Common sump problems
- Float jammed against the pit wall or tangled in its cord
- Pump runs constantly because the check valve failed and water falls back
- Motor hums but the impeller is blocked by gravel or debris
- Discharge line frozen at the outside end
- Pump plugged into a GFCI outlet that has tripped
Repair or replace?
A float switch, a check valve or a cleared intake can bring a pump back to life. A burned-out motor, a cracked housing or a pump that is old and loud is usually better replaced, because a new submersible costs less than a flooded rec room.
- Check power and the outlet.
- Lift the pump, clean the intake and test the float.
- Inspect the check valve and discharge line.
- Replace failed parts or the pump and test with water.
Winter in Brampton
The outside end of the discharge pipe can freeze shut when the pump runs during a thaw and the night temperature drops. A short open air-gap fitting near the wall or a larger diameter outlet section helps. Clearing snow away from the discharge also makes a difference.
Tools, access and testing
| Tools we bring | Submersible pump, check valve, saw for the floor slab |
|---|---|
| What we open | Sump pit, discharge line, backwater valve lid |
| What we test | Float switch cycles, alarm, battery runtime |
Where in Brampton we do this
We take sump pump repair calls right across the city, including Professor's Lake, Castlemore, Snelgrove, Heart Lake and the streets around them.
Questions we get
How long do sump pumps last?
Expect something like seven to ten years, with heavy-duty cyclers wearing out sooner. A pump that cycles every few minutes in spring wears faster.
