A flooded basement is one of the scariest events a homeowner can deal with, and it’s near the top of the list of reasons why so many consider home insurance a must.
Especially if you have a finished basement where more damage can be done.
Sump pumps are a great way to help reduce the chances of your basement taking on water, but they can sometimes fail.
The good news?
There are things we can do to help increase the chances of them being there for you when they’re needed the most (even for those among us who are not generally very handy around the house).
Let’s get right into it.
1. TEST YOUR SUMP PUMP
One of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks is a simple water test
Here’s how you can test your sump pump:
- Ensure the pump is plugged into a working outlet.
- Slowly pour a bucket of water into the sump pit.
- Watch for the float switch to rise.
- Confirm the pump activates automatically.
- Verify water is discharged outside and away from the foundation.
- Ensure the pump shuts off when the water level drops.
If the pump does not activate or fails to remove the water, it may require cleaning, repair, or replacement. Speaking of which…
2. CLEAN THE SUMP PIT
Over time, dirt, gravel, and sediment can accumulate in the pit and interfere with the pump’s operation.
Here’s an easy way you can clean it yourself:
- Disconnect power to the pump.
- Remove debris from the basin.
- Inspect the intake screen for blockages.
- Wipe down accessible pump surfaces.
- Reinstall the pump and reconnect power.
Many experts recommend cleaning the sump pit at least once or twice per year.
3. INSPECT THE FLOAT SWITCH
The float switch is responsible for activating the pump when water levels rise.
Things to check:
- That the float moves freely.
- No cords or debris are obstructing its movement.
- The switch activates the pump consistently during testing.
A stuck float switch is one of the most common causes of sump pump failure and one of the easiest issues to fix.
Anyone can do it, even a sales and marketing person for a local Mutual Insurance company! 😉 . I was lucky enough to catch my own sump pump malfunction and get the float working properly to drain before major water damage in our basement (and avoid an insurance claim).
4. CHECK ON THE DISCHARGE PIPE
Your discharge pipe carries water away from the home.
Inspect the pipe to ensure:
- Water flows freely through the line.
- There are no visible cracks or obstructions.
- The check valve functions properly.
- Water is directed away from the home’s foundation.
The Government of Canada recommends discharging water at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from the foundation whenever possible.
5. TEST YOUR BACKUP SYSTEM
Power outages often occur during severe storms, which also happen to be the same conditions when sump pumps are needed most.
If your home’s sump pump has a battery backup system:
- Unplug the primary pump.
- Confirm the backup activates correctly.
- Test the battery according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Experts recommend checking backup systems several times throughout the year.
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HOW A SUMP PUMP WORKS
A sump pump sits in a basin or pit located at the lowest point of a basement or crawl space.
Water collected by foundation drainage systems flows into the pit. As water levels rise, a float switch activates the pump, which then directs water away from the home through a discharge pipe.
If the pump fails, water can accumulate quickly and potentially flood the basement.
WHY SUMP PUMP MAINTENANCE MATTERS
Most homeowners rarely think about their sump pump until a problem occurs. Unfortunately, sump pump failures often happen during severe weather events when the system is working hardest.
Regular maintenance can help:
- Reduce the risk of basement flooding
- Extend the lifespan of the pump
- Identify worn or damaged components before they fail
- Ensure backup systems are functioning properly
- Protect belongings stored in the basement
According to the Government of Canada, homeowners should test their sump pump annually and inspect it during periods of heavy rainfall, snowmelt, or power outages.
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PREVENT BASEMENT WATER DAMAGE
Sump pump maintenance is only one part of a broader water protection strategy.
In an effort to reduce your risk of water damage to your home, we recommend homeowners also:
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear
- Extend downspouts away from the foundation
- Maintain proper grading around the home
- Seal foundation cracks when necessary
- Monitor for signs of moisture intrusion
These preventive measures can help reduce the risk of water entering the basement during heavy rainfall.
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Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
