We install, repair and replace sump pumps, add battery backups, and install backwater valves that stop city sewer water from flowing back into your home during heavy storms.
You may need sump or backwater work if
- Your sump pump runs constantly, or never seems to run at all
- The pump is noisy, vibrates or is more than 7–10 years old
- Water collects in the crawl space or along basement walls after rain
- Your floor drain has backed up during a storm
- Your home has no backwater valve, or nobody has checked it in years
- You're finishing a basement and want to protect the investment
Sump pump installation and repair
We size the pump to your pit and inflow, install a check valve so water doesn't drain back in, and route the discharge where it won't recirculate. For repairs we replace float switches, check valves and failed pumps, and clean out the pit. A battery backup or water-powered backup keeps the pump running when the power goes out — which is usually exactly when a storm is at its worst.
Backwater valve installation
A backwater valve is a one-way gate in your main sewer line. Normal flow passes out to the city sewer; if the city line surcharges during a storm, the flap closes and keeps sewage out of your basement. Many insurers offer better coverage or require one for sewer backup protection. Installation means cutting into the main line, so we camera-inspect first to make sure the pipe around it is sound.
Backwater valves need occasional cleaning and inspection. We'll show you where yours is and how to check it.
Perimeter drains
If water is still getting in with a working pump, the problem is often a clogged or collapsed perimeter drain. We camera-inspect and flush perimeter lines and tell you whether they can be cleaned or need replacing.
How it works
- 01
Assess
We look at the pit, pump, discharge and drainage to see where the water is coming from.
- 02
Camera check
For backwater valves and perimeter drains, we inspect the line before cutting in.
- 03
Flat quote
One price for the pump, valve or drain work, including any permits needed.
- 04
Install & test
We test the pump cycle or valve operation in front of you.
What it typically costs
| Sump pump repair (float, check valve) | $200 – $450 |
| Sump pump replacement, installed | $600 – $1,400 |
| Battery backup sump system | $900 – $1,800 |
| Backwater valve installation | $1,800 – $4,000 |
Typical ranges including labour and standard parts. Every job gets one flat price, approved by you before work starts.
Common questions
How long does a sump pump last?
Typically 7–10 years, depending on how often it runs. Test it every fall before the rainy season by pouring a bucket of water into the pit.
Does my house need a backwater valve?
If you have plumbing fixtures or a floor drain below street level, a backwater valve is strongly recommended and may be required by your insurer for sewer backup coverage.
Do I need a permit for a backwater valve?
In most Metro Vancouver municipalities, yes. We'll tell you what your city requires and include it in the quote.
What happens if the power goes out?
A standard pump stops. A battery backup system takes over automatically and keeps pumping for hours.