Battery Backup Sump Pump in Toronto & the GTA
Toronto & the GTA • Call 647-784-8448
Storms in Toronto often arrive with two problems at the same time: heavy rain and power outages. A primary pump cannot run when the grid is down. A battery backup sump pump runs on a sealed lead-acid battery, takes over when the primary pump cannot, and gives you hours of pumping during the exact event your basement most needs it. Tornado Plumbing & Drains installs and services battery backup systems across Toronto and the GTA.
Last updated September 5, 2026
When this service makes sense
Part of Basement Waterproofing & Flood Prevention in Toronto & the GTA
Book this service when
Book this when a storm knocked out the hydro while the pump sat idle, a single pump could not keep up with a cloudburst, or the basement is finished and a second line of defence is worth it.
Common signs
- Your basement flooded during a storm even though the sump pump itself was fine — the hydro had gone out.
- The primary pump motor burned out or the impeller jammed, and there was no second pump to take over.
- A tripped breaker or a faulted GFCI quietly took the primary offline, and nobody noticed until the pit overflowed.
- The pit overtopped during a fast melt or cloudburst because a single pump couldn't keep up with the inflow.
If you're not sure, compare these too
- Sump Pump Installation - when the primary system itself needs building or replacing
- Sump Pump Replacement - when the primary pump failed and both should be done together
On this page
Quick guide and key details
What changes price and scope
- Model: DC-only backup, AC/DC combo, or water-powered backup.
- Battery size.
- Whether it is installed with primary pump work or on its own.
How a professional visit usually unfolds
1. Plan the install
Confirm pit size, primary pump, and battery location. Most pits accommodate a backup pump alongside the primary.
2. Install secondary pump
Install backup pump in the same pit or a tied pit. Takes over when the primary cannot run.
3. Battery and controller
Mount the battery and controller, wire to the pump. Provides power during outages.
4. Test on battery
Disconnect grid power and confirm backup runs. Confirms outage protection.
5. Test alarm
Confirm low-battery and high-water alarms work. Provides warning before failure.
Recent Battery Backup Sump Pump work
These real project photos show the kind of work this service involves, so you can see examples before you book.
Battery backup sump pump system wiring
This proof photo shows the backup battery and sump components connected and ready for outage protection after the primary sump setup was completed.
Battery backup pricing (Toronto 2026)
| Scope | Starting from | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Battery backup add-on (with existing primary) | $1,080 | $1,080 to $2,200 |
| Battery backup as part of new system | $1,500 | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Battery replacement only | $280 | $280 to $600 |
| Annual battery testing / service | $150 | $150 to $300 |
Ranges are for planning and triage. Final pricing depends on access, urgency, materials, and whether the visit stays isolated once the area is opened.
Cities Where This Service Is a Strong Fit
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Licensed, insured, reviewed Toronto plumbers
- Serving Toronto & the GTA since 2015 — over 1,200 completed jobs.
- Master plumber T95-4969603 · Plumbing contractor T94-4992639 · Drain contractor T87-4722944 · Building renovator T85-4728632 · Plumbing license FI6216638.
- 4.9-star Google rating from 320+ reviews. 400+ HomeStars reviews (Best of 2019–2025). BBB-accredited.
- Same-day and after-hours dispatch across Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, York, Mississauga, and Burlington.
25-year workmanship warranty
Every job Tornado Plumbing & Drains completes in Toronto and the GTA — repair, install, replacement, drain work, sewer work, fixture work — is backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty. The written terms are provided with every quote. If our work fails within 25 years of the install date, we come back and make it right.
How a battery backup pump works alongside your primary
A battery backup unit is a second pump that sits in the same pit as your primary, set slightly higher so it only fires when the primary fails to keep up or stops entirely. Its float trips on rising water, not on grid power, so it covers both a dead primary motor and a blackout during a downpour. Runtime depends on battery amp-hours and how often the pump cycles, and most sealed batteries hold a usable charge for several years before they need swapping. Pair it with a healthy primary from our sump pump installation and the two cover each other.
Situations that send people looking for a backup pump
- Your basement flooded during a storm even though the sump pump itself was fine — the hydro had gone out.
- The primary pump motor burned out or the impeller jammed, and there was no second pump to take over.
- A tripped breaker or a faulted GFCI quietly took the primary offline, and nobody noticed until the pit overflowed.
- The pit overtopped during a fast melt or cloudburst because a single pump couldn't keep up with the inflow.
- An old AGM or water-powered backup no longer keeps pace, and you want a proper battery system in its place.
- An existing backup unit's alarm is sounding or its battery no longer holds a charge.
What's included
- Assessment of your existing pit, primary pump, and discharge line to confirm the backup will fit and share the pit correctly.
- Supply and install of the backup pump and sealed battery, mounted clear of the high-water line.
- Plumbing the backup into the discharge with its own check valve so the two pumps don't short-cycle against each other.
- Setting the backup float above the primary's so it activates only when needed, then a full cycle test on battery power.
- Installing and testing the low-battery and high-water alarm, and walking you through battery replacement intervals.
- Cleanup of the work area and removal of any old or failed backup equipment.
- Written 25-year workmanship warranty on the installation, with terms provided in your quote.
Battery backup is the right add-on when:
- Storms in your area cause power outages.
- Basement is finished or stores valuable items.
- Primary pump runs often during heavy rain.
- You leave the home for extended periods.
- Insurance recommends or requires backup pumping.
- You qualify for City of Toronto subsidy (battery backup is eligible).
Toronto subsidy eligibility
Battery backup sump pumps are eligible under the City of Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. The expanded program starts May 1, 2026, with up to $6,650 per property for eligible work completed on or after November 12, 2025. Battery backup typically counts toward the subsidy cap when paired with primary pump or backwater valve work. Confirm with the City.
