Why sump pumps keep working in winter
A sump pump collects groundwater from around your foundation and pushes it outside through a discharge line, usually a pipe or hose that ends somewhere in the yard. Groundwater does not stop in winter. Mid-winter thaws, rain on snow and spring melt can all send water toward the foundation, so the pump may cycle on and off even in January.
The trouble starts outside. The last few metres of the discharge line sit in cold air or shallow soil. Water left standing in a low spot can freeze, and once the end of the line is blocked by ice or a snow pile, the pump keeps pushing against it.
Warning signs of a frozen or blocked line
- The pump runs much longer than usual, or starts and stops very often.
- Water is rising in the sump pit even though the pump is running.
- You hear the pump humming but see no water coming out at the outlet.
- There is a growing mound of ice at the end of the line, or no outlet visible at all because it is under snow.
- Water is leaking from a joint in the line near the house.
A pump that cannot discharge can overheat or wear out, and water in the pit can back up into the basement. If you see these signs, it is worth acting quickly.
Simple steps to prevent freezing
- Know where your discharge line ends before the first snowfall, and mark the outlet with a stake so it is easy to find under snow.
- Make sure the line slopes downhill all the way, so water drains out instead of sitting in a dip and freezing.
- Keep the outlet clear of snow. Do not shovel or blow snow onto the end of the line, and ask anyone clearing your property not to pile snow there.
- Remove kinks and low spots in flexible hoses, which tend to trap water.
- Ask a plumber about a freeze-resistant outlet fitting, which lets water escape near the house if the line further out freezes. A plumber can also advise whether your line should be buried deeper or rerouted.
If the line is already frozen, do not use an open flame on it. Call a plumber, especially if water is rising in the pit. These are general tips, and a licensed plumber is the right person for anything inside the house or the pump itself.
The driveway and walkway problem
Some discharge lines end on or near the driveway or a walkway. In winter, that water spreads across the surface and freezes into a sheet of ice, often in the same spot every time the pump runs. The same thing happens with downspouts, which our guide on why ice forms under downspouts explains.
Moving the outlet so it drains onto the lawn, away from the foundation and away from paths, is the best long-term fix. Until then, this is a refreeze spot to watch closely, and a good place for salt. If people walk past it every day, a regular salt routine matters more than an occasional bag from the garage. See what to do if ice builds up on your steps overnight for more on refreeze.
Where snow piles go matters
Snow cleared from a driveway has to go somewhere, usually along the edges and on the lawn. If that is where your sump outlet is, a growing snowbank can bury it. When you request a quote, mention where your discharge outlet is so it can be noted, and keep it marked for the season. The same goes for furnace and water heater vents; see keeping furnace vents and gas meters clear of snow.
How a seasonal plan helps
A seasonal snow removal plan clears your driveway automatically from December 1 to March 31 whenever 5 cm or more falls. In long storms we come back for return visits, the City windrow at the end of the driveway is cleared, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit. Seasonal salt covers freezing rain and refreeze visits, which suits a driveway with a known wet spot.
Prices (all plus HST):
- Single or 1.5-car driveway: $650 to $725 for the season
- Double driveway: $815
- 3-car, paver or stamped driveway: $1,050
- Walkway and steps: from $150, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps; sidewalk $90
- Seasonal salt, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
- Pet-safe de-icer: $120
- Priority early-morning clearing: $125
- Season extension from November 1 to April 15: add $95
Prefer to pay only when you need it? Per-visit snow removal is $70 to $85 a visit. Seasonal plans take a 30% deposit with the balance before December 1, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, are registered with WSIB and are LPMA members.
Get a quote
Every quote is measured from City of London maps, and residential quotes come back within 1 business day. Ask for a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702.
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