Your sump pump is one of those things you forget about until it stops working. And by then, you've usually got water in your basement.
We see it every spring. The snow melts, the rain picks up, and the water table rises. If your sump pump can't keep up or it's already failed, that water has nowhere to go but into your home. A flooded basement isn't just a mess. It can damage your furnace, your electrical panel, your stored belongings, and it can lead to mould that costs a lot more to deal with than a new pump.
Here's what we recommend. At least once a year, before spring, pour a bucket of water into your sump pit and watch the pump kick on. It should start up, pump the water out, and shut off on its own. If it doesn't start, runs continuously, or makes grinding noises, something is wrong.
Check the discharge pipe too. Make sure it's not blocked or frozen. If the water can't get out, the pump runs but your pit just fills back up.
If your pump is more than 7 or 8 years old, think about replacing it before it fails. A new sump pump with a battery backup gives you protection even during a power outage, which is exactly when you're most likely to need it.
We supply and install sump pumps and sewage pumps throughout Brantford and Brant County. If you're not sure about the state of yours, we're happy to come out and check it.