Battery backup cost
Pricing depends on the model (DC-only backup, AC/DC combo unit, water-powered backup), battery size, and whether the install happens at the same time as primary pump work. Adding backup at the same visit as a primary pump replacement is the most cost-effective time to do it.
What to share when you call
- Existing pit size and primary pump details.
- Whether the basement is finished.
- Storm and outage history at the property.
- Whether you plan to apply for subsidy.
- Photos of the pit, primary pump, and discharge.
- Whether a battery already exists and how old.
Toronto context
Toronto loses power most often during the same storm events that overwhelm the primary pump — heavy rain plus wind plus tree-on-line outages. Battery backup turns 'pump fails for 6 hours' into 'pump kept running through the outage.' AGM still works for shorter runtime needs; lithium is the cleaner long-term install.
What to confirm before approving backup install
- The system should be tested on battery before sign-off.
- Battery age and replacement schedule should be set up front.
- Low-battery and high-water alarms should be tested.
Useful info on the call: pit size, primary pump, basement finish, and outage history.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the backup run on battery?
Depends on the battery size and pumping volume. Typical residential systems run several hours to most of a day during continuous pumping; longer if the pump cycles intermittently.
What is a water-powered backup?
A water-powered backup uses municipal water pressure to drive a venturi pump. It needs no electricity and no battery, but uses a lot of water during operation. It is a fit for some homes; a battery system is the more common choice.
Can the backup run if my primary pump fails (not just power loss)?
Yes. A backup pump activates whenever the water level rises high enough to trigger its float — whether the primary pump is offline due to power loss or mechanical failure.
Does battery backup qualify for the Toronto subsidy?
Yes — it is one of the eligible items under the program. Subsidy amount depends on overall scope and the property's eligibility cap.
Related services
Battery Backup Sump Pump: real customer reviews
What customers say about our battery backup sump pump work, in their own words, straight from their Google reviews.
Benjamin Forsey
August 2024“I found Tornado Plumbing & Drain's which is run by Sergey and his team after having multiple problems of poor quality works for my drainage and weeping tiles from another company. Let me start by saying Sergey's customer service is flawless he is a gentleman and so polite and caring to explain the works and process that you feel like you have known him for years. We agreed a price and date and Tornado Plumbing & Drain delivered. All of his team are really nice whenever I came to the house they were happy to show me progress and they never took a short cut with the works despite having to make good some defective works. I passed my revised drainage inspections first time with Tornado Plumbing & Drain and he also supported me getting my rebates. Sergey also has his own equipment which is rare usually other companies sub contract this out or use additional labor which costs you (the client) more money and time is construction schedule. Sergey has his own digger and a high quality drain camera so he can use his camera to find issues and defective works. He paid a lot of money for this equipment but it helps him work effectively and this in turn helps the client as he can pinpoint the defects to save the client money as he knows the issue and location ASAP. I will leave with saying this, just call Sergey for underpinning, waterproofing and plumbing and drainage works and if you are lucky enough to meet him I think the way he conducts himself you will see that my review is a genuine reflection of this honest hard working man! Finally, mesage me on here if you would like to speak to me directly as a previous client of Sergey's and if you want to come see his work I am happy to show you it at my house. I would do this for Sergey in return of his high quality work and conduct he gave me. Ben F.”
Most relevant to Basement Waterproofing & Flood Prevention in Toronto & the GTA.
Google place photo: Tornado Plumbing & DrainsClaudia Lang
May 2019“Serhij and his team did a great job on waterproofing our basement and placing a french drain, as well as hooking up a new sump pump. They dug down to the bottom of the house foundation, drained a pond that we wanted to get rid of and left the place completely tidy. All for a very fair and reasonable price. Highly recommended.”
Most relevant to Sump Pump Installation in Toronto & the GTA.
Google place photo: Tornado Plumbing & DrainsMR Verxcy
April 2019“We were happy with Tornado plumbing from start and finish. Sergey came on the time to give us a quotation,he found the cracks in our foundation wall also our sump pump didn't work also. We are 100% satisfied with the crew ,they keep job site clean even weather wasn't great, the power flash the driveway and my basement is dry we are so happy!!! Highly recommend”
Most relevant to Sump Pump Installation in Toronto & the GTA.
Google place photo: Tornado Plumbing & DrainsAuthoritative sources for this service
Public references — City of Toronto programs, federal guidelines, and standards bodies — used for the rules and figures cited on this page.
- City of Toronto — Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program(city)
- City of Toronto — Combined sewers and basement flooding(city)
- ESA — Electrical Safety Authority (Ontario electrical permits)(regulator)
- Insurance Bureau of Canada — Water damage and flooding statistics(industry)
- Environment and Climate Change Canada — Toronto precipitation data(federal)
- IICRC S500 — Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration(standard)
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Fast answers before you call
How long does the backup run on battery?
Depends on the battery size and pumping volume. Typical residential systems run several hours to most of a day during continuous pumping; longer if the pump cycles intermittently.
What is a water-powered backup?
A water-powered backup uses municipal water pressure to drive a venturi pump. It needs no electricity and no battery, but uses a lot of water during operation. It is a...
Can the backup run if my primary pump fails (not just power loss)?
Yes. A backup pump activates whenever the water level rises high enough to trigger its float — whether the primary pump is offline due to power loss or mechanical failure.
Does battery backup qualify for the Toronto subsidy?
Yes — it is one of the eligible items under the program. Subsidy amount depends on overall scope and the property's eligibility cap.
Book Battery Backup Sump Pump today.
Tornado Plumbing & Drains handles Battery Backup Sump Pump across Toronto and the GTA. Call 647-784-8448 or book online for a clean diagnosis, written scope, and the 25-year workmanship warranty on every install and repair.