Sump Pumps & Backwater Valves in Barrie, ON

When a sump pump is struggling

It hums but doesn't empty the pit, runs constantly, switches on and off every few seconds, or is more than about ten years old. A stuck float switch is the most common fault.

The spring thaw test

In March, before the snow melts, pour a pail of water into the pit. The pump should start, empty the pit and shut off. Then look outside: the discharge pipe should be clear of ice and send water well away from the foundation.

Battery backup and alarms

Storms that fill the pit often knock out the power. A battery backup pump takes over until power returns, and a water alarm warns you before the floor gets wet. Check the battery each year.

What a backwater valve does

It's a one-way valve on your main sewer line. Water and waste flow out to the city sewer, but if the sewer backs up in a heavy storm, a flap closes so sewage can't come up through your floor drain. See backwater valves explained.

Installing one

Adding a backwater valve means opening the basement floor at the main drain. It needs a permit and must be placed so that fixtures upstream can still drain. Many Ontario municipalities have offered subsidies for them at times, so ask the City of Barrie whether one is available now.

Upkeep

Open the access cover once or twice a year and clear any debris so the flap moves freely. A valve that's jammed open does nothing.

Frequently asked questions

Can my sump pump drain into the sewer?

Connecting a sump pump to the sanitary sewer is generally not allowed in Ontario municipalities. A plumber will route it outside to the right place.

Does a backwater valve stop all flooding?

No. It stops sewer backups. Groundwater and surface water are handled by the sump pump, grading and downspouts.

Other plumbing services

• Emergency Plumber
• Frozen Pipe Repair
• Drain & Sewer Cleaning
• Water Heaters (Owned or Rented)
• Well Pumps & Water Treatment
• Leak Detection & Repair
• Basement & Bathroom Plumbing