Whether you just bought a home or built one from the ground up, you likely thought about all the safety features and necessary precautions that will provide you and your family with additional protection. Many property owners invest a lot of time and money in equipping their properties with fences and security systems, but there is a lot more to consider. How do you protect your home from Mother Nature?
Ever since the last major flood in 2013, people have been studying the flood map more closely and even moved away from their original homes. The truth is that flooding can happen anywhere, anytime. We understand it’s a traumatizing experience, and therefore, our expert Mississauga plumbers stand strong with our community and neighbours by taking all the necessary plumbing measures to protect people and homes. Mississauga sump pump installation services have become more frequent since the last major flood, and almost all new homes have sump pumps installed in basements.
As a locally-owned business, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga is dedicated to serving our community by providing professional plumbing repair and preventative maintenance services. Every technician on our team is highly trained and fully insured, bringing valuable experience in maintaining and repairing local plumbing systems. Let us share with you what we know and tell you all about our Mississauga sump pump installation services that have protected many homeowners like you.
About Our Mississauga Sump Pump Installation
You might wonder what exactly is a sump pump installation in Mississauga. The best way to explain is to break down these two words. Imagine digging a sump or a pit for water to gather. Next, place a pump device in it designed to force excess water out through a connecting discharge pipe. The reason why a Mississauga sump pump installation service occurs on the lowest level of a property is because water follows the law of gravity. Since water travels fast, you need a reliable flood control system that will act fast at the same time.
During a sump pump installation, our Mississauga plumbers have to inspect your basement area and locate the spot where most water gathers during heavy rains, and it is in that location where they will dig a sump pit. As water fills the pit and reaches a certain level, your pump’s sensors will detect it and activate the system. It will start pumping any excess water through a discharge pipe (effluent) that connects to your home’s outside. Ideally, the discharge occurs ten feet from your home into designated areas.
Types of Sump Pump Installations
- Submersible Pumps: Submersible sump pumps are the most common and reliable type you will find on properties. They’re easy to install because the motor and pump are manufactured as one unit. The unit is placed at the bottom of the basin, where it will quietly do its job. Although submersibles don’t clog as easily as others, they have a shorter shelf life.
- Pedestal Pumps: In this version, the motor and pump come separately. The motor sits on a high pedestal above the sump basin and connects to the pump inside the basin via a hose. That hose is designed to send water through the effluent. While working as effectively as the submersibles, pedestals also have a longer shelf life. The only disadvantage is the noisy motor.
In recent years, technicians and manufacturers have been working on improving their systems to enhance functionality and safety features. Homeowners like to have more options, so they can choose what might work best for them. When you think ahead, it’s obvious that both submersible and pedestal sump pumps require electricity, so what happens if you have a flood and power outage at the same time? Something to consider!
- Water-Powered: Water-powered units rely on your municipality’s water pressure to empty your basin. These units have a suction pump with a sensor valve and ejector unit. As the water level rises, it will lift the float switch, and excess water will be pushed through the ejector unit. Your Mississauga plumber may recommend this as a second backup to have. It can stop 10,000 gallons of water from flooding your basement.
- Battery-Operated: The truth about battery-operated systems is that they aren’t reliable unless you remember to maintain them regularly. That said, they are convenient and good to have should there ever be a power failure. When the pit starts to fill, the float switch should activate the battery. But to ensure this will happen, you’ll need to hire a plumbing professional every few months to inspect the battery. Batteries die or become inoperable for numerous reasons.
Switching Systems
Before a sump pump installation, Mississauga homeowners should choose their preferred type of switch. Most units will already have a switch system incorporated, but feel free to check with your Mississauga plumber if you have any questions about it.
- Pressure Switch: When the sensor valve detects that the water level is rising, it activates the pressure switch.
- Float: The float is the most common switch system. It simply lifts as the pit fills with water.
There are also electronic and diaphragm switches that may prove useful for your purposes, whether it’s reacting to rising water levels or determining pressure from inside the basin. In any event, all types of switch systems require regular maintenance to ensure nothing is obstructing them.
Choose Our Team for Reliable Sump Pump Installation in Mississauga
We all have complex plumbing systems that we rely on day in and day out for comfort, sanitation and convenience—but we can’t all be qualified, experienced plumbers. When something goes wrong with your plumbing, or you just want to make sure you don’t have to deal with major plumbing problems in the future, the best course of action is to call the trustworthy plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga.
We don’t only offer services for sump pump installation. Mississauga homeowners and business owners can rely on us for dozens of plumbing services, including drain repair, video camera inspection, water line repair, 24-hour emergency plumbing service and much more.
Mississauga Sump Pump Installation – FAQ
You may or may not already have a sump pump installation. Mississauga homes that recovered from any past floods should be fully equipped with a sump pump; unless you’re currently building your new home and want to learn more about your options, feel free to reach out to our dependable plumbing professionals at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga.
Do I Need a Mississauga Sump Pump Installation?
Mississauga residents may not be aware that sump pump installations have become an Ontario Building Code requirement since 2017. If your home was built before, and you haven’t had professional Mississauga plumbers inspect your home’s plumbing system, we strongly recommend that you do so.
It’s important to note that homes that do not have a sump pump installation sometimes have their downspout outlets connected underground to the weeping tile. Your weeping tile is often referred to as your foundation drain, which is built around your property’s perimeter to collect excess rainwater. That is then directed to your sanitary sewer lateral and municipal sewer.
It may seem neat and safe, but in reality, this enhances the risks of basement flooding because your weeping tile could get too overwhelmed by all that rain. The safest way is to disconnect your downspout outlet from your weeping tile and connect an elbow runoff. This way, rainwater will be disposed of on the surface area, and you won’t have to worry about a potential basement flood. Your Mississauga plumber recommends checking your gutter and downspout system and whether they connect to piping underground.
