often. However, because they operate underwater, they may have a shorter lifespan.

• Pedestal sump pumps feature a motor mounted above the basin, keeping it out of the water. A hose extends down to the basin where the pump operates.

Other factors, like horsepower (the pump’s strength) and head pressure (how high it can push water out), are also important considerations.

Many modern sump pumps come with water-level or flood alarms, often battery-powered, that alert you to potential issues. Some even connect to smartphone apps for remote monitoring.

A plumbing professional from Reliance™ can help you determine which model best suits your home, water table, and local conditions.

How Much Does a Sump Pump Cost?

While a new sump pump can represent a significant upfront cost, it’s often far less than repairing water damage from a flood — such as mould, warped flooring, or rotted drywall.

Check our Sump Pump page for offers or coupons. Depending on where you live, you may also qualify for local rebates or subsidies that help cover part of the installation cost. Visit our Rebates page to learn more.

How Do I Know If My Sump Pump Needs Repair or Replacement?

Sump pumps should be tested and maintained regularly. Several factors can affect their lifespan — including installation quality, electrical reliability, and how often they run.

If you notice strange noises like rattling, screeching, or clanging, or see dirt or debris building up in the sump, it’s time to have a plumbing professional inspect it. A Reliance™ technician can assess whether it needs a repair or a full replacement.

What Happens in a Power Outage?

Because sump pumps rely on electricity, they’ll stop working during a power outage. And since heavy rainfall can sometimes knock out power, having a backup power source is a smart move.

Some models include a built-in battery backup, but if yours doesn’t, consider adding a standby generator. Visit our Generators page to see how a generator can help keep your home protected during a blackout.

Just Call on Reliance™

When plumbing problems strike, you need fast, reliable help. From flooded basements to outdoor faucet repairs, Reliance is ready to get things flowing again.

We offer the following basement, laundry room, and outdoor plumbing services:

• Repair or replace sump pumps

• Replace broken laundry hoses

• Clear blockages in main drain sewers

• Repair or replace backwater valves

• Replace water shut-off valves

• Repair or replace outdoor hose bibs and faucets

Still have plumbing questions? Explore our Ultimate Plumbing Guide for more helpful tips and resources.