Sump Pumps 101

Steve St. Louis • October 28, 2026

Quick answer


A sump pump sits in a pit at the lowest point of your basement and pumps groundwater away from your foundation before it can flood your home. Test yours every spring and fall by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. Have it inspected or replaced about every 5 years, or sooner if you're near a high water table.

How a sump pump works


Water from around your foundation drains through weeping tile into the sump pit. When the water rises, a float switch turns the pump on.


Most sump pumps are centrifugal pumps: a spinning part called an impeller throws the water outward, which pushes it up the discharge pipe and away from your house. When the water drops, the float switch turns the pump off again.



When Alberta gets a lot of rain or a fast spring melt, we get a lot of flooded basement calls. Your sump pump is the hard-working, often forgotten part of your home that keeps that water out.

Blue slide with orange accent: “Your sump pump should be inspected or replaced about every 5 years.”

What you can safely check yourself


  • Bucket test: slowly pour a bucket of water into the pit. The pump should turn on, drain the water and shut off on its own.
  • Discharge pipe: outside, make sure the pipe is clear of ice, snow, leaves or debris, and that water drains away from the house.
  • The pit: look for gravel, dirt or debris that could jam the float or pump.
  • Power: the pump is plugged in, and the outlet and breaker are working.
  • Age: check the label or your records. More than 5 years old? Time for an inspection.


Flood safety flyer with blue and orange checklist sections about sump pump prep for the next big rain.

Safety first: Unplug the pump before you reach into the pit or clear debris. Never stand in water near a plugged-in pump or outlet.

When to call a professional


Call a licensed plumber if:


  • The pump doesn't start during the bucket test
  • It runs constantly, even when it hasn't rained
  • It turns on and off rapidly
  • You hear grinding, rattling or loud humming
  • You see rust, corrosion or a bad smell from the pit


How SS Plumbing & Heating handles it


We'll test your pump, float switch and check valve, check the discharge line, and tell you honestly whether it needs a repair or a replacement.


There are many sump pumps on the market, from simple cost-effective units to models with a battery backup that keeps working if the power goes out in a storm. We'll help you choose the right one for your home, your water table and how much water your basement sees. And if your basement does take on water, we offer 24/7 emergency service.


A Few Questions We Get a Lot


How long does a sump pump last? Plan to have it inspected or replaced about every 5 years. Pumps near a high water table work harder and can wear out sooner.


Do I need a battery backup? If your pump runs a lot, or your basement is finished, a backup is cheap insurance. Storms that bring heavy rain often knock out the power too.


My basement has a slow leak or a backup, not flooding. Is that the sump pump? Not always. Leaks and drain backups have other causes. See Found a Leak? What to Do First and Why Does the Same Drain Keep Backing Up?

Ready for the next big rain?


If your sump pump is getting older, or you're not sure it's working, call or text us to have it checked.

About Steve

Steve St. Louis is a Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter (Class B) and the owner of SS Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Based in Sturgeon County, Steve and his team have served Edmonton and area since 2020, with 24/7 emergency service and a 5.0 rating from 450+ Google reviews.