Causes, Common Mistakes, and Permanent Waterproofing Solutions for Canadian Homes

Most of us don’t think about our sump pump until it makes itself known. You expect it to kick in when it’s pouring outside, not when the weather has been bone-dry for weeks. If your pump seems to run all the time, it’s not just annoying background noise—it’s a sign something’s off with your basement or foundation.

As a homeowner, it’s easy to wonder: Is this normal? Should I be worried? The short answer is yes—because a sump pump that never shuts off can wear itself out quickly, leaving you unprotected when you need it most. Let’s break down why it happens, what not to do, and how permanent fixes like sump pump installation, foundation waterproofing, and proper basement drainage systems can save you a lot of headaches.

Why Would a Sump Pump Run Non-Stop?

There are a handful of reasons your sump pump might not be taking a break, even when the sky is clear:

High Water Table

Many Canadian homes, especially in Ontario, sit in areas where the groundwater is naturally high. Even if it hasn’t rained, that water is still pressing against your foundation, which keeps the pump running.

Stuck Float Switch

If the float that tells the pump when to turn on gets jammed or breaks, your pump can’t tell the difference between a full pit and an empty one.

Check Valve Problems

A missing or damaged valve means water keeps flowing back into the pit. The pump runs, clears it, and then the pit fills up again.

Blocked Discharge Line

A clogged, frozen, or poorly sloped pipe outside can make the pump run endlessly because it can’t push the water far enough away.

Pump Size or Age

Sometimes the pump itself is the problem. If it’s undersized, it’ll run constantly to keep up. If it’s oversized, it may short cycle. And if it’s old, the motor may simply be wearing out.

Also Read: The importance of sump-pump basement waterproofing

What Homeowners Often Try (and Why It Doesn’t Last)

It’s tempting to run to the hardware store and grab a quick patch or sealant when you see water seeping in. But these “fixes” almost always come back to haunt you:

Paint-On Sealants:

They might look promising at first, but they only cover the surface. The water pressure below ground doesn’t go away—it simply finds another crack.

Quick Patch Kits:

These are stop-gaps. They work for a little while, then fail as soon as the soil shifts or the pressure builds.

Ignoring Drainage Issues:

Without proper basement drainage systems, no amount of patching will keep water out.

The reality is: these products buy you time at best. At worst, they give you a false sense of security while the real problem quietly gets worse.

Also Read: Stop your basement leaking after heavy rain

What the Pros Do Differently

When you call in a professional team like City Wide Group, the process is about solving the source of the issue—not covering it up. Here’s what a professional can do:

Expert Sump Pump Installation

Choosing the right size pump and installing it correctly makes all the difference. A check valve, back-up system, and proper pit depth all matter.

Foundation Waterproofing

The most effective way to stop water problems is to keep water away from your foundation altogether. City Wide Group uses exterior excavation, membranes, and drainage mats that create a permanent barrier.

Basement Drainage Systems

Interior drains and weeping tiles redirect water before it can build up, taking the workload off your sump pump.

Long-Term Protection

Unlike a patch or sealant, City Wide Group backs their work with a lifetime warranty that even transfers if you sell your home. That’s a fix you can trust.

Why Pumps Run Even in Dry Weather

This surprises a lot of homeowners. You’d think no rain means no pumping. But in reality:

  • Spring snow melt can keep soil saturated long after the snow is gone.
  • Construction nearby can alter groundwater flow, sending more water your way.
  • Heavy clay soils in many Ontario neighbourhoods hold onto water for weeks.

So, even on sunny days, your pump might still be battling what’s happening underground.

A Canadian Perspective

Basement flooding isn’t just a nuisance—it’s one of the most expensive and common types of property damage across Canada. The Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo published a report called Water on the Rise, warning that groundwater and drainage issues are a growing threat to Canadian homes.

Natural Resources Canada also highlights that overworked sump pumps often fail years earlier than expected, especially if they’re running around the clock.

What You Can Do

Here’s a practical checklist if your pump doesn’t stop:

How City Wide Group Can Help

For more than 60 years, City Wide Group has been the best basement waterproofing company and helps Toronto homeowners keep their basements dry. City Wide Group has specialized experience in services like sump pump installation and full foundation waterproofing. We also provide comprehensive interior and exterior waterproofing as well as custom drainage solutions.

City Wide Group don’t offer temporary patches—they provide permanent solutions backed by a lifetime warranty. Whether your pump is running non-stop because of high groundwater, poor drainage, or a failing system, their licensed project managers will figure it out and fix it right the first time.

Final Takeaway

If your sump pump never gets a break, it’s trying to tell you something. Pumps aren’t built to run day and night, and when they do, it usually means there’s a bigger issue at play.

The truth is, paint-on sealants and quick patch jobs don’t hold up. They hide the problem for a while, but water always finds a way back in. That’s when homeowners end up spending more down the road.

The smarter move is to deal with the source—through proper sump pump installation, solid foundation waterproofing, and well-planned basement drainage systems.

City Wide Group has been helping families across Toronto and the GTA with exactly that for more than 60 years. They don’t just patch leaks—they fix them for good, and they stand behind their work with a lifetime warranty.