Many homeowners use doorbell cameras and fences for safety. However, have you thought about ways to protect your home from flood and water damage? A sump pump is your home’s first line of defense against taking on water from heavy rain and melting snow. Luckily, more and more homeowners living in flood-prone areas have been considering this vital plumbing device. If you don’t have one, we highly recommend a sump pump installation. Edmonton residents can count on our expert Edmonton plumber to get the installation done.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton serves Sherwood Park and the surrounding areas with dedicated solutions to their plumbing problems. Trust us, residences without a sump pump will certainly run into their fair share. From indoor humidity and water damage to structural issues and cracked driveways, the lack of this key device can lead to more issues than you ever thought possible. Think you might need a sump pump installation? Edmonton homeowners who would like to know more about the service should call our dedicated customer care team.
Our Local Services for Sump Pump Installation Edmonton
If you’re new to the world of sump pumps, you likely aren’t familiar with what they do, let alone what they are. But here’s why you should consider a sump pump installation in Edmonton.
The basics: when there is excess water in the earth around your home, it drains into your home’s weeping tile, a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel to provide a drain for this water. Your weeping tile runs into a sump pit or sump basin. Within the basin, a sump pump is situated which has a switch that will turn on the pump when the water levels within the sump pit get to the preset level. The water is pumped up and out of your home, usually out to your yard again.
Sounds straightforward, right? Well, considering that the safety of your home’s dryness is in the hands of a tiny pump, you’ll want to make sure you avoid a sump pump failure. Don’t worry; we offer sump pump replacement and sump pump repair services for this very reason.
As for sump pump installation, Edmonton homeowners who don’t yet have a pump installed in their newly built abode, or those who bought a house without one, are probably curious about what’s entailed in our sump pump services.
The Process of a Sump Pump Installation
Essentially, the process of establishing a sump pump requires sump pit installation first. After digging the pit, the pump will be lowered in to remove any water that fills it. If you recently purchased a home that was built before 1988, you might be surprised to find that it never had a sump pump installed. Edmonton's homes weren’t required to have the service before that time, so there’s a good chance that your dwelling doesn't.
When You Need a Sump Pump Installation in Edmonton
Even if a home doesn’t have a sump pump, most homes will have weeping tile, also known as perimeter drains. In this case, the weeping tile is buried along the outside perimeter of your home and then usually connects to the sewer to drain the water away. If your home has this, why would you need a sump pump? Unfortunately, while weeping tile is indeed there to protect your home, it can actually lead to basement flooding if said tile encounters too much water—such as in the case of flooding. A sump pump will support your weeping tile and prevent basement flooding as well as foundational damage.
Now, there’s a bit more to sump installation than just the installation part, but during your first appointment with Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a member from our educated team will cover all the bases before setting up a time and date that works for your installation service. A few things we’ll talk through with you include sump pump types, backup power preference, and switch systems.
Types of Sumps Pumps We Install
- Submersible Sump Pumps: Easy to install, the motor and pump are connected to submersible pumps, which makes them one of the most common choices for homeowners. These pumps will be situated at the bottom of the sump pit and will be covered with water when it rains. They have a shorter lifespan than other types, but they do not clog as often.
- Pedestal Sump Pumps: The motor and the pump are separate pieces. The motor will be located on a pedestal above the pit, while the pump will be inside the pit, connected by a hose. Pedestal pumps are noisier than submersible pumps so they generally aren’t preferred.
Backup Power Pumps (For when the power goes out)
- Water-powered: These rely on water pressure to empty the sump pit. Using a float switch, when water reaches a certain level, it will be pushed out through the ejector unit when the sensor valve is triggered.
- Battery operated: This type of backup sump pump system comes in handy during power outages. Once the sump pit fills, a float switch will trigger the battery. Keep in mind that the battery will need to be inspected seasonally to ensure it’s in working order. Otherwise, the battery-powered backup sump pump system will be of no use to you in emergencies.
Switch Systems
- Float Switch: The float will rise as the water levels do, triggering evacuation when the water reaches the designated level. There are two main types of float switches: vertical and tethered. This is the most common switch type.
- Electronic Switch: These switches don't operate using a float, but by sensors that detect the water within the sump pump's basin. When the water level rises the switch closes and the pump turns on.
With so many variables to consider, talking with a qualified plumber can help sort through the confusion. Call our valued team today to set up your initial appointment.
Why Choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing for Sump Pump Installation?
When it comes to any type of plumbing repair or installation, you want a knowledgeable team behind it. One that knows their way around the local water lines and neighbourhoods. That’s Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton. Our locally owned and operated company delivers an exceptional level of service to our customers. We take pride in doing the job correctly and quickly and will work tirelessly to solve your issue or install your system. This way, you can return to your regular routines, whether you’re in Edmonton or a nearby area like Sherwood Park, St. Albert, or Mill Woods.
We know that plumbing is the last thing homeowners want on their minds, which is why it’s always on ours! Give us a call today to see the difference choosing a local professional makes for sump pump installation, Edmonton! Or ask about our many other plumbing services for sewer line installation, clogged drains, and sewer system backups.
FAQs About Sump Pump Installation Edmonton Homeowners Should Reference
Do I Need a Backup Pump?
Ultimately that is a decision that’s up to you. If you ask someone who just went through a sump pump failure, their answer will almost always be YES!
