Showing posts with label basement flooding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label basement flooding. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Common Sump Pump Problems Solved
There IS Sump-thing You Can Do About Your Sump Pump!If you live in Delaware, Pennsylvania or Maryland, chances are you have a sump pump (or maybe even TWO sump pumps) in your basement. The Mid-Atlantic states sit on top of one the world's largest fresh water aquifers. We have plenty of rivers, streams, lakes and ponds. We get over 40" rain per year...and at times, that rainfall can be very sudden and intense.
The upshot is we have some of the moistest soil in the world. It's inevitable that some of that moisture is going to find its way into your basement, especially during the rainy season or after a snow-melt. A sump pump is one of the most reliable means for removing excess water and keeping your basement dry. But sump pumps also pose a number of problems for homeowners. Here are some of the most common sump pump problems you may experience and some of the things you can do to fix, prevent or minimize.
Sump Pump Odor
A sump pump has a drain trap that holds water in order to prevent sewage and gas from backing up into your home. If the water in the drain evaporates—typically due to unusually dry weather—this releases those unpleasant gases, causing a distinct odor. To prevent foul sump pump odors, make sure there is always water in the trap. As long as the water is high enough to cover pipes and drain lines, you should not have a problem with bad smells. You can also use a bleach solution—approximately one cup of bleach per gallon of water—to disinfect the drain. Pour the solution high enough so that the float switch engages. You can try scrubbing the sides of the trap basin, as well.
Sump Pump Not Running
Make sure the sump pump unit is plugged in. Though this seems basic, it is not uncommon for the sump pump plug to get disconnected as the unit vibrates and responds to water flow. Next, check for blown fuses. Major appliances like furnaces and sump pumps are usually on their own circuits, so make sure the breaker is turned on. Look for the sump pump's GFI switch to see if that has been tripped. If you’ve had dry weather for a few weeks or the water level in the basin seems lower than normal, the sump pump might not be running because it hasn’t been primed. Pour some water down into the well to activate the system.
Sump Pump Not Removing Water
When your sump pump runs but isn’t moving any water, the problem could lie with the float. Check to see if the float is stuck. Then lift it out, remove the outer case, and clear the screen. Debris often settles at the bottom of the sump basin and can get trapped, which impedes the float device. You might try placing the float up on bricks or cinder blocks so it is not resting directly on the well floor. If none of this helps, you may need to call a professional to check for clogs or blockages somewhere else in the system.
Sump Pump Power Outage
Sump pumps run on electricity, so a power outage could impact your unit. It’s wise to invest in a battery back-up, a gel pack system that provides power to the sump pump for days without any input from your home’s main electrical source. These are a great idea if you plan to be out of town, as there’s nothing worse than returning from vacation to a home that’s been flooded.
Wrong Size Sump Pump
Improper installation and sizing is also another leading cause of sump pump problems. Always used licensed contractors to do any kind of installation work. Not only are they trained to install, service, and repair sump pump units properly, but you’ll have a guarantee of work in case something goes wrong with your sump pump.
Call Horizon Services with Your Sump Pump Questions!
Simple sump pump problems can quickly grow into big ones. If you're uncomfortable addressing sump pump problems on your own or if you've tried to fix your sump pump to no avail, make it easy on yourself and call the plumbing and sump pump professionals at Horizon Services. Be sure to have the necessary information ready: manufacturer’s make and model number, warranty information, and any diagnostics or simple fixes you’ve tried on your own. We can arrive at your home in no time to repair your sump pump or, if necessary, get you set up with a new sump pump.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
The upshot is we have some of the moistest soil in the world. It's inevitable that some of that moisture is going to find its way into your basement, especially during the rainy season or after a snow-melt. A sump pump is one of the most reliable means for removing excess water and keeping your basement dry. But sump pumps also pose a number of problems for homeowners. Here are some of the most common sump pump problems you may experience and some of the things you can do to fix, prevent or minimize.
Sump Pump Odor
A sump pump has a drain trap that holds water in order to prevent sewage and gas from backing up into your home. If the water in the drain evaporates—typically due to unusually dry weather—this releases those unpleasant gases, causing a distinct odor. To prevent foul sump pump odors, make sure there is always water in the trap. As long as the water is high enough to cover pipes and drain lines, you should not have a problem with bad smells. You can also use a bleach solution—approximately one cup of bleach per gallon of water—to disinfect the drain. Pour the solution high enough so that the float switch engages. You can try scrubbing the sides of the trap basin, as well.
