Sump Pump Installation & Repair in Vancouver & Burnaby

Why Your Vancouver Home Needs a Sump Pump

Vancouver's heavy rainfall and high water table make basement flooding a serious concern. A sump pump is your first line of defense against water damage, collecting groundwater that accumulates around your foundation and pumping it away before it enters your basement. HYDROPRO PLUMBING & WATER LTD installs, repairs, and maintains sump pump systems throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, and Greater Vancouver.

How a Sump Pump Works

A sump pump sits in a pit (sump basin) at the lowest point of your basement. As groundwater rises, it flows into the pit through perimeter drains or natural seepage. When water reaches a set level, a float switch activates the pump, pushing water through discharge pipes away from your foundation. This cycle runs automatically, keeping your basement dry even during heavy storms.

Types of Sump Pumps We Install

Submersible Sump Pumps

Designed to operate underwater inside the sump pit. Submersible pumps are quieter, more powerful, and less likely to clog than pedestal models. We recommend submersible pumps for most Vancouver installations due to the region's significant rainfall and high water table.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

The motor mounts above the sump pit on a pedestal, with only the intake pipe extending into the water. More affordable and easier to service, but noisier and less powerful. Suitable for homes with occasional water concerns.

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

Power outages often coincide with severe storms — exactly when you need your pump most. Battery backup systems provide continuous protection during power failures. We strongly recommend backup systems for all homes with finished basements or known water issues.

Water-Powered Backup Pumps

These systems use municipal water pressure to create suction, requiring no electricity or batteries. They're excellent secondary protection for homes with adequate water pressure.

When Do You Need a Sump Pump?

• Water pooling in your basement after rainfall or snow melt
• Musty odours or visible mold indicating persistent moisture
• Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on basement walls from water seepage
• Foundation cracks caused by hydrostatic pressure from saturated soil
• Finished basement that needs protection from potential water damage
• High water table in your neighbourhood
• Existing perimeter drain system that needs a pump to discharge collected water

Our Installation Process

1. Property assessment — evaluate basement layout, water entry points, grading, and appropriate pump size
2. Sump pit construction — excavate a proper-sized pit (18-24" wide, 24-36" deep) at the lowest point, with liner to prevent collapse
3. Pump installation — secure pump in pit, connect electrical to code, install float switch and check valve
4. Discharge line — route pipes minimum 10-20 feet from foundation with proper slope, freeze-proof for winter
5. Concrete restoration — patch the floor around the pit to match surrounding surface
6. Testing — verify pump operation, float switch sensitivity, and all connections under actual conditions

Sump Pump Maintenance

• Test monthly — pour water into the pit to trigger the pump and verify operation
• Clean the pit annually — remove debris and sediment that accumulates
• Inspect discharge line — check for clogs or freezing in winter months
• Check the float switch — ensure it moves freely without obstruction
• Replace battery backups every 2-3 years before they lose capacity
• Schedule professional inspection — annual service catches problems before failures

Emergency Sump Pump Repair

When your sump pump fails, time is critical — especially during a storm. Our 24/7 emergency service addresses motor failures, float switch malfunctions, clogged discharge lines, and power supply issues. We carry extensive parts to complete most repairs on the first visit.