A sump pump is only as reliable as the power supply behind it, and in Scarborough, the same storms that raise groundwater levels near the Bluffs, Highland Creek, and the Rouge valley are often the ones most likely to knock out electricity. A battery backup system keeps your primary pump running, or activates a secondary pump, when the power drops, closing a gap that leaves many otherwise well-protected basements vulnerable at exactly the wrong moment.
We install battery backup systems alongside new or existing sump pumps, sizing the battery and secondary pump to match how long an outage might realistically last and how much water your property tends to bring in during a heavy storm. This is especially relevant in finished basements and basement apartments across Agincourt, Malvern, and West Hill, where even a short period without pumping can lead to real damage.
Signs You Need Battery Backup Systems
Consider a battery backup if any of the following apply to your home:
You've lost power during a storm before
If your area has experienced outages during heavy rain, your sump pump has likely gone silent at the worst possible time.
Your basement is finished or rented out
Finished spaces and basement apartments have more to lose from even a brief pump outage than an unfinished storage area.
Your primary pump has no backup at all
A single pump with no secondary protection means any failure, power-related or mechanical, leaves the basement fully exposed.
Your neighbourhood is prone to outages
Areas with older overhead power lines or heavy tree cover can see more frequent outages during wind and rain events.
You've had flooding during a past power interruption
A previous flood tied to lost power is a clear sign the current setup needs additional protection.
You're already planning a sump pump installation or replacement
Adding backup protection at the same time is far simpler than retrofitting it in later.
How We Do It
How we install a battery backup system:
Step 1: Assessing your primary pump setup
We check your existing sump pump, pit size, and discharge configuration to determine what backup capacity makes sense.
Step 2: Selecting a backup pump and battery
We choose a secondary pump and battery combination suited to your pit and the typical duration of outages in your area.
Step 3: Installing the secondary pump
The backup pump is set in the same pit alongside the primary unit, ready to activate automatically if power is lost or the main pump fails.
Step 4: Battery and charger setup
We install the battery and charging unit in an accessible, dry location so it stays maintained and ready between uses.
Step 5: Alarm configuration
Where included, we set up an alarm to notify you if the backup system activates, so you're aware even if you're not home.
Step 6: Testing under simulated outage
We test the system by disconnecting main power to confirm the backup pump engages and clears water as expected.
Battery backup protection for Scarborough basements
Homes in Cliffside, Guildwood, and Birch Cliff often sit on streets with mature tree cover and older overhead wiring, both of which contribute to power interruptions during the same severe storms that raise water levels near the Bluffs. Without a backup, a sump pump can be perfectly functional and still fail simply because the electricity feeding it goes out.
The City of Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, described on the city's site at https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/water-environment/managing-rain-melted-snow/basement-flooding/basement-flooding-protection-subsidy-program/, provides up to $300 toward a battery backup system for eligible homes as of May 1, 2026, for work carried out on or after November 12, 2025, as part of an overall combined maximum of $6,650 that also covers sump pumps and backwater valves at up to 80% of eligible costs. These are figures set and maintained by the City of Toronto and may change, so we'd recommend reviewing the current program page before finalizing your plans.
Why Choose Scarborough Plumbing
Closing the power gap
We focus on the exact scenario where basements flood most, storms combined with power loss, rather than assuming the grid will hold.
Sized to your situation
We match battery capacity and backup pump strength to your basement rather than installing a one-size-fits-all unit.
Works with what you have
We can add a backup to most existing sump pump setups without needing to replace the primary pump.
Support programs explained clearly
We can walk you through how the City of Toronto's subsidy program may apply to battery backup costs, so you can factor that into your decision.
Battery Backup Systems FAQs
How long does a battery backup pump run for?
Runtime depends on the battery size and how much water needs to be pumped, so we size the system based on your typical storm conditions.
Can a backup system work with my existing sump pump?
In most cases yes, a secondary pump and battery can be added to an existing pit without replacing the primary pump.
Do I need to maintain the battery?
Batteries do need periodic checking to ensure they're holding a charge, similar to any standby battery system in a home.
Does the City subsidy cover the entire backup system cost?
The program contributes up to a set amount toward eligible battery backup costs, so some cost typically remains with the homeowner; the city's page has current details.
Will an alarm let me know if the backup pump activates?
Yes, we can include an alarm so you're alerted if the backup system engages, even while you're away from home.
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Questions? Call (647) 249-7335 or send the form below.