- Service
- Sump Pump Replacement
- Category
- Basements and sumps
- Where
- Newmarket and nearby York Region
- Booking
- By telephone
Clues that point to sump pump replacement
- The pump is older than seven to ten years.
- The motor hums yet the pit level stays put.
- Rapid on-off clicking, a few seconds apart.
- The float sticks against the side of the pit.
- Loud grinding or rattling when it runs.
- Rust on the housing or a burnt smell from the motor.
Our method, in order
We begin by watching the old pump run, if it still runs. That tells us how fast water enters the pit and whether the pump was sized right in the first place. Then:
- Unplug and lift the old pump, draining the discharge pipe into the pit.
- Clean the pit of silt, gravel and any debris that could jam a float.
- Fit the new pump on a solid base so it does not suck up sediment.
- Replace the check valve, which wears out with the pump and causes short cycling when it leaks back.
- Drill a small weep hole in the discharge above the pump to prevent air lock.
- Test several fill and empty cycles with a hose.
Bench note
Plug the pump into its own outlet, not an extension cord, and make sure the outlet is protected as required. A tripped breaker is a common reason a good pump stops.
Newmarket houses and this job
Houses on lower land near the East Holland River and its tributaries tend to see long running hours every spring. Pumps in those pits wear out sooner, and a cast iron pump with a better motor is usually worth the extra cost. In newer subdivisions where the pit is mostly dry, a basic thermoplastic pump may be plenty.
We also check the pit lid. A tight-fitting lid keeps out debris, children's toys and pet curiosity, and on some homes it is part of a radon control system, which should not be disturbed without care.
Pump types we install
| Type | Good for |
|---|---|
| Submersible, vertical float | Most residential pits |
| Submersible, electronic switch | Narrow pits where floats catch |
| Pedestal | Very small or shallow pits |
Plan ahead
Call to arrange a replacement before the thaw. Ask about a backup pump while we are there.
Phoned-in questions
Should I replace a pump that still works?
If it is old and your basement depends on it, yes. Replacing on schedule costs less than a flooded floor.
Why does my pump keep running with no rain?
A high water table, snowmelt or a leaking check valve can all keep it running. We can find out which.