Most folks might not know a sump pump until their basement is ankle-deep in cold water suddenly. It’s a scenario that many Calgary plumbers know all too well since a damaged sump pump can quickly turn into a plumbing emergency. Knowing what a sump pump is and how it works can better understand any issues that might arise in the future and deal with them accordingly.

What is a Sump Pump?

In 1946, the sump pump was invented by U.S. Navy electrician Karl Niedermeyer to help prevent large amounts of water from collecting under a house’s foundation. It became a mandatory inclusion for homes after the late 80s since it helps prevent groundwater intrusion by removing water accumulated in the sump basin. Typically the collected water from the sump basin comes from storms or when the groundwater level is above your basement floor – hence why you can find a sump pump in the basement.

How Does a Sump Pump Function?

First, where can you find a sump pump in your basement? You can find a sump pump by knowing where the sump basin is located – usually in a corner or against an outside wall. Once you find it, you will see many holes in your sump basin wall, all of which connect to a drain pipe. Depending on your home, some drain pipes will come from weeping tile pipes outside the bottom of your home’s foundation, while others connect to interior drainage systems under your basement floor.

When groundwater collects and flows into a drain pipe into your sump basin, the sump pump kicks into gear when it reaches a certain level. Depending on your sump pump, it activates in one of two ways: a pressure sensor or a float activator arm. The pressure sensor sends a signal to your pump when water pressure exceeds a certain level. A float activator arm uses an attached buoyant ball that floats on the water’s surface, where the sump pump is activated when the water level reaches a certain height.

Once the sump pump gets into gear, an impeller inside your pump draws water out of the sump basin and sends it up a discharge pipe. You can expect the discharge pipe to empty far from your home’s foundation.

How to Maintain a Sump Pump?

Maintenance is important. If you have issues with your sump pump, it can become a bigger issue. A faulty sump pump can result in terrible water damage like flooding, warped wood, cause rot, and lead to mold growth that can be expensive to cover the costs on.

Some factors that indicate a damaged sump pump:

Strange noises
Visible rust
Vibrates too much when running
Infrequent pump usage
Running too much
Irregular cycling
Older than seven years
Motor stuck or motor failure

For maintenance, it’s recommended to get a sump pump regularly inspected every three to four months, with a more in-depth one to be done annually by a plumber.

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.

Frozen pipes are a homeowner’s worst nightmare in the winter.

The risks include expensive and extensive plumbing repairs and damaged walls and ceilings. So what do you do when your pipes freeze in the winter?

Before we get to that, let’s look at the signs that indicate your pipes are frozen.

Signs Your Pipes are Frozen

If you experience any of the following, your pipes could be frozen:

Damp drywall or ceiling
Limited water coming through the pipes
Gurgling sounds when pipes are running
Smelly water
Bulging pipes

What Should I Do?

There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your frozen pipes don’t damage your home:

Shut off your water source. Find your main water supply source and shut it off.
Try to find the frozen pipe. If possible, see if you can find it.
Check for leaks around the pipe. Determining the pipe’s condition can help you know what to do next.
Try to thaw it. Using a portable heater, heating cable, electric heating pad, or hairdryer can help thaw your pipes.
Contact a plumber. If the pipe is leaking, heavily damaged, or unable to thaw it, then having a professional plumber review and fix it is your best course of action.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

The best way to prevent your pipes from freezing is to keep them at a temperature above zero. Here is how you can do it effectively:

Insulate the pipes – Purchasing specifically designed pipe insulation made from fibreglass, polyethylene or foam. These can help protect your pipes from any cold throughout the winter.
Use heating tape – Similar to pipe insulation, applying heating tape to pipes can help them retain heat.
Cover crawl spaces and gaps – Ensuring that gaps are closed will stop any cold air flowing into and onto your pipes, reducing the chances it will freeze.
Let your faucet and pipes – It might seem strange, but letting the water run through your pipes will help it during winter. The small amount of friction and heat produced by water can keep your pipes from freezing.
Keep your thermostat consistent – Keeping your home nice and toasty will ensure that the pipes remain at a decent temperature.
Close the windows and doors – Ensuring that no cold enters your home will help protect your pipes from getting exposed to extreme colds.

Preventing frozen pipes is the best way to protect your home, avoiding emergency plumbing situations and costly repairs. If you do suspect that you have a frozen pipe, it’s best to contact a Calgary plumber as soon as possible!