A sump pump is the unsung hero of a Durham Region basement, and you usually find out it has failed during the worst possible storm. Most pumps give warning first if you know what to look for. Here is when to replace yours before it lets you down.

Six warning signs your sump pump is failing

  1. It runs constantly or cycles on and off rapidly. A stuck float, a failed check valve or a pump that is too small for the water volume.
  2. It makes grinding, rattling or humming noises. Worn bearings, a damaged impeller or a motor that is starting to seize.
  3. It never runs, even after heavy rain. A stuck float switch, a tripped circuit or a burned-out motor.
  4. Visible rust on the pump body or in the pit. Corrosion that compromises the housing and the electrical connections.
  5. Water on the basement floor even though the pump is plugged in. The pump is not keeping up or the discharge line is blocked or frozen.
  6. It is more than 7 to 10 years old. Even a pump that seems fine is near the end of its typical life, and the risk of sudden failure climbs with age.

Why sump pumps work harder in Durham Region

In homes with high groundwater or heavy soils, pumps cycle far more than in well-drained areas. A pump that runs every few minutes during the spring melt wears out faster than one that runs a few times a day. Fine sediment from the surrounding gravel adds to the wear.

A battery backup is essential

Power outages during storms are common in Ontario, and that is exactly when the pump is needed most. A battery backup keeps pumping when the power is out or when the primary pump fails. Our spring sump pump maintenance guide notes that backup units cost about $400 to $800 installed and typically provide 6 to 12 hours of pumping on a full charge. See our rebates and subsidies guide.

What replacement costs

Sump pump work is priced by the pump, the condition of the pit, the discharge line and whether a battery backup is added, so we quote it after a site visit rather than from a chart. Every installation and replacement comes with a free in-home estimate and a written price before we start. Most replacements are completed in a single visit.

Test your pump twice a year

Pour a bucket of water into the pit. The float should rise, the pump should start, the water should clear within seconds and the pump should shut off. Listen for unusual noise and check that the discharge outside is flowing and not frozen or blocked. If anything seems off, book a service visit.

Book a sump pump inspection

Call (905) 576-3043 or request an estimate. Hayes Plumbing installs, replaces and services sump pumps and battery backups across Durham Region from our Oshawa shop. Learn more on our sump pump service page.