A sump pump is a device that pumps out water that has collected in a basin via the home’s basement waterproofing system, out to an area that is non-problematic, like a storm drain. The old method of draining a weeping tile was to connect it to your home’s drainage system. But as mentioned that system is deteriorating and can’t keep up with the increase in precipitation.
A sump pump consists of three main features:
- A tank that holds the water that is drained from a weeping tile
- A pump that pushes the water up and out of the basement to an exterior drainage point
- A battery back-up system and alarm – a third feature that be added to a sump pump system
INSTALLATION
Call Canada Waterproofers Whitby for a free onsite waterproofing assessment of your home, to see if an interior waterproofing solution featuring technology like a sump pump is best for you. When a sump pump is installed the old weeping tile connection to the city sewer is disconnected. That will help avoid flooding in your home.
The sump pump is installed inside the basement along the wall – as long as there is a place to discharge the water (so the water doesn’t flow back into the house). The crews at Canada Waterproofers Whitby will excavate, remove and dispose of the soil, and install a water tank (also called a sump liner).
Next step is to set up a connection from the existing weeping tile (or the new weeping tile, if installed) to the side of the tank.
Our technicians will then encase the tank with gravel (3/4” clear), re-cement around the tank, install a submersible pump, then test the system (discharge water to the exterior). If all checks out and meets our high standards, we’ll put a lid on the tank, bolt it down, and you are good to go.
Often during a storm there are power blackouts, which puts your home in a vulnerable position from flooding. However there are back-up systems. Ask the waterproofing contractor from Canada Waterproofers Whitby about these. One is a separate pump that runs off a marine battery, so if there is a power failure or a primary pump failure, you are protected, since the back-up pump will automatically switch on. This system comes with an alarm, that automatically switches on when the battery pump kicks in, so you will know when the main pump is not functioning.
Then there is a pump that is powered by your water supply in your home. Water turns the pump turbine, which then pumps water out of your basement. With this pump there is no time limit as to how long it will run. As long as your water supply is on this pump will work.
You will need a minimum ¾” water supply line from the city coming in your house in order for the pump to work correctly. If you have the supply line, and it’s located close to your sump pump, then we feel this is the ideal way to go. It’s one of the most reliable pumps on the market.
