How Does a Sump Pit Work?

Too much water around your home’s foundation can cause settling, foundation damage and leaks into basements. The most common way to direct water away from a foundation is with the use of a sump pit that is connected to a drainage system. In most cases, a sump pump is used to reduce sump pit water levels when they become to high. Here is a basic description on how a sump pit works and why it is so important to maintain.

Sump pits are enclosures located below the area that needs protection from water accumulation. This can be under a crawl space in your home or located in the basement floor. Often, the sump pit is made from a 12-18” wide PVC pipe that is placed vertically in the ground with a concrete bottom. The PVC can be perforated or not – perforated pipe allows water to come in through drain rock around the pit.

To collect water, a drainage system can be used around the areas to be protected. Drain tile is often used to direct water to the sump pit, located around the foundation edges. Gravity brings the water to the lowest area to collect, which is the sump pit.

Importance of Sump Pumps

Sump pits work great to collect water and protect foundations. However, when water levels are high, they fill quickly. A sump pump is a submergible pump that goes inside the sump pit and activates by a float device when the pit is almost full, pumping the excess water out and away from the house to a storm drain or other drainage area.

Sump pits can effectively keep foundations protected from high water levels. However, the sump pump must be maintained to keep it working correctly. If you have a sump pit and pump, make sure to schedule routine service to ensure your sump pump is ready to work when needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Sump and Ejector Pump Maintenance

If you have a sump or ejector pump in your home, you rely on it to work as needed without fail. Sump pumps need to turn on when water levels rise and ejector pumps should be managing the flow of sewage up to the main sewer line. To ensure your pumps are working properly, regular maintenance and inspections are required. While you may not have the skills to maintain the motors of these pumps, you can perform regular inspections to ensure they are doing their jobs. Here are a few things to check.

  • Inspect the cover to ensure it is secure and tight; this cover should be child-proof for safety. Look for any issues with the seal or cracks in the cover.
  • Check for any evidence of leaks or overflows. If there was a backup or overflow, you may see water stains, smell odor or see particles left from the overflow.
  • Look for any damage to the reservoir basin like cracks, holes or other issues. The lid should fit tightly and the basin should not show any signs of leakage.
  • Check the basin for any debris. Large chunks of wood, fabric or other debris can clog the pump and cause a backup.
  • Inspect to make sure there are no exposed wires or openings to the tank or pumping chamber that need repair.

Doing regular inspections of your pumps can alert you if there is a problem so you can have it fixed before it causes a backup. In addition, schedule annual tune-ups and service for your pumps by a qualified sewer service to keep your equipment in good working order to prevent failure.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Benefits of Sump Pumps

Excess moisture around the foundation of your home can cause many problems. From basement flooding and interior water damage to erosion of your foundation, excess water can become an expensive problem. Homes can become too humid, causing mold growth that can damage walls, ceilings and cause health problems for your family. Adding a sump pump to your home can mitigate these issue, protecting your biggest investment – your home. Here are a few ways sump pumps can benefit your home.

  • Remove rainwater. High water tables are the most common reason for basement or crawl place flooding, usually from rainwater. Sump pumps can remove water from around your foundation, protecting your home from flooding during the wet season.
  • Drain condensation from air conditioners. Some central air conditioning units may need a sump pump to remove condensation away from the home if a gravity drain is not possible.
  • Poor drainage. Some properties do not have proper drainage, allowing water to flow toward a home or business. A sump pump can ensure that drainage issues do not cause damage to your home, keeping excess water from seeping into your basement or crawl space.
  • Storm protection. Even if excess water is not an ongoing problem at your home, having a sump pump in place can protect your home from flooding in heavy storms. It is worth the investment to avoid expensive water and mold damage down the road.

For a sump pump to work effectively, it must be installed correctly. Call your local sewer or septic service company to schedule a consultation on how best to install a sump pump into your home for the highest level of protection.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

Is Your Basement Ready For Wet, Winter Weather?

Higher water levels during the winter and following spring are often the causes of basement flooding. If you have a home with a basement prone to flooding, the best solution is the installation of a sump pump. Sump pumps collect excess water surrounding your home’s foundation and pump the water out away from the structure to prevent flooding and potential foundation damage. With winter quickly approaching, now is the time to ensure you have a properly working sump pump to keep water from flooding your basement, causing expensive water and mold damage.

Installing A New Sump Pump For Your Home

If  you have a home with a basement and do not yet have a sump pump installed, opting to install one is a worthwhile investment. It only takes one heavy wet season to flood your basement, and cause expensive water damage to your home. Not only will floodwater ruin flooring, walls and furniture, it can leave moisture residue that causes mold problems. Your local sewer or septic service company can install a new sump pump to keep your basement dry throughout the wet season.

Maintaining A Sump Pump

For those who already have a sump pump, you will want to make sure your pump is ready for the winter by having it inspected and serviced. Just like any mechanical device, your sump pump will need preventative maintenance and attention from time to time to keep it running properly. It is much easier and less expensive to maintain your sump pump than to have it fail when you need it most. Call your local sewer or septic professional to schedule a sump pump inspection before the full force of winter is upon us.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926