CHILLIWACK

Sump Pump Services

Sump Pump Installations – Sump Repairs Chilliwack

Chilliwack, Agassiz, Bridal Falls, Chilliwack River Valley, Columbia Valley, Chilliwack Mountain,  Cultus Lake, Fairfield Island, Greendale,
Kent, Little Mountain, Popkum, Promontory Heights, Rosedale, Ryder Lake, Yarrow, Sardis, Vedder Crossing and Hope

CHILLIWACK

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Sump Pump Service & Installation

Agassiz, Bridal Falls, Chilliwack River Valley, Columbia Valley,
Chilliwack Mountain, Cultus Lake, Fairfield Island, Greendale,
Kent, Little Mountain, Popkum, Promontory Heights, Rosedale,
Ryder Lake, Yarrow, Sardis, Vedder Crossing & Hope

 

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Chilliwack Sump Pump Installations and Repairs

Sump Pumps in Chilliwack & How Do They Work?

For many properties in Chilliwack sump pumps are indispensable devices for protecting homes and other structures from flooding, a high-water-table or water damage due to excess moisture in the basement,

A sump device is an electrically powered pump that removes the accumulated groundwater from a water collecting sump pit, the pumps are installed to prevent flooding in a home or other structure. Sump pumps are normally installed in  specially constructed sump pits below the slab/floor of a basement.

These submersible pumps are designed to help handle flooding, but they are also very helpful if you live in an area of the Chilliwack Valley with a high-water-table causing moisture to seep down into the basement.

What is a Submersible Sump Pump?

A submersible sump pump collects excess water from drains, seepage, flooding or high-water-table and pumps it out of the sump pump pit and away from the building.

Since submersible sump pumps are installed below the surface level of a basement, they are often overlooked when purchasing Chilliwack real estate many are not familiar with them but it’s important to be informed, you need to know if your home has a sump system so you are prepared and know what to  case of a flooding emergency in the Chilliwack region.

Since not all homes are prone to flooding in the Chilliwack region, not all Chilliwack homes will need a sump pumping system. Even if a home does have a water issue there may have been other remedies that prevented water damage before a sump pump installation was required.

Learn More About Sump Pumps in Chilliwack

  Scroll down to learn more about the sump pump cost and sump pump installation cost.

1)  What is the sump pump cost in Chilliwack & what is the best sump pump to install?
2)  Signs it’s time to replace a pump
3)  How many years does a sump pump last?
4)  Do sump systems need maintenance?
5)  Submersible sump pumps vs Pedestal pumps?
6)  Do I require a sump pump installation ?
7)  Do sump pumps smell?  How do you deodorize a sump pit?
8)  Can I pour vinegar in my pump?
9)  Can I unplug my water pumping system?
10)  Should a sump pit be sealed?
11)  Is it OK for a sump pump to run constantly?
12)  How do you fix the noise from my pump?
13)  Why is my sump pump banging?
14)  How do I stop my pump from water hammering?
15)  How many hours does a sump pump battery backup last?
16)  How do I test if my water pumping system is working?
17)  Can you replace a sump basin?
18)  Sump pump battery backup systems in Chilliwack 
19)  How much does a sump pump battery backup cost?
20)  How many hours does a battery backup last?
21)  Is sump pump failure covered by insurance?

Sump Pump FAQ & Tips

Chilliwack Sump Pump Installation & Service

Chilliwack, Agassiz, Bridal Falls, Chilliwack River Valley, Columbia Valley, Chilliwack Mountain, Cultus Lake, Fairfield Island, Greendale,
Kent, Little Mountain, Popkum, Promontory Heights, Rosedale, Ryder Lake, Yarrow, Sardis, Vedder Crossing and Hope

What is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

A: The cost to install a sump pump in Chilliwack:

 

Are you wondering, “what does it cost to install a sump pump in Chilliwack?”. If you are having water issues in your basement you need to take the necessary steps to extract the water out of your basement and away from the foundation of your home. Often, a homeowner will need to install a sump water pumping system, to to ensure protection of a home sometimes more that one pump might be required

What Does It Cost to Install a Sump Pump?

Before we can determine the cost to install a sump pump is determined by several factors such as the location of the pump installation. Many homeowners find that the utility room is the best location for the sump pit to be installed, of course the discharge will also need to be consider prior to installing a new sump drainage system.

What is the Average Cost of a Sump Pump?

The average cost of a sump pump installation in the Chilliwack area can range from $1080 – $3200 depending on sump pit design. The best system will come with a sump pump battery backup.

