How Does a Sump Pit Work?

July 13th, 2019 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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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

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Sump Pump Basics: What You Need to Know

May 29th, 2019 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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High water levels, whether from an actual flood or just heavy, seasonal precipitation, can seep into basements, causing extensive water damage. Not only can the water damage walls, floors, furniture and other items in your basement, your also at risk for foundation damage and dangerous mold growth. Sump pumps are the protective gear to keep water away from your home and pump away water when levels become too high. Here are the basics on sump pumps and how they can protect your home.

How Sump Pumps Work

A sump pump is a powered pump that empties the sump in your basement. When water collects around your home, it is directed to the sump, a pit in the subfloor. When the water in the pit rises to a predetermined level, the sum pump is activated, pumping the water up and away from the home.

Sump pumps use floats like a toilet tank, except instead of closing the water inlet when it is full, the float activates the pump and draining system. This is an automated system that works only when it is needed. The water is pumped out, either to a drainage area or a city storm drain. This keeps the sump from overflowing, and leaves room for water to flow into the sump pit when it collects around your basement walls or foundation.

Sump pumps can protect your home from extensive damage and are well worth the investment. However, they do need periodical maintenance to ensure they continue to work correctly when needed. Your local septic or sewer service is the place to call to have a sump pump installed or for routine maintenance and repairs.

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

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Sump Pump Service and Maintenance Tips

April 2nd, 2018 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Your sump pump keeps the excess water from entering your home, preventing thousands of dollars in damage and other problems. It quietly does its job, especially through the wettest months of the year. However, you don’t want to become complacent when it comes to your sump pump. Like any piece of equipment, it needs maintenance, occasional repairs and eventually replacement when it no longer can do the job. Here are some tips to keep your sump pump running smoothly and to avoid a sump pump failure.

  • Do a visual inspection of the pit. Even if you don’t know much about sump pumps, you can look to see if there is anything in the pit that shouldn’t be there. Take the cover off your sump pump pit and check to see if there are any rocks or debris accumulated. Remove any solid objects – these can cause clogs.
  • Check hoses and float. Make sure the hoses are securely connected and the float can move up and down. Small issues can cause big problems, and these are two of the most common.
  • Do a test run. Get a bucket of water and add it to your pit. This should trigger your sump pump so you can see if it is working correctly. Make sure the water is pumped out – check to make sure it comes out from the drain outside, which should be directed away from your home.

If anything does not look or work right, call your sewer expert that handles sump pump repairs and maintenance. Or, if you don’t have time to do a quick inspection yourself, schedule a service on your sump pump to give you peace of mind that your equipment is maintained and in good condition for the months to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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Is it Time to Add a Sump Pump to Your Home?

June 11th, 2017 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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If you have a home with a basement, you may need to add a sump pump to protect it from flooding. You don’t need to live in a wet climate or flood area to have basement flooding issues. Even a slight seeping of water can cause mold and mildew issues in your home that can be costly. Sump pumps help maintain a dry basement and protect your home’s foundation from the onslaught of water invasion.

How a Sump Pump Works

Sump pumps are designed to automatically pump water away from your home when the water table rises. This is activated by a float that is in the sump pit. Once the water hits a predesignated level, the pump turns on and pumps the water out and away from the home. This is ground water and does not need to be pumped into the septic or sewer system. Typically, it is run out through drain pipes to a drainage area away from the home.

Sump pumps are electrically run and need constant power. Since it is common for the power to go out right when you need the sump pump the most during storms, it is recommended to have a back-up power source. Some systems can use a marine battery, while other systems may need to be tied into a power generator system.

Basement flooding is not just a concern when water levels are high, although that is the most common problem. Hydrostatic pressure can be present at all times, forcing the water that is naturally in the ground against your foundation. This is a good reason to have a sump pump for your basement, regardless of the weather or region. Sump pumps should always be installed by a professional for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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Benefits of Sump Pumps

February 22nd, 2017 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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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

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Do You Need a Sump or Ejector Pump or Both?

December 30th, 2016 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Movement of water in and around your home typically depends on using gravity as a force. However, when water is accumulated below your sewer lines in basement plumbing or from excess rainwater, you may need a pump to bring it up to the sewer line for elimination. Both sump and ejector pumps can achieve this goal, but each is used for different purposes. Here are the basics on these two types of pumps that can facilitate your water and waste elimination needs.

Sump Pumps

Water can be detrimental to your home’s foundation and cause flooding in basements or crawl spaces below your home. Sump pumps are used to remove water that collects below the surface of the ground surrounding your home. These are typically activated by an automatic system that gauges water levels. Once triggered, the pump expels water that approaches your foundation and basement walls.

Ejector Pumps

If you have plumbing for a kitchen, laundry room or bathroom that is in your basement or below your sewer lines, you need mechanical help to force the wastewater up to the desired level. An ejector pump is used for this purpose whenever the wastewater or sewage from your plumbing must exit your home from a lower area than your sewer lines.

If you want to add plumbing to your basement or have issues with basement flooding, you will need one or both of these pumps for your home or business. Your local sewer or septic service company can install the needed pumps and connect them to your sewer system to facilitate this need. Call your service provider to determine the best pump or pumps for your waste or water elimination problem.

