Do You Need a Sump Pump?
Calgary’s dry, sunny reputation can be misleading. Plenty of local basements still flood, especially homes near the Bow and Elbow rivers, on low-lying lots, or sitting on a high water table.
Add spring snowmelt and our freeze-thaw cycles, and groundwater can find its way into your basement long before you notice a problem.
You’re a stronger candidate for a sump pump system if your home has:
- Close proximity to the Bow or Elbow rivers
- A low-lying lot where water naturally collects
- A high water table in the area
- A finished or partially finished basement worth protecting
- Exposure to freeze-thaw cycles and heavy spring snowmelt
Flooding is the most common and costliest natural hazard in Canada. It accounts for roughly half of all home insurance claims, and the average cost to repair a flooded basement is over $40,000. Across the country, flooding causes over $2 billion in insured losses every year.
It’s also worth knowing where the responsibility sits.
The City of Calgary is clear that basement flooding is the homeowner’s responsibility, and the City does not pump water out of basements. Maintaining your sump pump is also your responsibility, as is any damage caused by a malfunction.
Not sure whether you need one? Our skilled and knowledgeable Calgary plumbers will assess your home honestly, and we’ll never recommend work you don’t need.
Call us today at 403-274-1166 or contact us online to talk about the right sump pump system for your home.



