Permit-compliant installs
New sump pit and pump installations are completed with the required permit and inspection.
Why a Working Sump Pump Matters in Ottawa
Spring thaw and heavy rain push groundwater toward Ottawa basements through weeping tile and foundation drains, and a sump pump is what keeps that water from pooling in the sump pit and rising into the basement. A pump that fails during that window – from age, a stuck float switch, or a power outage – is one of the more expensive plumbing emergencies a homeowner can face, since basement flooding often isn't covered by standard home insurance.
New Installation vs. Repair
New Pit & Pump
A new pit and pump, sized to your property's drainage needs.
Pump Replacement
Faster and less costly than a full new install when the pit itself is still sound.
Diagnosing a Noisy or Cycling Pump
Constant running, odd cycling, or grinding usually signals a failing switch or motor.
The City of Ottawa's Residential Protective Plumbing Program currently rebates up to $3,000 toward a sump pump installed in a new pit, or $1,500 for a pump in an existing pit, for eligible homes built before January 1, 2004, plus 100% of the building permit fee. The rebate covers new installations, not straight pump-for-pump replacements, and the application has to be submitted within 12 months of the permit date – we can tell you whether a property looks eligible before work starts, though final confirmation is always through the City's own program.
What a Sump Pump System Includes
Sump Pit
The basin that collects groundwater before it's pumped out.
Primary Pump
Sized to the property's drainage needs and the pit's water volume.
Check Valve & Discharge Line
Keeps pumped water from flowing back into the pit between cycles.
Why Ottawa Plumbing Experts for Sump Pump Work
Rebate guidance
We can flag whether your property looks eligible for the City's protective plumbing rebate before work starts.
Repair or full install
Whether it's a failed pump in an existing pit or a home with no sump system at all.
Sump Pump FAQs
Does the City of Ottawa offer a rebate for sump pumps?
Yes – currently up to $3,000 for a new pit and pump, or $1,500 for a pump in an existing pit, for eligible homes built before January 1, 2004, plus the building permit fee. Confirm current eligibility with the City's program directly.
How often should I test my sump pump?
Testing it before spring thaw and after any long dry stretch is a reasonable habit – pour water into the pit and confirm the pump activates and drains it.
Does a new sump pump installation need a permit?
Yes, and it's also required to qualify for the City's rebate program – we pull the permit as part of the installation.
What does it mean if my sump pump runs constantly?
Usually a failing float switch or a pump that's undersized or wearing out – worth having checked before it fails during a storm.