What is a sump pump?
A sump pump is a pump used to lift water from a drainage system to a municipal network. It is mostly installed in a catch basin, an important part of a drainage system (French drain).
What types of pumps are available?
There are several types of pumps: cast iron pumps, plastic pumps, column pumps, submersible pumps and battery powered safety pumps.
Cast iron pump
The cast iron pump will have a longer life than other pumps because it is built stronger. In addition, it has a much higher resistance to overheating than other pumps since its casing absorbs the cold of the water and therefore protects it to a certain limit. The cast iron pump can be reconditioned since its housing is very durable unlike the plastic pump. It is also much quieter in general.
Plastic pump
Lower quality pump often sold in big box stores. It has a very low resistance to overheating and its housing is not worth reconditioning. It makes more noise than a cast iron submersible pump. However, it is more aggressive in terms of purchase price.
Column pumps
The column pump is frequently used despite its low quality. Its motor is outside the water. It protrudes from the catchment basin which prevents the installation of an anti-radon basin cover. The adjustment of the float is very rudimentary and it is very noisy.
Battery operated pumps
There are battery operated submersible pump systems. These systems are installed to take over temporarily if a power failure occurs or if the primary pump fails. These systems are usually equipped with an audible alarm system to notify residents that the primary pump has failed.
What types of fleets are available?
There are two common types of fleets. There are vertical fleets and cable fleets.
Vertical Fleet
The column fleet is a very reliable fleet. It consists of a float installed on a metal rod in a vertical position. When the water rises in the catch basin, the float rises and activates a mechanism that starts the pump. When the water drops in the basin, the float drops at the same rate as the water and the mechanism will stop at the desired height.
Cable float
The cable float is a very common system. However, it has its drawbacks. It consists of a steel ball in a plastic float attached to the end of a cable containing power cables. As the water rises in the pond, the float rises with the water and once the level is high enough, the ball will roll down activating the pump. When the float drops, the ball will roll downward and cut off the power to the pump. However, these types of floats can sometimes cause problems because their cable can become clogged in the pond causing it to not work. Also, the internal ball can stick to the walls of the float and not activate properly if the water level is very high.
Which submersible pump should I choose?
We only use cast iron submersible pumps with vertical floats. These pumps are long term reliable, quiet and very efficient. There are all types of forces to properly evacuate the quantity of water to be pumped. A Lesage Excavation expert can evaluate your needs and suggest a pump that will meet your requirements.
How to install a sump pump?
Detailed steps to install a submersible pump
- Place the submersible pump at the bottom of the previously installed sump
- Install a check valve on the pump if one is not already installed
- Have a CMMTQ-certified plumber do the hook-up
Do you need to install or replace a sump pump?
Lesage Excavation has been providing sump pump installation and replacement services for over 15 years. Winner of the 2020 and 2021 Consumer’s Choice Award in the foundation repair category, our expertise and customer service are recognized throughout the Greater Montreal area.
We are available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day to answer your questions.
You have 3 ways to contact us:
- Call us at (514) 219-0125
- Send an email to: info@lesageexcavation.com
- Submit your project online here
We mainly serve the Montérégie, the Greater Montreal, the South Shore, a part of the North Shore as well as Ontario; and more specifically
Vaudreuil-Dorion – Montreal – Laval – Longueuil – Brossard – Candiac – Salaberry de Valleyfield – North Lancaster – South Glengarry – Alexandria – Hawkesbury – Rigaud – Hudson – Pincourt – Notre-Dame-De-L’ile-Perrot – Lachute – Montebello
We can also travel to more remote areas when it is a complex project and the owner cannot find a certified contractor in their area.