Suppose you recently moved to Mississauga and aren’t aware of flood-prone zones. In that case, we highly advise you to familiarize yourself with your interior and exterior drainage system and hire a certified Mississauga plumber for maintenance and flood precautions.
A Mississauga sump pump installation in your basement will not only keep your home dry, but it will also back your weeping tile since both systems are connected. It helps you keep your basement and house foundation safe.
What Are the Benefits of a Sump Pump Installation in Mississauga, ON?
The benefits of sump pump installation in Mississauga include:
- Protection against flash floods
- Backs up a backwater valve
- Minimizes risks of moisture and water damage by managing humidity level in the basement, keeps the basement dry
- Reduces the risk of electrical fires
- Improves your interior air quality
- A sump pump with a check valve ensures the effluent is effectively disposing of all the water, so it won’t flow back into the pit
Is There a Subsidy Available for Mississauga Sump Pump Installation?
Mississauga homeowners will be pleased to hear that the City of Mississauga offers a sump pump subsidy program to assist residents who live in flood-prone areas. As we have mentioned previously, if your home was built prior to 2017, before the federal code came into effect, consult your city and your local plumber about a Mississauga sump pump installation.
The sump pump installation subsidy is specifically for those who live on streets that fall in the service area of the municipal Foundation Drain Collector (FDC) system. It covers the entire cost of a Mississauga sump pump installation, up to $6,000. However, there are some additional conditions for subsidy funding that must be met in order to get the subsidy payment, so it makes sense to ensure you qualify before you go ahead. The eligibility requirements include:
- The sump pump must be installed by a plumber who has a City of Mississauga business license and is licensed to work in Ontario—the team of plumbers at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga meet those qualifications
- Sump pump installation must have taken place after January 1, 2008
- The homeowner has read and agreed to the terms and conditions on the application form for subsidy funding
Additionally, you must attach an original invoice or receipt from your sump pump installation that lists certain specific information, such as the name and business license number of the plumber and a cost breakdown of all charges. Our team is experienced in working with clients who want to access this subsidy, so we know what information has to be included and will be sure to provide you with a full invoice with all the necessary information.
What’s the Labour Cost of Sump Pump Installation?
Although we prefer to be upfront about providing pricing and estimates, we will require more information as to how your lower levels are set up, how prone they are to flooding, and the type of sump pump preferred. Moreover, determining the labour cost will depend on the job severity, such as potentially having to dig up your concrete floor. The best way to determine the overall cost is to hire one of our service technicians for a detailed inspection service. This way, we’ll be able to provide you with a clear estimate of all the costs involved, and you will rest easy knowing that nothing is left out.
When Should I Replace My Sump Pump?
Generally, these devices last between seven and ten years, depending on how well you maintain them and how often you have had problems with them. Our expert plumbers are happy to offer you an inspection service to determine the best way to go. If the next rainy season is nearing, and you want the peace of mind of being safe, we are happy to replace it for you.
Which is Better, a Battery or a Water Backup Sump Pump?
This might depend on how you feel about relying solely on the municipality. It’s great to have a water-powered backup system that operates via a suction pump and has an unlimited running time. Once set up, you’re pretty much set for many years to come.
On the other hand, most battery-operated units have a run time of up to eight hours and need replacement at least once every three years, with periodic maintenance in between. It also doesn’t have a strong pump rate as the water backup unit does. Of course, if you’re not hooked up to your city’s water main, having a battery-operated unit is the ultimate backup.
Does Mississauga Sump Pump Installation Add Value To My Home?
It certainly does. Some people believe that sump pumps scare others away. In truth, when you buy a home, you should know the areas well enough to understand that plumbing safety measures will provide you with the necessary protection in the event of a potential flood. Since installations are now mandatory, especially during new home constructions, you can rest easy knowing that buying a home now will come with a sump pump that you’ll only need to maintain, if not replace, once it meets its shelf life.
Do I Need Sump Pump Installation if I Already Have a Backwater Valve?
As part of the Ontario Building Code, any building drain that’s subject to backflow requires a backwater valve installation. Since it’s a device installed on your sewer lateral, you may or may not be aware that you have one. They are designed to protect your home from sewer backups and floods.
In fact, they would work perfectly in combination with a Mississauga sump pump installation, as they could back each other up. The backwater valve is a one-way valve with a protective flap that stops the floor drain from backing stormwater or sewage into your home. Sump pumps are in charge of keeping the interior dry while also assisting the weeping tile in pumping excess water away from your foundation.
How Often Do I Need Sump Pump Maintenance?
It’s a good idea to get an annual inspection from a qualified Mississauga plumber who will properly maintain the unit for you. Still, homeowners are advised to regularly check on the switch system and pay attention to the unit kicking off on rainy days, for instance. It’s a good idea to test your sump pump once in a while to make sure it’s still capable of doing its job properly, and there’s a pretty simple way to accomplish that. Just pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The sump pump should turn on and drain the water away.
If it doesn’t turn on, that’s a clear sign that it’s time to call your plumber for sump pump repair. But even if it does turn on, take the time to observe its operation and look for any signs of trouble, like unusual noises that could indicate the mechanism is struggling to work.
Need Mississauga Sump Pump Installation? Choose Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga for Quality Service!
Are you in Dixie, Erindale, Port Credit, or another part of the Mississauga area that has experienced shocking flood situations? Rely on your local plumbing experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Mississauga for trusted plumbing inspection and diagnosis services, along with efficient sump pump installations. Mississauga homeowners will benefit from damage prevention and costly future repairs by taking the right steps in smart home maintenance and plumbing decisions.
Call our friendly customer service team today to schedule a convenient appointment time for a consultation or professional commercial or residential plumbing service.
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