You’ve got a backed up sewer line in your basement. Maybe from heavy storm or it’s collapsed. Whatever the reason, it’s flooding your basement as you sleep like a baby. You don’t notice it until the morning, when you hear a strange whooshing sound in the basement. But in spite of it, your basement hasn’t actually flooded. There’s water, of course, but it’s been taken away. How?

Your sump pump.

Your sump pump keeps your basement dry in case of a flood. That is, if it’s working properly. Like any piece of machinery, your sump pump will occasionally need to be either repaired or replaced. If you’re concerned your sump pump needs some extra attention, the first thing you should do is call London Plumbing Solutions.

Among the plumbing repair and installation services in London Ontario we offer, we’re here to help with all your sump pump needs. Whether it’s a residential plumbing service or commercial plumbing service related to your sump pump, or you’re facing a 24 hour emergency plumbing situation and realizing in the worst way possible that your sump pump isn’t working, we’re here for you. We’ll send a licensed plumber over to evaluate your sump pump and suggest the best course of action to keep your house protected.

Call London Plumbing Solutions today – we’ll be there to help.


What Is A Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a pump in your basement. You’ll find it in a sump pit, a pit dug into the floor of your basement. It’s triggered by a float switch designed to route water away from the lowest part of your home’s foundation.

This is what protects your basement from flooding.

The float switch is activated when the water reaches a pre set level – kind of like how your toilet works when refilling water.

Once activated, your sump pump begins pumping to remove water into a nearby storm drain, well, or designated outdoor area.

It’s important to remember to make sure that your sump pump has battery powered water level alarms.

This is because it’s not unusual for the power to go out during a heavy storm – and of course, a heavy storm is one of the times you need your sump pump the most.

If your sump pump’s battery backup isn’t working, give us a call – we can help.


What Types Of Sump Pumps Are There?

There are two main types of sump pumps.

The first is called a pedestal sump pump.

A pedestal sump pump is mounted above your sump pit, which provides convenient access for maintenance and testing.

The second kind is called a submersible sump pump.

A submersible sump pump sits in a sump pit, or a well.

This keeps it out of sight.

Usually, both types of sump pumps are either hardwired to your electrical system or plugged into a wall, as well as with the aforementioned battery backup.

Both types of sump pump is effective – when they’re working, that is.


What Causes Sump Pump Failure?

There are many reasons why your sump pump can fail.

The main ones include:

  • Insufficient maintenance
  • No power
  • Unit is too small for your house
  • Switch issues
  • Incorrect installation
  • Plugged or frosted discharge lines
  • It’s just too old

Depending on the issue you’re experiencing, your sump pump will either need to be repaired or replaced.

If that’s the case, call London Plumbing Solutions today – we’ll take care of it.


How To Maintain Your Sump Pump?

Of course, London Plumbing Solutions will be there for you to take care of all your sump pump related needs.

But isn’t it better to not have to worry about calling us in the first place?

Here are some tips for maintaining your sump pump:

  • Check your sump pump cords and make sure they’re fully functional
  • Plug it into an outlet that’s protected from power surges (a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet)
  • Check that your sump pump is physically upright and in its proper place
  • Test your sump pump if it hasn’t recently been used by pouring some water into your sump pit
  • Remove your pump during dry weather and clean the bottom grate to make sure there aren’t any small stones trapped in it
  • Check to see that your discharge pipe’s vent hole is clear of any obstructions

These tasks should become routine so that you always keep your sump pump in tip top shape ready to tackle the next heavy storm.

You can call London Plumbing Solutions to do a yearly check of your pump if you’d rather have a professional come by and maintain your sump pump.


Sump Pump Repair & Installation Services In London

Call London Plumbing Solutions and we can catch any issues and recommend if you need more than just maintenance.

We’re prepared to handle a wide variety of common sump pump repair and replacement issues, including:

  • Stuck switches
  • Continuous pumping
  • Overflowing sump pits
  • Clogged vents or pumps
  • Improper installations

Do you need sump pump repair vs replacement? It depends on what caused the issue, and the age of your sump pump.

Either way, we’ll let you know which option is best for you


Keep your sump pump ready for action!

Sump pumps are an integral part of maintaining your home.

They’re a safeguard against flash flooding caused by heavy storms and extreme weather.
Have one of our plumbing professionals check on your sump pump, especially when you see wet weather forecasted.

If you’re in London, call London Plumbing Solutions today. We’ll be there and we’ll make sure it’s ready to go, all year round.

Call London Plumbing Solutions today.

We know sump pumps are critical to your plumbing.

Trust London Plumbing Solutions for all repairs and installations.