Fall Storm & Sump Pump Prep Checklist

Around the outside

Give the water somewhere to go.

Don't lift heavy catch basin lids or climb into pits. If a drain needs more than a quick clear, call us.

Clean gutters after the leaves fall, and check that downspouts are connected and not cracked.Clear leaves and debris off lawn drains, area drains, catch basin grates and driveway trench drains.Check that stairwell and window-well drains at the bottom of outside stairs are clear.Look for spots where water pooled last winter. That's where it will pool again.

In the basement or mechanical room

Test the sump pump before you need it.

A sump pump can sit unused all summer and then fail in the first big storm. Test it now.

Pour water into the pitSlowly pour a bucket or two of water into the sump pit. The float should rise, the pump should start on its own, and the water should drain away quickly.

Listen and lookThe pump should run smoothly and shut off when the water is gone. Grinding, humming without pumping, or running nonstop are signs it needs service.

Check the alarm and powerIf you have a high-water alarm or a battery backup, test them too. Make sure the pump is plugged into a working outlet, not an extension cord.

Check where it drainsFollow the discharge pipe outside if you can. It should be clear and draining away from the building, not back toward it.

Sewer backups need a check too.

Heavy rain can push sewer water back up through floor drains. If your home has a backwater valve, make sure you can get to it and that it hasn't been covered over. If you don't know whether you have one, we can check with a camera.

For strata and managed buildings

Shared buildings have more drains, bigger pumps and more people to warn. Book the fall check before the first storm, not after.

Parkade and trench drainsHave catch basins, parkade drains and trench drains cleaned of sand and debris so they can keep up in heavy rain.

Sump and lift stationsHave pumps, floats, alarms and check valves tested, and make sure someone gets the alarm when it goes off.

Records for councilA short written record of what was cleaned, tested and found helps council plan repairs and shows the building was looked after.

Common questions

How often should a sump pump be serviced?

Test it yourself every fall and after any long dry spell. A pump that runs often, is old, or protects a finished basement or a parkade is worth having checked by a plumber each year.

My pump runs all the time. Is that bad?

It can mean high groundwater, a stuck float, a failed check valve letting water flow back, or a pump that's too small. Call us if it runs nonstop or the water keeps rising.

Can you guarantee my basement won't flood?

No one can. We can fix what we find and improve the drainage, but extreme rain, city drain capacity, groundwater and power cuts are outside anyone's control.

Water is coming in right now?

Call while it's happening. Seeing where the water comes from in the rain helps us find the cause.

Book a fall drain and sump check

Tell us the property type, what drains and pumps you have, and any past flooding. Photos help.

Get your drains and sump ready for the rainy season.