Sump Pump Not Running
Make sure the sump pump unit is plugged in. Though this seems basic, it is not uncommon for the sump pump plug to get disconnected as the unit vibrates and responds to water flow. Next, check for blown fuses. Major appliances like furnaces and sump pumps are usually on their own circuits, so make sure the breaker is turned on. Look for the sump pump's GFI switch to see if that has been tripped. If you’ve had dry weather for a few weeks or the water level in the basin seems lower than normal, the sump pump might not be running because it hasn’t been primed. Pour some water down into the well to activate the system.
Sump Pump Not Removing Water
When your sump pump runs but isn’t moving any water, the problem could lie with the float. Check to see if the float is stuck. Then lift it out, remove the outer case, and clear the screen. Debris often settles at the bottom of the sump basin and can get trapped, which impedes the float device. You might try placing the float up on bricks or cinder blocks so it is not resting directly on the well floor. If none of this helps, you may need to call a professional to check for clogs or blockages somewhere else in the system.
Sump Pump Power Outage
Sump pumps run on electricity, so a power outage could impact your unit. It’s wise to invest in a battery back-up, a gel pack system that provides power to the sump pump for days without any input from your home’s main electrical source. These are a great idea if you plan to be out of town, as there’s nothing worse than returning from vacation to a home that’s been flooded.
Wrong Size Sump Pump
Improper installation and sizing is also another leading cause of sump pump problems. Always used licensed contractors to do any kind of installation work. Not only are they trained to install, service, and repair sump pump units properly, but you’ll have a guarantee of work in case something goes wrong with your sump pump.
Call Horizon Services with Your Sump Pump Questions!
Simple sump pump problems can quickly grow into big ones. If you're uncomfortable addressing sump pump problems on your own or if you've tried to fix your sump pump to no avail, make it easy on yourself and call the plumbing and sump pump professionals at Horizon Services. Be sure to have the necessary information ready: manufacturer’s make and model number, warranty information, and any diagnostics or simple fixes you’ve tried on your own. We can arrive at your home in no time to repair your sump pump or, if necessary, get you set up with a new sump pump.
Related Information from Horizon Services...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Get To Know Your Sump Pump!
If you own property situated on land with low elevation or in an area with a high water table, chances are you’ve experienced flooding at some point. Homes located on floodplains are at greater risk for yard and basement flooding after heavy rain or snow melt, and it certainly doesn’t take much water to cause serious damage. Just a few inches of stagnant water in a basement or near a home’s foundation can result in thousands of dollars in repair, clean up and restoration costs.The most effective way to prevent this kind of flooding is to invest in a good, quality sump pump.
Most homes have tile drains that wrap around the house and collect excess water from rainfall or melting snow. If the tiles become deluged the surplus water is diverted and collected in a sump, a small well or pit in the floor of the basement.
If the sump becomes too full, the well could overflow into the basement or seep through cracks in your home’s foundation due to the still-submerged tile drains surrounding the house. This is how basement and low level flooding happens.
A sump pump is a device specifically designed to draw excess water out of your home. When water that’s collected in the sump well reaches a perilous level the sump pump kicks in to flush it out through a pipe connected to your city’s storm drain system. The liquid is channeled away from your home, virtually eliminating the risk of flooding.
Sump pumps work on a float system, kind of like a toilet in reverse. In a toilet tank, the float detects when water in the tank has reached a certain level and stops the commode. A sump pump float senses when water has risen to a particular level and turns on the pump. There are a few different types of sump pump systems to choose from.
Pedestal sump pumps are placed over the well. The pump motor is out of the water where it can’t get wet, which makes the machine run much louder but also helps the motor last longer because it’s not submerged in water all the time. Pedestal pumps are usually the most cost effective option.
Submersible sump pumps sit inside the sump well and are covered over by water as it rises in the pit. The motor is sealed and completely waterproof, making it relatively durable and dependable. These types of sump pumps tend to be more expensive—about $300—but are usually the most highly recommended model for installation in finished basements.
Battery back-up sump pumps allow for continued operation even during a power outage. If you live in an area of the country prone to serious storms or frequent blackouts, a batter back-up pump ensures that water continues to be diverted away from your home even if you have no electricity. Having a batter backup system offers valuable peace of mind for homeowners who travel often or maintain seasonal residences. These models can be very expensive—$700 or more—but are able to handle thousands of gallons of water without needing a battery charge.
Related Information...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe!
Posts
All Comments
My Blog List
AddThis
Keystone Partner
Horizon Services is a Keystone Partner of Philadelphia Union, Major League Soccer Team