Depending on the needs of your Chilliwack property we will recommend the best water pumping system with a battery backup unit to cover power outages. When installing a sump pump you want to be sure that the equipment is going to reliable for the long term. We only install high-grade sump pumps with dependable warranties.

Contact Chilliwack Pump Installation & Repairs   778-860-4220

 A: Best Type of Sump Pumps for Chilliwack Home Installations:

 

Submersible Sump Pumps

Submersible sump pumps contain the pump and the pump motor in one unit.  Once the sump pump is installed it’s submerged and closed inside a sump pit in your Chilliwack basement. Because, submersible pumps are completely submerged in the sump pit and they don’t require additional space in the basement, but they may clog less than a pedestal sump pump. But, because the pumps are submersed in water, they may have less of a lifespan than other types of sump pumps.  However, submersible sump pumps are still the better option for homes with considerable flooding concerns.

Because the motor of a submersible pump is submersed in the sump pit it runs quieter than a pedestal pump.  However, a submersible sump pump will cost more to purchase and if the pump fails it’s more difficult to replace the pump because it’s installed in the sump pit. A submersible pump will be able to manage a greater volume of water and designed to better handle solids or particles.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

A pedestal sump pump consists of a separate pump motor and pump end. The motor is not designed to get wet, so it’s placed on a pedestal above the sump pit.  The pedestal style pump motor has a hose or pipe that reaches down to the pump end at the bottom of the sump pit and sucks up anything in its within the basin to avoid the pump clogging.

A pedestal sump pump pumps water through the hose and out to the designated discharge area. Because the motor is not submerged in the sump pit, it often has a longer lifespan than submersible sump pumps and can be easily accessed for regular maintenance or pump problems. However, a pedestal sump pump will be noisier and will require more space than a submersible pump.

Battery-operated Sump Pump Backup

 Like anything mechanical a sump pump might eventually fail.  Many things can cause sump pump failure, from a clogged system to a mechanical failure and power outages. The most common reason for sump pump failure would be a power outage, typically not an issue with the pump itself.

Common occurrences other than power outages will also cut the power to the pump.  For example, lightning can might trip GFCI outlets, or the pump can be unplugged and not plugged back in.  If you’re asleep, on vacation, or working when the sump pump system fails, you may not discover the problem until you return home to find that the basement has already flooded. At that point it generally to late, the damage may already be done.

For peace of mind the best way to protect your home from a sump pump failure is ensure that you have a battery operated backup sump pump and secondary sump pump ready to go into operation in the event of an emergency.

With a battery backup for your sump pump the system will be capable of pumping in excess of 11,500 gallons on a single charge, when using a quality back-up system.

Once you have a primary sump pump installed in your Chilliwack area home and a battery backup sump pump system, your basement in your home is much better equipped to handle an emergency.

Remember it during the heavy rains when the power goes out, that means the main source of power for the pump does too!  Don’t take a change protect your home!

Water Powered Sump Pump Backup Systems

Water Powered backup sump pump systems are an extra line of defense against rising water levels in your basement, especially the situation of a power outage. Water powered sump pump backups are powered by your municipal water supply and not AC electricity from your home, so you don’t have to worry about flooding if your power goes out during a storm.

Providing your home has an uninterrupted water source, a water powered sump pump system will protect your home and ensure that it remains dry and free of water damage.

A water powered backup clears the water in your basin through increased water pressure. The advantage of a water powered system is that there’s no need to monitor the backup system or replace any batteries. The use of additional water may increase your water bill significantly and is a bit controversial. Some municipalities do not permit them to be installed.

Contact Chilliwack Pump Installations & Repairs @ 778-860-4220

A: Warning Signs that it’s Time to Replace a Sump Pump:

 

Sump pumps are often like air bags in our vehicles, thankfully they are seldom needed but when they are, they absolutely must perform!  The failure of a sump pump can result in expensive water damage to your basement and the many important possessions stored in it, not to mention the tremendous stress that a flood basement can cause.  Also, a flooded basement in your Chilliwack home can damage or destroy other vital home equipment, such as hot water tanks and furnaces. Here are some of the most common warning signs that signal a serious sump pump problem.

Sump Pumping System Runs Continuously

A pump that runs continuously can signal any number of problems either with the pump and its components, the discharge line, or the installation itself. Impeller vanes may be broken or eroded. The discharge line may be frozen, clogged, broken or no longer well connected to the pump. The sump pit and basin may be too large or too deep.

A common reason for sump pump failure occurs when the system begins to operate non-stop in your basement.