Remember that sump pumps are mechanical devices that will ultimately fail eventually. When your pump fails, and there’s no way to pump out that groundwater, what is your plan? With a battery backup sump pump, when the primary pump fails, the backup pump will get to work and will alert you that something is wrong. The battery backup pump will also have your back when the power goes out, talk about peace of mind!
Can a Sump Pit with a Sump Pump Help If I Don’t Have a Weeping Tile System?
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer here; it largely depends on soil conditions beneath your home. Putting in a sump pit in a basement without weeping tile is largely guesswork. The natural thought is to put it where the water pools, but that is often wrong. It is very difficult to determine where the water is flowing in from, if not all over.
Ultimately, if your home is sitting on tightly compacted clay beneath the basement, water won’t flow through it well enough to make a sump pit work properly as the low spot for water to be collected. However, if the earth under your basement is sandy or consists of gravel, it will often work well as the groundwater will naturally migrate to the open pit to be pumped out.
Generally, the better option is to install weeping tile around the outer perimeter of the basement footing. This is the tried and true method for dealing with groundwater.
What Are the Main Factors That Impact the Cost of a Sump Pump Installation in Edmonton?
When it comes to factors that influence the cost of a sump pump installation in Edmonton, there are five main considerations. These include:
- The type of sump pump
- Basement material
- Drainage
- Permits
- Licensed and skilled plumber
Although you might be tempted to try and cut costs by installing your sump pump yourself, it's recommended that you let a licensed plumber handle the installation. This saves you money in the long run because an improperly installed sump pump will only cause more damage that will need to be repaired.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Sump Pump?
An Edmonton sump pump installation can take approximately 1 to 3 hours to complete, provided you're only replacing an existing sump pump and not having one installed from scratch. However, that time can vary (even reaching 3 to 4 hours) depending on how complex the job is and your home's requirements.
At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, our team of expert plumbers will be able to give you a more exact timeline for your Edmonton sump pump installation once they've assessed your home's needs and the complexity of the job.
Can You Install a Sump Pump in a Finished Basement?
Yes, we absolutely can! Although it's much easier (and more cost-effective) to install a sump pump and associated drainage system in a home during construction or a major basement renovation, it's definitely recommended that you have one installed within your finished basement if you don't already have one. That's because they're part of a crucial water management system that protects your home from potentially costly repairs.
Why Should I Have Two Pumps Installed during an Edmonton Sump Pump Installation?
If you have a sump pit, you should have two sump pumps inside it. One is the primary pump, while the other is a back-up pump. There's a good reason why you should have a back-up pump installed during an Edmonton sump pump installation.
The main reason why you need two pumps is to ensure that there's a fail-safe in place should the first one fail or your home's power go out. A battery backup sump pump is a great option for when the power goes out. However, if your home has a backup generator, then you can replace the battery-operated pump with a secondary AC pump instead. The primary reason that you need a secondary pump is in case your power or the first pump fails; after all, these pumps don't last forever.
When Should I Replace My Sump Pump?
Your sump pump will usually last somewhere between two and ten years. The actual amount of time it lasts will vary depending on the quality of the pump and the conditions it is subjected to. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your pump, and this includes visual checks from yourself and thorough inspections from a professional plumber.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Sump Pump If Properly Installed?
If your sump pump has been properly installed, and you've taken the initiative to ensure it's maintained properly, then you should expect it to last around 10 years. However, that can vary depending on the quality of the sump pump and how frequently it's used. Proper maintenance is key; otherwise, you might notice that it breaks down and stops working long before it needs replacement.
Does Installing a Sump Pump Increase My Property Value?
You can bet it does. Installing a sump pump or anything you do to improve the look or safety of your home will increase its value. Adding this asset to your home’s list of features immediately makes it more attractive to buyers as it’s one less thing they need to do themselves.
How Often Do I Need Sump Pump Maintenance?
You should get a professional inspection for your sump pump once per year or more if you have a battery backup system. Your expert plumber will inspect all the working parts of your pump, including the pit, the hose and the drainage line. If repairs are needed, we’ll inform you of the necessary procedures before we begin.
How Far Down Should My Sump Pump Be in a Pit for an Edmonton Sump Pump Installation?
When having a professional sump pump installation, Edmonton locals can expect that their sump pump will be placed at least 3 feet deep within the pit. Additionally, it's important that the rim of the sump pump's basin is flush with your basement's floor. However, homes with walk out basements generally have a much deeper pit.
Where Should My Sump Pump Discharge?
You want a designated area for your sump pump to discharge water. This could be a dry well, a creek, a pond, or even a neighbourhood drain. However, you want to ensure that the water won't return to your home. Thus, it's recommended that you direct it anywhere from at least 10 to 20 feet away from your home's foundation. Depending on building codes, there might be restrictions on where your sump pump can drain, but an experienced plumber will be well-versed in local codes and restrictions.
Need Professional Sump Pump Installation? Edmonton, Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today
If you’re even considering sump pump installation, Edmonton homeowners should call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today. An invaluable service for any property owner who would like to preserve the safety of their home, installing a sump pump is a relatively quick and painless process that will not disrupt your daily routines.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Edmonton has an experienced team of certified and licensed plumbers ready to take on the job. You are one call away from safeguarding your home against water damage, basement flooding, mould, and foundational issues, so why wait any longer?
Contact us now. In need of drain cleaning or have leaking pipes? We can take care of all of your services in one go. Don’t wait for larger problems to emerge—book a service appointment today.