💧 Water & Weather
Sump Pumps: Do You Need One, and How to Keep It Working
In a home with a wet basement, the sump pump is the most important appliance you never think about. Until it fails in a storm.
Dana Whitlock · Oct 11, 2026 · 4 min read · 4 steps
A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of a basement and pumps groundwater away from the foundation before it can flood the floor. For homes in areas with high water tables or heavy rainfall, it is often the main defence against water damage.
Pumps tend to fail at the worst possible moment, during heavy rain, which is also when power cuts are most likely.
Signs you might need one
- Water seeping through basement floors or the joint between wall and floor after rain
- A finished basement in an area prone to flooding
- Previous flooding, or neighbours with sump pumps
- A high water table or a home on low ground
Test it every few months
Lift the lid off the pit and pour a bucket of water in slowly. The float should rise and the pump should start, empty the pit, and switch off. Then go outside and confirm water is coming out of the discharge pipe well away from the house.
- Clear gravel and debris from the pit and the inlet screen
- Check the float moves freely and is not snagged on the pit wall
- Make sure the discharge line is not frozen or blocked in winter
- Listen for grinding or unusual noises while it runs
Plan for power cuts
A battery backup pump, or a water-powered backup where mains pressure allows, keeps working when the electricity does not. A water alarm in the pit, which beeps or sends a phone alert if water rises too high, is cheap insurance.
Replacement
Many sump pumps last roughly 7 to 10 years, less if they run constantly. If yours is approaching that age, replace it on your own schedule rather than during a storm.
This is general home-maintenance information, not professional advice. Building codes, permits, and safe practices vary by location — consult a licensed contractor, electrician, or plumber for work beyond your experience.