Information for Calgary Home Owners
A sump pump is designed to removes excess water that sits around the foundation of a home. It collects water from the foundation weeping tile (or other drainage system) and pumps it away from the home. The submersible sump pump sits in a pit, and is activated by a float mechanism as the water rises. Sump pumps are a necessity if your home is built in a flood prone area and they need to be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are working well.
Springtime in Calgary means high groundwater levels, and if you are in a wet area, your sump pump will be busy. If power outages are common, a secondary sump pump (battery backup operated) will be a necessity as well. The pump must discharge outside the move, either to a storm sewer, if available, or to your lawn or ditch. Your Calgary city permit office will guide you on the best option, as tying into the storm sewer lateral is not always an option. A good 6 feet away from the home is optional so that no water risks entering into the home. The discharge line must have a check valve to prevent any water coming back into the pump pit. Sump pumps cannot be discharged onto a public sidewalk and the drainage can freeze and cause a huge hazard in our Calgary winters. If you have no lawn to discharge, you will need to contact the city for options.
When installing a new pit, location is very important. The sump must needs to join the weeping tile in order to be effective. It should be located close to where the water will discharge, preventing strain on the pump. The lowest spot in your basement is optimal. In a finished basement, adjustments may be needed. Sump pump discharge lines have been know to freeze over the winter, and keeping them unblocked is vital for when springtime comes.
Maintaining and servicing your sump pump and battery backup system is important. The good folks at John the Plumber Calgary are top of their field in sump pumps and sump pit installation.
