Our sump pump failed during the major April storm in 2025 and we got 3 inches of water in our basement. Sharing what happened and the full system upgrade we did afterward.
What Failed
Primary pump was 11 years old - a standard 1/3 HP plastic Zoeller from the previous owner. Float switch stuck. By the time we got home, there was 3 inches of water across the entire basement floor (fortunately unfinished at the time).
Damage: hot water heater wiring ($280 repair), two storage boxes of books and clothes (irreplaceable), one box of tools ($400 replacement). Total: $1,200+ in damage.
The Upgrade
Hired a plumber/waterproofing company to do a full sump system replacement.
New Primary: Wayne CDU980E (3/4 HP, cast iron)
- 4,600 GPH at 10 ft head (significant upgrade from 1/3 HP)
- Cast iron volute - far more durable than plastic
- Installed new check valve and discharge line
- Cost: $680 installed
Basement Watchdog Emergency Backup
- Dedicated backup pump on AGM deep-cycle battery
- Float set 2 inches higher than primary float
- Activates if primary fails OR if power goes out
- 7-hour run capacity at moderate cycle rate
- Includes alarm if backup activates (phone notification)
- Cost: $650 installed
Total system: $1,330 installed
One Year Later
Backup activated twice during subsequent storms (power blips that lasted under 2 hours each). Both times the basement stayed dry. The primary has handled two significant spring melt seasons without issue.
What I Would Tell Anyone Considering a “Wait and See” Approach
Do not wait for a failure. An 11-year-old pump in Ontario should be replaced proactively. The $1,330 for a proper system is cheap insurance against $5,000-$50,000 in basement damage.