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Does Insurance Cover Sump Pump Failure or Repair?

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a submersible device installed in a sump pit dug at the lowest point of your home, usually the basement, designed to collect water that filters through the loose earth outside your home. Not all homes have sump pumps – if you live in a dry area or the builders did not consider one a necessary addition, you likely wouldn’t have one.

This small but mighty piece of equipment has countless benefits, including :

Reduce mould damage, mildew, and fungus growth from a damp basement. Provide peace of mind, no matter if there is a downpour or freeze/thaw. Defend your basement from the risk of flooding and damage from it. Goes above the basic requirements of being a homeowner who wants to protect their home.

If you have a finished basement, previous water problems, or live in a location with heavy rain or snow, you may want to consider investing in a sump pump if there is not one already.

Does having a sump pump affect insurance cost?

Having a sump pump can not only protect your home from flooding, but it can also lower your coverage costs. Since a sump pump lowers your risk for a claim, some insurers offer discounts for your due diligence to mitigate potential accidents.

Is sump pump failure covered by insurance?

If your sump pump experiences an accidental failure that damages your home, you’ll only be covered if you have water damage insurance or another endorsement supporting related damages. Often, policies will not cover the sump pump repair or replacement in the event of a claim, but always check with your provider to confirm if it’s included.

Insurance companies will cover the damage caused by the water, but they will not cover the source of the damage, such as the sump pump. The homeowner will be responsible for paying the deductible and replacing the sump pump, which also includes hiring a plumber to repair or replace the sump pump.

Does insurance cover sump pump installation?

If you are installing a sump pump to prevent future mishaps, your insurer may be able to assist you with the costs. This decision will vary by each insurer, but it is worth asking before you begin the project.

Some towns and cities may offer a sump pump installation rebate.

Types of sump pumps

There are two types of sump pumps - primary or backup. Ideally, your home has one of each because the backup sump pump will kick in if the primary fails, or if the water intake is too high to handle. There are combination sump pumps available for purchase.

There are also two different types of sump pumps for Canadian homeowners – submersible and pedestal.

Submersible pumps sit inside the pit while submerged in the water. They are more affordable, but they can be more challenging to maintain. Pedestal sump pumps are designed to be upright devices with the pump motor sitting on top. There will be an intake device at the bottom to collect water.

When you get a sump pump installed or repaired, you’ll want to work with an expert to determine the flow rate and the correct distance for optimal flow.

Sump pump backup systems

One of the most important features to invest in, especially to lower your home insurance costs, is a backup power source. Here is a look at the options.

Water powered backup : This type of sump pump backup can run for an unlimited amount of time and have a longer life span (up to 20 years or more). There is no need to worry about replacing the battery or power outages affecting the system, since it is not connected to an electrical current; they are simply water-powered. Keep in mind they do need a consistent, high-pressure flow to work correctly. Battery Operated backup : Battery operated backups are the most common type of sump pump. They are connected to a large battery. If there is a power outage, you risk the sump pump not functioning, which can lead to water damage since it is not running. They generally need to be replaced every three years, and you’ll need to buy replacement batteries every few years. Sump pump alarm : You can add a sump pump alarm, or seek out a model that has one included. This addition can also be a bonus for your insurer to offer a discount.

What does a sump pump do?

Sump pumps are designed to move water from your home and divert it safely away from the foundation of your building. They are pits dug into the basement that collect water with the assistance of sensors and other mechanics.

Once the equipment is activated, it uses about one gallon of city water to pump two gallons from the pit. A total of three gallons will be removed from your home, reducing the risk of flooding. The amount of water being diverted will depend on the type of pump you have.

Since intense rainfall and weather can cause power outages, many pumps have battery backups to ensure they continue functioning.

How do sump pumps work?

Sump pumps work by collecting rain and flood water from your home. When the water reaches a certain level, the float activator triggers the pump, causing the pit to empty of water. Once it is activated, the pump will move water through the discharge pipe to outside your home.

There is also a motor which is powered by electricity, and some models have a backup battery, which will ensure your equipment keeps working even if there is a power outage.

6 Sump pump maintenance tips

Once a sump pump is installed, it’s important to follow a few steps to keep it working properly. By following these six tips, you can be sure yours is working the next time you do your autumn or spring home maintenance checklist.

Check to see if the discharge piping is free of any obstructions. Look at the power source, switches, and electric cord to ensure they are all plugged in properly and functioning safely. Clean the grate every six months to prevent dirt accumulation and check the discharge line outside for any debris. Ensure the outlet piping is attached properly and at the correct distance from the foundation of your building. Test the pump on a dry day by dumping a bucket of water into the reservoir. Take note of how long it takes to start – delays could mean potential malfunctions. Ensure the pump is straight up – if it is not sitting upright, the float arm can become jammed and fail.

If you have any issues or questions, contact a reputable technician to take a look at your system.

Sump Pumps FAQs

A sump pump replacement will cost between $28 and $500, depending on the type you replace it with. If you do the project yourself, it will keep costs lower compared to hiring someone to do the work. Depending on the damage, your Ontario home insurance may help with replacement or repairs.

On average, sump pumps last 10-15 years. The lifespan of your water heater is influenced by the level of dirt and acidity in the water in your area. Keep an eye on your system - if you notice any malfunctions or delays in functionality, it may be time for a new pump.

If you’ve ever had your basement flooded, live in an area that receives heavy snow/rainfall, or live in an area with a high risk of flooding, you should consider installing a sump pump.

Limit the risk of water related claims with a sump pump

Sump pumps play a crucial role in keeping excess water out of your home. Some insurers will offer a discount on specific setups and for having a battery backup model. Please speak to our experts to ensure you are optimizing savings and safety on your next water damage insurance.