Sump Pump Repair and Installation in Tay, Ontario Battery backup, backwater valves and ejector pumps

Our sump pump was running, but hardly any water was coming out of the discharge pipe outside. The pit kept filling back up. The technician found ice blocking the end of the exterior pipe. He cleared it and checked that the water could drain away properly. He also pointed out a section of pipe where water was collecting and recommended correcting its slope. We hadn't realized the discharge line could freeze like that.

Every time our sump pump shut off, we could hear water rushing back into the pit. A minute later the pump would start again. I thought we needed a new pump, but the problem was the check valve on the discharge pipe. The plumber replaced the valve and tested a few pumping cycles. Now the water stays in the discharge line instead of returning to the pit. The pump runs much less often, and the basement is quieter.

Our pump wasn't turning on consistently, even when there was plenty of water in the basin. Other times it seemed to keep running after the water had dropped. The technician removed the lid and found the float was catching against the side of the pit. He adjusted its position and checked the start and stop levels. Several tests later, everything worked normally. No replacement pump needed, which was a nice surprise.

After losing power during a heavy storm, we decided to get a battery backup for our sump pump. The main pump was working fine, but we didn't want to depend entirely on electricity. The plumber installed a separate backup pump, battery and control unit beside the pit. He showed us the alarm and how to test the battery. Then he simulated a power outage to make sure the backup would start. Everything worked as expected.

We were renovating the basement at our cottage and wanted a better way to manage groundwater after heavy rain. The plumber assessed the drainage and installed a new sump basin in the concrete floor. He connected a submersible pump to the discharge piping and made sure the cover could be opened for maintenance. The system was tested with water before the job was finished. The work area was left tidy.

Our sump pump hadn't been inspected in years, and I wanted it checked before the fall rains. The plumber cleaned debris from the pit, checked the float movement and inspected the discharge pipe and check valve. He poured water into the basin to confirm that the pump started and stopped at the right levels. He also pointed out a worn rubber coupling we should replace. Good information without pushing us into a new pump.

Our basement sump pit was working, but it had no alarm to warn us if the water got too high. Since we aren't always home, we wanted an early warning if the pump stopped. The technician installed a high-water alarm with a separate sensor and tested it by raising the water level in the pit. He also checked the existing pump and fitted the new cover properly. The alarm is loud enough to hear upstairs.