A water pump that’s continuously running can overheat and eventually break-down. This is especially true if your water pump in in operation when there’s no water available in the pit, water is needed to help keep the water pumping system cool while it is running.

Other problems with a non-stop running sump pump system have obvious causes and common-sense solutions, such as a simple float switch issue, check valve problem… or is could be something like a irrigation line in your yard that’s cracked or a broken connection somewhere underground, a leak like this will provide an abundant supply of water for your sump pump am may be causing it to run continuously. Additional plumbing leaks, such as a broken sewer-line underneath a home, could also be the issue.  It’s best to call an expert in to trouble shoot the problem!

Some sumps are constructed with a fixed-float switch that’s designed to avoid water pump failures, minimizing the likelihood of any potential flooding problem and providing peace of mind while protecting your Chilliwack property.

Sump Pump Has Stopped Operating

Many things can cause a pump to cease operation and fail to restart for a variety of reasons. It might just be a simple problem that quick to fix – one that you can take care of yourself, inspect the electrical panel and look for a tripped circuit breaker, has the water pump become unplugged?  Best to look for the obvious first before calling in your Chilliwack sump pump technician as there may be clogs in the system or a float switch issue.

Frequent On-off Cycling of a Sump Pump

Pump cycling can be due to an installation concern, perhaps the system is not properly sized at the time of installation and the sump pit it to small. The problem may be a simple as a minor adjustment, at any rate you should have the system serviced because a cycling pump will likely overheat and fail prematurely.

Sump Pump Odors Issues and Humidity

Proper sump well design and installation is important.  The sump pump lid should be airtight with rubber grommets sealing around the pipes and wires.  This should keep the odors and humidity from rising out of the sump pit and reduces noise. Seal lids also prevent debris from entering the system and stops people from tripping over an open hole.

If your sump basin is connected to a sewer drain… not unlike other drains, a sump construction includes a basin trap that contains water to prevent sewage gas from backing-up and entering your home environment.  If it has been dry and there has not been an influx of water for a few weeks, the water normally contained in the trap has probably dried out, allowing the strong odor of sulfur dioxide to escape into basement air, sump odor can be quite vile.

There is no need to let sump pit odors take over your home. It imperative to confirm that there’s always some water in the basin trap all the time, not a lot but just enough water to cover the discharge pipes and drain lines.

The best way to get rid of the sump pit smell is to mix a diluted bleach solution of approximately one cup of 6% household bleach to a gallon of water and pour it into the basin until the float switch activates, this will disinfect the system and greatly reduce the odor.  You can also carefully scrub-down the sides of the sump basin, this procedure will help reduce the odor.

TIP: When working with chlorine (bleach) you may want to wear protection for eyes and lungs, change into some old clothes… all it takes is a little splash to ruin clothing.

Sewer Seepage

The sump basin is designed to contain groundwater that is rising from under the foundation.  Once the water level is up the sump pump is triggered to pump the groundwater up a discharge pipe and away from the home.  It there is any chance of sewage leaking from a broken sewer pipe it may have the ability to seep into the rising groundwater and eventually contaminate the sump basin, too. If raw sewage has entered the sump basin it may create a very noticeable odor.  If sump pump odor is an ongoing issue it would be wise to have the system examined by a professional.

Sump Pump Discharge Line Freezes

A frozen sump discharge line signals is not good news for a homeowner who has a sump pump installed in the basement. When a pump’s hose freezes or becomes blocked with ice this will cause the water pumping system  to work harder causing the pump to eventually fail from overheating.

Once a sump pump is iced up it will not discharge the groundwater that is accumulating around the foundation. It’s important to not permit the pump lines to freeze possibly allowing the basement to flood.

Tips to Prevent a Pump Discharge Line from Freezing

The sump pump discharge line should be either buried in the yard below the frost line or extended out above-grade at a downward slope.

If the drainpipe is buried, it should be buried at least 5” below the frost-line / the frost-line is the maximum depth of ground below where the soil does not freeze. The section of pipe where the pipe meets the ground at the frost line and at the end of the line where the water distributes is where the drainpipe typically will freeze

If you do decide to operate your sump pump system with an above-grade drainage the discharge line should be extended away from the building at a downward slope.  If the pipe is nicely sloped, gravity will help keep the water flowing during freezing temperatures as standing water in the pipe is far more likely to freeze.

It’s not necessary for the slope to be steep, but the slope does need to be continuous so the water will naturally flow downward without resting within the pipe.  It’s best that the waterline is smooth, rigid, and resistant to freezing temperatures the line need connect to the end of the discharge line and the water should be discharged at least 6 m away from the foundation.

