What Does a Sump Pump Actually Do?
A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of your basement. When groundwater or rainwater collects, a float switch triggers the pump to eject the water through a discharge line away from your foundation, preventing floods, mould, and structural damage.
Why Toronto Homes Are at Higher Flood Risk
• Heavy lake-effect storms and rapid snow-melt routinely overwhelm local storm sewers.
• Much of the city’s housing stock predates modern drainage codes, so footing drains still tie into sanitary lines.
• In low-lying neighbourhoods—from the Beaches to parts of Etobicoke—saturated soil raises the water table above slab level, making basements vulnerable year-round.
Five Big Benefits of a Sump Pump
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Protects foundations from hydrostatic pressure cracks.
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Prevents sewage backups when municipal mains surcharge.
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Safeguards valuables stored below grade.
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Cuts insurance premiums—some carriers now require active flood-mitigation devices.
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Improves indoor air quality by keeping humidity and mould in check.
Picking the Right Pump (and Backup)
| Pump Type | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Submersible | Finished basements | Quiet, sealed motor, handles debris |
| Pedestal | Narrow pits, budget installs | Easy service, longer life |
| Water-powered backup | Extended power outages | Runs on city water pressure |
| Battery backup | Short blackouts | 8-10 hr run-time, alarms |
Always include a check valve on the discharge line to stop backflow when the motor shuts off.
Toronto Code & Subsidy Essentials
The City’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy reimburses up to 80 % (max $1,750) of the cost to install or upgrade a sump pump—provided the work is done by a licensed plumber and the discharge is routed outside (never into the sanitary sewer).
Pro Tips to Keep Your Pump Ready
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Test quarterly: lift the float or pour a bucket of water into the pit.
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Clear the discharge line: ensure the outdoor terminus is free of ice, debris, and rodent nests.
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Swap batteries every 3–5 years on backup units.
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Schedule annual service—a plumber will clean the pit, test alarms, and verify the check valve.
H2 | When to Call a Licensed Plumber
If you notice any of these red flags, skip DIY and call a pro:
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Pump runs but no water discharges.
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Musty odours or visible mould reappear after storms.
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Recurrent tripping of the GFCI outlet.
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Water pooling around the foundation despite the pump cycling.
Need Sump-Pump Help in the GTA?
ANTA Plumbing installs sump pumps in Toronto, tests, and services sump pumps and backup systems city-wide—and we’ll even handle your subsidy paperwork.
Call 416-231-3331 or request a free estimate today and keep your basement dry, season after season.
What Home-owners Really Ask Google
Do I need a sump pump if my basement has never flooded?
Yes—Toronto’s lake-effect storms and rapid spring thaws can raise the local water table overnight, turning a previously dry basement into a wading pool. A sump pump is cheap insurance that activates only when water appears.
How often should I test or service my pump?
Run a quick test once or twice a year by pouring water into the pit until the float rises; schedule a full professional inspection annually to clean the basin and check the check-valve.
What is the normal life-span of a sump pump?
With average use and proper maintenance, most units last about 10 years before performance drops off. Consider replacement after year seven if the pump runs frequently.
What size (horse-power) pump should I buy?
A ⅓-HP submersible covers the drainage needs of most Toronto homes; upgrade to ½-HP if your pit sees very rapid inflow or your discharge line lifts water more than 10 ft vertically.
Can I discharge sump-pump water into a floor drain or the sanitary sewer?
No. City bylaws prohibit tying sump discharges into sanitary lines because it overwhelms treatment plants during storms. Route the pipe outdoors at least 20 ft from the foundation instead.
Pedestal vs. submersible — which is better?
Submersible pumps sit under water, run quieter and handle small debris, making them ideal for finished basements. Pedestal models keep the motor above the pit for easier servicing and longer motor life but are noisier.
Is a battery or water-powered backup really necessary?
If storms often knock out power in your neighbourhood, a backup is a must. Battery systems give 8-10 hours of run-time; water-pressure backups run indefinitely on municipal supply (handy during multi-day blackouts).
Can a competent DIYer replace a failed pump?
Most manufacturers include step-by-step instructions, and swaps are straightforward if the pit and plumbing already exist. That said, a plumber ensures proper check-valve placement, pit diameter and discharge routing — all critical for warranty and insurance.
Does having a sump pump lower insurance premiums?
Many Canadian insurers now offer discounts or require active flood-mitigation devices before granting sewer-backup coverage. Keep receipts and maintenance logs to qualify.
How far from the house should the discharge line end?
Terminate the pipe at least 20 ft (6 m) from the foundation and point it downslope so water can’t flow back toward the footing or onto a neighbour’s lot.
