Spring has sprung in Winnipeg! What does that mean? Unfortunately, it can sometimes give you water in your basement.
After all, all that snowmelt and early spring rain has to go somewhere. It comes in through your weeping tiles, pools in your sump pit and needs to be pumped out before it floods your basement. If your sump pump isn’t ready, you may wake up to a wet mess.
The good news is getting your sump pump ready for spring doesn’t take long. At Lynn’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we help Winnipeg homeowners get ready for the big thaw every year. Let’s talk about how you can get your sump pump ready to go before the water starts flowing.
How Do I Get My Sump Pump Ready for Spring in Winnipeg
Prepping your Winnipeg sump pump for spring only takes a couple quick checks. There’s no need for special tools or plumbing. Just take a few minutes and give it some attention.
Here’s the short version:
- Make sure the pump has power
- Test that it turns on and discharges water
- Check that the discharge hose is connected and pointed away from your home
That’s all there is to it. If all’s good, you’re ready for spring. Notice something off or your sump pump is broken? Call a pro before the snow starts melting.
Why Sump Pump Prep Matters
Winnipeg’s spring thaw coats the ground in water for a short period of time. Your weeping tile collects water from around your foundation and sends it into the sump pit. If your pump isn’t working, this water has nowhere to go besides up into your basement.
A flooded basement can lead to:
- Damaged flooring, drywall and belongings
- Mold and mildew growth
- Electrical hazards
- Thousands of dollars in repairs
Most sump pump failures are a result of the pump sitting unused all winter and nobody checking it before spring rolls around. Doing regular sump pump maintenance or a quick test before the snow melting can keep your basement dry and save you money down the line.
Spring Sump Pump Checklist
How can you really know if you’re ready for Winnipeg’s spring thaw? Let us break it down step-by-step:
- Check the Power
Check that your sump pump is plugged in and that the outlet is working. What’s the easy way to test? Plug in a light or a hair dryer first. If it turns on, your outlet is good to go.
If your pump is on a GFCI outlet, check it hasn’t tripped. Press the reset button if needed.
- Inspect the Sump Pit
Look inside the pit. Remove debris, dirt or gravel that likely accumulated over the winter. A clogged pit can stop the float switch from working properly.
- Test the Pump
Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. This should activate the float switch and make the pump kick on. You should hear it discharge through the pipe. If nothing happens, you have an issue.
- Check the Discharge Hose
Ensure the discharge hose is securely attached and positioned far away from your windows and foundation. If water drains too close to your home, it will back up into the pit or worst case scenario, your basement.
- Look for Visible Damage
Check if the pump and pipes have cracks, rust or corrosion. If something looks worn or damaged, look into repair or replacement.
- Test Your Backup (If You Have One)
If you have a battery backup sump pump, test that too. Unplug the main pump and pour water into the pit to ensure the backup is in working order. Batteries eventually lose charge—replace them as needed.
Signs Your Sump Needs Attention
If your sump pump turns on, great! However, you should still watch out for the following warning signs:
- Pump runs but doesn’t discharge water
- Strange noises like grinding, rattling or humming
- Pump cycles on and off frequently
- Vibrates excessively during operation
- Visible rust or corrosion
- Musty smell in the basement (sign of moisture issues)
- Pump is 7-10 years old
If you come across any of these problems, don’t wait for a flood to find out your pump won’t keep your basement dry.
When to Call a Professional
You can’t check everything on your own. Some issues need a licensed plumber. Call a plumber if:
- Your pump doesn’t turn on at all
- It runs but doesn’t move water
- You hear unusual noises during operation
- The pump is cycling constantly
- You see water in your basement despite having a working pump
- Your pump is more than 7-10 years old and you’re unsure of its condition
- You don’t have a sump pump and want one installed
At Lynn’s, we’re proud to offer sump pump services in Winnipeg including inspections, repairs and sump pump installations. We can also set you up with a battery backup system to protect you during power outages.
Get Your Sump Pump Spring-Ready with Lynn’s
Getting your sump pump ready for spring doesn’t have to be difficult. At Lynn’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Winnipeg homeowners stay dry for over 25 years. Do your quick check now and then call us to inspect your sump pump, clean out the pit and make sure everything is ready for spring.
Want your basement to stay dry? Contact us today!