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

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Is it Time for a New Sump Pump?

January 26th, 2016 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Many homes are equipped with a sump pump to keep water levels from damaging the home. Most commonly this can be with homes with a basement that may flood when water levels get too high. But other homes may have portions besides the basement that are built below the water level, needing a sump pump as well. Whatever the reason for the sump pump, this equipment can prevent costly water damage so it is important to ensure your pump is working correctly. Here are a few signs that a sump pump may need to be replaced.

–          Cycling off and on too frequently. Have you noticed that your sump pump seems to be working overtime, turning on and off over and over, even when the weather isn’t overly wet? This can be a sign that the motor is failing and the continuous on and off cycle will only wear it out quicker. Have it inspected immediately.

–          The pump isn’t turning on at all. If your pump is not turning on, it can be something as simple as needing a float replacement or adjustment, or the entire pump may need replacement.

–          Too long of running cycles. Is your sump pump turning on and running for several minutes or longer? Taking too long to pump the water is a sign the motor is not doing its job correctly. Either the motor is wearing out or just too small to handle the amount of water needing to be pumped.

If you have any of these signs with your sump pump, call your local sewer company for a sump pump inspection. It may be time to replace your old pump with a newer, more efficient model.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

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Is Your Sump Pump Ready for a Power Outage?

January 6th, 2016 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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It is a catch-22. You have a sump pump to protect your home from flooding or water damage during heavy storms, but during storms the power often goes out. If your sump pump relies on electricity alone to do its job, this can leave you in a pickle. However, there are options available to ensure that even when the lights go out, your basement is staying dry while your sump pump removes the excess water from around your home. Here are a few alternatives to electricity for your sump pump.

Water-Powered Sump

There are sump pumps that use water to propel them versus electricity. Most people who use these pumps are on a city water system. However, they do use quite a bit of water and the water system must still be working. These would be best used with a backup sump pump for when the electricity goes out.

Battery-Backup

Another option to ensure your sump pump continues working during a storm is the use of a battery backup system. These systems generally use a car or marine battery to supply your sump pump energy in the case of a power outage.

Generator

Having your sump pump hooked up to a gas or diesel generator is a viable solution to ensure that your home stays dry during loss of electricity. However, sump pumps do require quite a bit of energy, drawing up to 1,800 watts when starting. It may be necessary to have a very large generator or at least one generator dedicated to your sump pump if you want to also power your home.

To explore your backup options for your sump pump, call your local sewer-septic service company to learn more about installing one of these power alternatives.

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

 

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Is it Time to Install a Sump Pump for Your Basement?

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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The last few years have brought some crazy and detrimental weather across the nation, including episodes of extreme flooding. While you cannot prevent Mother Nature from striking your home, there are ways to prepare for excess water and flooding. A sump pump is used to remove excess water from around your home’s foundation to keep your basement dry during extreme wet weather patterns. If you have experienced even slight flooding in your basement, it may be time to install a sump pump.

How a Sump Pump Works

A sump pump is installed in a basement to remove water once it reaches a certain level. To achieve this, a sump pit is usually built to drain excessive water from around the basement. The pit is devised with a float device that activates the sump pump once the pit fills to a certain level. The sump pump then removes the excess water, either pumping it into the waste system or to an area outside away from the home.

There are two different types of sump pumps: pedestal and submergible. The submergible can be put under water, while the pedestal cannot. Determining the right sump pump for your home is based on the specific needs and layout of your home. It is best to hire a professional sewer-septic professional experienced in sump pump installation to evaluate your basement and home before making a decision on which type to have them install.

A sump pump can save you thousands of dollars in water damage to your home during the wet seasons of the year. Talk to your local sewer-septic professionals today to learn more about installing a sump pump for your basement.

Posted on behalf of:
Bynum & Sons Plumbing, Inc.
2120 McDaniels Bridge Rd SW
Lilburn, GA 30047
(770) 736-8283

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Difference Between a Sump and an Ejector Pump for Your Basement

May 5th, 2015 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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If you own a home with a basement, there is a good change you have heard of both sump and ejector pumps, but you may not know the difference. While both are used in homes with basements to pump water up out of the lower level of the home, they do have different functions. Here is a breakdown of what each pump is used for to determine if you need either for your home.

Sump Pump Functions

Most people that have a sump pump for their home do so remove excess water from around their home’s foundation. This accumulated water can seep into the home and slowly deteriorate the foundation. The sump pump automatically turns on and removes this excess water once it reaches a certain level, protecting the home from water damage.

Another function of sump pumps is for air conditioning systems that cannot use a gravity drain system to remove condensation away from the building. This removes the moisture and places it safely away from your home.

Ejector Pump Functions

An ejector pump also removes water from the basement area, but it is from inside the basement. If you have a bathroom, laundry room or other water appliances in your basement, an ejector pump is needed to jet the wastewater up to the sewer line level. Anytime plumbing is installed below the sewer line, there is a good chance an ejector pump will be needed to facilitate wastewater removal.

Both sump and ejector pumps should be professionally installed by a plumbing and sewer expert to prevent expensive plumbing and water damage problems down the road.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

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