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Spring is Coming… Is Your Basement Ready?

The snow is melting, the rain is coming, and for some unlucky Toronto homeowners, that means one thing: flooding... Every year at this time we get frantic calls from people who assumed their basement would stay dry - until it didn’t.

The worst part? Flooding is often preventable.

The reality is, a properly maintained sump pump and backup system can make all the difference between a dry basement and an insurance claim. So, as the rain really starts to fall and all this snow melts, let’s talk about how to make sure you don’t have to call the plumber this spring!

What Can You Do To Prevent Basement Flooding During The Spring Thaw?

Most Importantly, Check Your Sump Pump!

A sump pump isn’t just a hole in the ground with a fancy motor - it’s your basement’s best defense against flooding. When groundwater levels rise during the spring melt or summer storms, your sump pump will kick in, collect the rising groundwater, and send it safely away from your home. That is… if it’s actually working.

To test your sump pump, grab a bucket of water (depending on the water level in the pit, you may need more than one) and slowly pour it into the pit. Once the water reaches a certain level, the sump pump should start working to discharge that water from the pit. The sump pump usually kicks on somewhere at about the halfway mark in the pit. If you’ve filled the pit to the point that the “float switch” (see diagram below) is up above the level of the pump but there’s still no pumping, you likely have an issue.

Typically, the most common issue we see is with the age of the pump itself. Sump pumps have a typical lifespan of about 7 years - and when they fail, they seem to do so without warning. Your sump pump may very well have sat idle all winter, but when it tries to pump water for the first time that spring, it has seized! If it’s past it’s 7 year lifespan, we typically suggest replacing it altogether before an issue suddenly arises when you need it most.

What Happens When The Power Goes Out?

Imagine this… You’re watching that beautiful summer storm, the rain is pounding, thunder booming, and suddenly the power shuts off. Your sump pump stops working instantly. Uh oh… Now, instead of keeping water out of your basement, it’s sitting useless while the water level rises.

Power outages and storms go hand in hand, which is why every homeowner should have a backup sump pump system. There are two main types:

1. Battery Backup Sump Pumps – These connect to your main pump and automatically take over when the power goes out. A fully charged battery can run for up to 4.25 hours on a continuous basis, or up to 6 days if only running 4 times per hour (much more common). This buys your basement enough time for the power to be restored or for you take action before flooding begins. These are the usual choice of homeowners looking for backup protection.

2. Water-Powered Backup Sump Pumps – These rely on your home’s municipal water pressure instead of a battery. As long as you have running water, they’ll keep pumping. They don’t require batteries or maintenance, making them a solid failsafe. With that said, they are typically much more difficult (and costly) to install as you need a dedicated water line, as well as a secondary discharge pipe going out of the house!

If you already have a backup system - great! With that said, you to test it. You can test these by taking the same steps to fill the sump pit as we spoke about previously, but first unplug the main pump to simulate a power outage. These backup systems have a similar lifespan to the sump pumps at about 7 years, but since they are put into use less often, they can seize before that time. Also, it is suggested to replace the battery roughly every 6 years or so!

If you don’t have a backup system yet, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to think about installing one. The last thing you want is to realize you need one after your basement is already flooded in a power outage! An additional benefit to backup systems is that they often come with an audible alarm, so if your primary pump has failed for any reason during “regular” (full power) situations, it will alert you that the backup system is running and allow you to make the necessary repairs in the meantime!

The City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Subsidy

$1,750 Towards A Sump Pump Update or Upgrade

Did you know that among other flood prevention rebates, the City of Toronto will help cover some of the cost to install or upgrade your existing sump pump system? Through the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, you will get back 80% of the invoiced cost, up to a maximum of $1,750 to install or upgrade a sump pump and/or backup system. What that means is, if you have an existing sump pump setup and want to upgrade to a battery backup system, you can do so for only about $400-$600 out of pocket after receiving the (easy to apply for) rebate.

The catch? The work must be completed by a licensed, Master Plumber, and can only be applied for once per address. If you’re unsure whether or not your address has applied in the past, it’s as easy as a quick call to 311 to find out!

Other Ways To Keep Your Basement Dry

Even with a sump pump and backup system in place, there are a few extra steps you can take to stay flood-free:

• Install a backwater valve. Now required by code on new construction and renovation projects, backwater valves are installed on the main drain of the house and prevent sewage from the city sewers from entering your home during a major storm.

• Check your gutters and downspouts. If they’re clogged with debris, water will spill over and soak into your foundation instead of being directed away from your home.

• Extend your downspouts. Make sure they release water at least six feet away from your home to prevent pooling around your foundation.

• Look at your yard’s grading. If the ground slopes toward your house, rainwater will flow directly towards your foundation walls. Adding soil to create a slight slope away from your home can make a big difference.

In Conclusion…

A flooded basement isn’t just an inconvenience - it’s expensive, stressful, and often completely avoidable. A working sump pump and backup system can save you thousands in water damage repairs and insurance claims. Thanks to Toronto’s rebate program, if needed, getting one installed or upgrading your existing system has never been more affordable!

If you’re a Toronto homeowner and need a sump pump or backup system installed, replaced, or inspected, we’re here to help. We’ll not only get the work done right, but we’ll also guide you through the rebate process so you can get as much of the cost covered as possible! You can reach us by email at [email protected], by phone at 416-587-4302, or on the web at www.watermarkplumbing.ca!

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