Spring Sump Pump Maintenance & Upgrade Options for Central Alberta Homeowners

March 25, 2025

As the snow melts and spring rains begin to roll in, homeowners in Alberta need to ensure their sump pumps are ready for the season ahead. A properly maintained sump pump can protect your basement from flooding and costly water damage. Here’s what you need to know to keep your system in top shape and explore some modern upgrade options.

Essential Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

Heating and cooling account for nearly 50% of a home’s total energy use, making it the most significant energy expense for homeowners. A programmable thermostat helps you cut costs by ensuring your HVAC system runs only when needed.


1. Test the Pump – Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to make sure the pump activates and efficiently drains the water away. If it doesn’t turn on, check the power source and float switch.


2. Clean the Pit – Debris, dirt, and sludge can accumulate in the sump pit, potentially clogging the pump. Clear out any buildup to ensure smooth operation.


3. Inspect the Discharge Line – Ensure the discharge pipe is free from obstructions and directs water well away from your foundation. A frozen or clogged pipe can lead to system failure.


4. Check the Float Switch – The float switch is a key component that triggers the pump. If it’s stuck or malfunctioning, your pump may not activate when needed.


5. Examine the Power Supply – Your sump pump should be plugged into a grounded outlet, preferably with a backup battery or generator in case of power outages.


6. Consider a Backup System – Spring storms can bring power failures. A battery backup or water-powered backup system ensures your pump keeps running even when the power is out.

Essential Sump Pump Maintenance Checklist

If you’re looking to enhance your sump pump system, here are some upgrade options to consider:


  • Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Pumps – Smart sump pumps connect to your home’s Wi-Fi and send alerts to your phone if the pump fails, water levels rise too high, or power is lost.


  • Battery Backup Systems – A secondary battery-powered pump will activate if the main pump loses power or malfunctions.


  • High-Capacity Pumps – If your area is prone to heavy water flow, upgrading to a higher-capacity pump ensures water is removed more quickly and efficiently.


  • Water-Powered Backup Pumps – These systems use municipal water pressure to operate in the event of an electrical outage, eliminating the need for a battery.

Different Brands and Types of Sump Pumps Available in Alberta

When choosing a sump pump, it’s important to consider the different brands and types available on the market. Some of the most popular brands in Alberta include:


  • Zoeller – Known for their durability and reliability, Zoeller sump pumps range from $200 to $700 depending on the model and features.


  • Liberty Pumps – These pumps offer a variety of models, including high-efficiency and battery backup options, with prices between $250 and $900.


  • Wayne – A budget-friendly option, Wayne sump pumps range from $150 to $600, with many submersible and pedestal models available.


  • Superior Pump – An affordable choice for homeowners looking for basic functionality, with prices ranging from $100 to $400.


Installation costs can vary. Call us for a quote before break-up (the spring melt).

Be Ready for Spring Weather

Alberta homeowners know that spring weather can be unpredictable. Taking proactive steps to maintain and upgrade your sump pump can prevent water damage and provide peace of mind. If your pump is old or unreliable, now is the time to consider an upgrade before the heavy rains arrive.


Don’t wait until it’s too late—inspect, maintain, and upgrade your sump pump system today!

The Impact of Poor Thermostat Placement

March 25, 2025
Your thermostat measures the temperature in your home and signals your HVAC system to heat or cool accordingly. If it’s placed in the wrong location, it can provide inaccurate readings and cause your furnace or air conditioner to work inefficiently. Common issues caused by poor placement include:

Programmable Thermostats

March 25, 2025
"A programmable thermostat is a small investment with big returns in savings, comfort, and sustainability."

Spring HVAC Checklist: Get Your Furnace & AC Ready!

March 25, 2025
Transitioning from Heating to Cooling? Here’s Your Spring Checklist! Spring is here, and with Alberta’s unpredictable weather, your HVAC system needs to be ready for anything! Follow this checklist to keep your furnace and air conditioner running efficiently:  ✅ Replace Air Filters – Improve air quality and system efficiency. ✅ Check Thermostat Settings – Ensure proper calibration for seasonal changes. ✅ Schedule a Professional Tune-Up – Prevent costly breakdowns before summer. ✅ Clean Air Vents & Registers – Boost airflow and maintain indoor air quality. ✅ Inspect & Clear the Outdoor Unit – Remove debris to maximize AC performance. ✅ Test Your Air Conditioner – Catch issues early before the heat arrives. ✅ Review Energy Bills – Unusual spikes may indicate inefficiencies. Don’t wait for summer’s heat to test your AC! Book your HVAC maintenance today.

How to Fix a Room That Won’t Heat Up in Your Alberta Home

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Alberta winters can be brutal, and a room that won’t heat up properly can make your home feel uncomfortable. Whether it's an issue with insulation, airflow, or your heating system, here are the most common causes and practical solutions to get that stubbornly cold room warm and cozy.

Garburators (Garbage Disposals): How They Work and Tips to Prevent Plumbing Clogs

January 28, 2025
Garburators, also known as garbage disposals, are a popular kitchen appliance that can make food waste disposal quick and hassle-free. But how do they work, and do they clog your plumbing? The answer is simple: when used correctly, garburators should not clog your plumbing. Here’s what you need to know to keep them running smoothly.

5 Signs Your Heat Pump is Low on Refrigerant

June 28, 2024
If you rely on a Heat Pump to keep your Home or Cottage comfortable but notice that your system isn’t quite keeping up with the hot or cold weather, it might be tie for a refrigerant recharge.  Here are 5 signs that your Heat Pump is low on refrigerant.

Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner

May 31, 2024
Spring has sprung and we’re busy quoting A/C’s for our customers. Not that there’s anything wrong with an Air Conditioner, although if you are concerned about Energy Consumption, your electricity bill, or if you would like to add the option of using it for heat in the shoulder seasons. You might want to consider installing a standard Heat Pump instead of an A/C.

Monthly Maintenance Membership

May 1, 2024
Are Monthly Maintenance Memberships Worth the Money? Monthly Maintenance Memberships have features and benefits beyond a simple tune-up, when taken advantage of, these memberships can save the homeowner hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Although they are not for everyone, they are for some. Take my friend Adam for example, this guy can fix just about anything and in the rare chance that he finds himself in a pickle, he knows a guy! Sometimes that guy is even yours truly. Most people do not have “a guy” or the multitude of skills that Adam has and even if they do, they rarely have the time to deal with preventative maintenance in their busy lives. Preventive Maintenance put simply, is about fixing things before they break. Our busy lives tend to take president over remembering to maintain the pumps, motors, fans, filters, and pulleys that provide the comfort in our homes, even though these systems run on average 600 times longer and harder than your vehicle does on an annual basis. Yikes…bet you didn’t know that.