The sump pump discharge and the intake section should be insulated and protected from freezing.  A larger diameter pipe can be attached to the end of sump pump hose using wires and clamps, leaving air gap between the hose and the larger pipe. As a easier insulation method, the outside pipe with can be covered with straw and a tarp.

TIP: Never pour automotive anti-freeze into a sump pump if it freezes, if the pipe does freeze it would be best to use portable heaters to thaw.  Using a blow torch to thaw the line is not a great idea either, it can cause both damage and injury.

It’s important to check the sump basin regularly, test your water pump system periodically to ensure that it is working properly. Do not discharge evacuated water onto a sidewalk or driveway it may cause dangerous icy conditions.

Sump Pump is Not Keeping Up

You can have a secondary pump installed in the sump pit; this will also require the installation of an additional discharge line. This ensures that the pipes will not become overwhelmed and protects the dual pumps from going back and forth between each other. Discharge lines should never be tied together within the interior of a home!

Sump Pump Loses Power

The circuit breaker may trip, perhaps the pump has become unplugged, or is the power down in the entire neighborhood?  Regardless of the reason for the loss of power a home should always have secondary battery operated backup pump that can take over in the event of a Chilliwack power-outage, it will continue to protect your home for many hours or even days if required.

Improper Sump Discharge Lines

Discharge water from a sump pump should be pumped to the exterior of a home rather than dumping it into a sewer line, it’s a possible disaster waiting to happen, is against code in many municipalities.

Contact Chilliwack Well Drilling  778-860-422

A: Sump Pump Replacement Cost in Chilliwack:

 

Eventually a sump pump will need replacement, or the pump will require a repair unless it has completely failed and no longer operates, then pump replacement will be the best option.

Before determining the cost to replace your sump pump in Chilliwack it might be good to figure out whether the pump actually needs to be replaced or whether a simple pump repair can resolve the issue without paying the cost to replace the sump pumping device.

 If you’re ready to replace the pump, there are numerous factors that can affect the replacement cost of a sump pump.  We need to consider the type of pump matters, is it a submersible pump?  Submersible pumps are more expensive to replace than a pedestal pump, but again it will depend on your existing equipment.

If you need more information regarding the replacement cost of your water pump you can request an online estimate of call Chilliwack Pump Installation & Repairs 778-860-4220

A: What is the expected lifespan of a pump?:

 

 

Contact Chilliwack Pump Installation & Repairs Services  778-860-4220

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Chilliwack Testing Laboratories Near You

 Chilliwack, Agassiz, Bridal Falls, Chilliwack River Valley, Columbia Valley, Chilliwack Mountain,
Cultus Lake, Fairfield Island, Greendale, Kent, Little Mountain, Popkum,
 Promontory Heights, Rosedale, Ryder Lake,Yarrow, Sardis, Vedder Crossing and Hope

Floodplain Management Bylaw for Residential Construction in Chilliwack - Bylaw No. 4519

Chilliwack Floodplain Management Bylaw
For Residential Construction

Floodplain Management Bylaw for Residential Construction in Chilliwack


Much of the City of Chilliwack
lies in the floodplain of the Fraser River to the north, the Vedder River to the south, the Sumas River to the west or one of several creeks entering the valley from hillside areas.

In order to reduce the potential damage which would occur should one or more of these rivers spill over their banks or protective dykes, the Province of British Columbia developed appropriate flood-proofing guidelines for various forms of development. These guidelines form the basis of the City of Chilliwack’s Floodplain Regulation Bylaw No. 4519. This Bylaw, adopted by Council, regulates construction elevation requirements for new development in the floodplain.

1. HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Floodplain elevation requirements consist of the applicable ‘Flood Construction Level’ (FCL), plus 0.6m Freeboard;
  • The 0.6m Freeboard requirement may be waived provided the owner registers a Section 219 Covenant against the title of the property, and provides a Qualified Professional’s report indicating that the property may be safely used for the intended purpose;
  • FCL’s within the Agricultural Land Reserve, on properties protected by standard dykes, have generally been standardized at 1.2m above the natural ground elevation. The owner is required to register a Covenant with respect to the flooding of the property or flood damage.

2. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT:

  • General Floodplain Area (not special cases):
    • The underside of the lowest habitable floor or the pad height for a mobile home must be constructed to Flood Construction Level (FCL) plus 0.6m Freeboard;
    • Garage, carport, entrance foyer are exempt;
    • No basement (maximum 1.5m deep crawlspace permitted subject to local drainage requirements);
    • The 0.6m Freeboard requirement may be waived provided the owner registers a Covenant against the title of the property and provides a Qualified Professional’s report indicating that the property may be safely used for the intended purpose; and
    • The area below the FCL as applied to a residential use, may be used for utility room, workshop or indoor recreation uses provided that:
      • the floor level of these areas is at least 0.3m above the crown of the road and;
      • the owner enters in to a Covenant absolving the City of liability with respect to the flooding of the property or flood damage
  • Non-ALR areas in Greendale and Yarrow:
    • The underside of the lowest habitable floor may be constructed to not less than 1.2m above natural ground elevation or 0.3m above the crown of the adjacent road, whichever is greater, provided:
      • the owner provides a report from a Qualified Professional that the land can be used safely for the intended purpose, and;
      • the owner enters in to a Covenant absolving the City of liability with respect to the flooding of the property or flood damage.
  • Dwellings on parcels within the ALR:
    • The underside of the lowest habitable floor may be constructed to not less than 1.2m above natural ground elevation or 0.3m above the crown of the adjacent road, whichever is greater, provided:
      • the property is protected by a standard dyke, and;
      • the owner enters in to a Covenant absolving the City of liability with respect to the flooding of the property or flood damage.
  • Alluvial Fan Areas:
    • A site specific assessment by a Qualified Professional is required to determine building setback and elevation requirements;
    • An engineered concrete foundation shall extend to a minimum of 1.0m above grade at any point on the perimeter of the building
  • Building Size Exemption:
    • The elevation requirements in the Bylaw do not apply to a renovation or addition to a building that would increase the size of the building, at the original non-conforming elevation, by less than 25% of the floor area that existed at the time of the adoption of the previous Floodplain Bylaw. (March 1997)


    British Columbia Integrated Flood Hazard Management

    City of Chilliwack Bylaws:

Chilliwack Water Well Services

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Chilliwack, Agassiz, Bridal Falls, Chilliwack River Valley, Columbia Valley, Chilliwack Mountain,
Cultus Lake, Fairfield Island, Greendale, Kent, Little Mountain, Popkum,
 Promontory Heights, Rosedale, Ryder Lake,Yarrow, Sardis, Vedder Crossing and Hope

Sump Pump Services for the Following Chilliwack Area Codes

V2P 0A1, V2P 0A2, V2P 0A3, V2P 0A4, V2P 0A5, V2P 0A6, V2P 0A7, V2P 0A8, V2P 0A9, V2P 0B1, V2P 0B2, V2P 0B3, V2P 0B4, V2P 0B5, V2P 0B7, V2P 0B8, V2P 0B9, V2P 0C2, V2P 0C3, V2P 0C4, V2P 0C5, V2P 0C7, V2P 0C8, V2P 0E1, V2P 0E2, V2P 0E3, V2P 0E5, V2P 0E6, V2P 0E7, V2P 0E8, V2P 0E9, V2P 0G1, V2P 0G2, V2P 1A1, V2P 1A2, V2P 1A3, V2P 1A4, V2P 1A5, V2P 1A6, V2P 1A7, V2P 1A8, V2P 1A9, V2P 1B1, V2P 1B2, V2P 1B3, V2P 1B4, V2P 1B5, V2P 1B6, V2P 1B7, V2P 1B8, V2P 1B9, V2P 1C1, V2P 1C2, V2P 1C3, V2P 1C4, V2P 1C5, V2P 1C6, V2P 1C7, V2P 1C8, V2P 1C9, V2P 1E1, V2P 1E2, V2P 1E3, V2P 1E4, V2P 1E5, V2P 1E6, V2P 1E7, V2P 1E8, V2P 1E9, V2P 1G1, V2P 1G2, V2P 1G3, V2P 1G5, V2P 1G6, V2P 1G7, V2P 1G8, V2P 1H1, V2P 1H2, V2P 1H3, V2P 1H4, V2P 1H5, V2P 1H6, V2P 1H7, V2P 1H8, V2P 1H9, V2P 1J1, V2P 1J2, V2P 1J3, V2P 1J5, V2P 1J6, V2P 1J7, V2P 1J8, V2P 1J9, V2P 1K1, V2P 1K2, V2P 1K3, V2P 1K4, V2P 1K5, V2P 1K6, V2P 1K7, V2P 1K8, V2P 1K9, V2P 1L1, V2P 1L2, V2P 1L3, V2P 1L4, V2P 1L5, V2P 1L6, V2P 1L7, V2P 1L8, V2P 1L9, V2P 1M1, V2P 1M2, V2P 1M4