Power Outages Can Cause Sump Pump Problems

December 5th, 2014 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Winter storms are notorious for cutting out power to your home. While families worry about staying warm, providing light and protecting their perishable food, there is another area in the home which may be affected by the lack of power. Sump pumps also work off electricity, so a power outage can also stop drainage in moisture prone areas when it’s most needed –during wet weather. If you have a sump pump for your home, it may be time to invest in a battery backup sump pump for those nasty power outages.

How Battery-Powered Sump Pumps Work

As a backup to a regular submersible sump pump, a second pump can be added that runs on a rechargeable battery. The benefit is that when the power goes out, this second pump is ready to take over pumping water away from the home’s foundation and basement. The battery is automatically charged whenever the power is on, so when the power goes out, the second sump pump’s battery is fully charged and can work for several hours.

Most backup sump pumps are set with a higher water level than the main pump. Once the water reaches this higher set point, the secondary sump pump will turn on to begin removing the excessive water. This can be a handy system to have for any homes with a basement in areas prone to heavy precipitation.

If you have every experienced a wet basement after a power outage, you may be a perfect candidate for a battery backup sump pump. Talk to your local sewer-septic professional about installing a secondary sump pump with battery power to keep your basement dry during the next power outage.

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

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Is Your Basement Ready For Wet, Winter Weather?

November 19th, 2014 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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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

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Do You Have Basement Flooding Issues?

September 27th, 2014 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Basements are notorious for flooding, from slight leaking to several inches of water covering the floor. Although there are options like sealing basement walls or even completing expensive foundation repairs which can sometimes alleviate basement flooding, the most cost effective option is adding a sump pump and pit. If you’ve been having problems with water seeping into your basement, it may be time to invest in a sump pit and pump. 

How A Sump Pump Works

In homes with basements, installation of a sump pump and pit is fairly common. If, for some reason, this installation was not completed at the time of construction, your property may be susceptible to water leaks. Sump pits are typically build at the floor level of a basement, creating an area in which excess moisture can collect and be discarded once the water level reaches a predesignated point. The water level rises, the sump pump is activated, and water is pumped away from the foundation and other vulnerable areas of a home. 

A sump pump and pit is a necessity in homes with basements located in regions where heavy rains or flooding are common. This is a worthwhile investment for homeowners, especially considering the damage basement flooding can do to furnishings and personal property and the potential for foundation deterioration. 

Don’t spend another winter with a wet basement. If your home lacks a sump pump and pit for your basement, it’s time to call your local septic or sewer contractor. They can recommend the type of sump pump which will work best for your home, and professionally install it before the wet winter weather hits.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Sewer Septic

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Sump Pumps Versus Ejector Pumps Problems

May 8th, 2014 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Most homes with a basement will have at least a sump pump, with many also having an ejector pump. Although these pumps are similar, they have very different purposes. As a homeowner, it is important to understand the difference so that when something goes wrong with either pump, you have an easier time troubleshooting and finding a solution to the problem.

Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are used in many homes to keep ground water that surrounds the home’s foundation out of the basement. Typically a sump pump is in a cylindrical-shaped enclosure in the floor, called the sump basin, which is connected to the drain tile system. Ground water collects in the sump basin until the level of water triggers the sump pump’s float device. Once the float is triggered, the sump pump is activated and pumps the excess water up into the discharge pipe. This will direct the water into the sewer, septic or drain field away from the house’s foundation.

Ejector Pumps

Like sump sumps, ejector pumps push excess water out of the basement. However, instead of ground water, ejector pumps will collect and pump gray water from basement drains and water appliances or fixtures. These are typically found in homes with partially or fully finished basements which have a washer, utility sink or floor drain.

Since the water in sump pumps is usually clear ground water, it is rarely the source of the distinct smell of sewer or wastewater. While a flooding basement is often the first sign of a sump pump gone bad, a sewer odor in your basement may be an ejector pump problem. Either way, your local sewer or septic professional is the first call you should make to get the issue resolved.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

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Keep Your Basement Dry with a Sump Pump

March 12th, 2014 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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A basement can add to the useful square footage of your home, providing valuable storage or living space. If it’s prone to flooding or leakage, it can also be the source of mold growth, structural damage and create the need for expensive repairs or renovations. One way to protect your basement from leaks, flooding and water damage is to install a sump pump.

What is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are usually installed inside a sump pit, which is a hole designed specifically for the collection of excess water for drainage with the aid of a sump pump. The pump is then connected to a drain line which directs water out of the basement. Most operate on a float system, which activates the sump pump with a signal when the water level rises above a predefined level. This allows any rain water or collected moisture to be directed away from your basement, keeping it dry and preventing future water damage. Sump pumps should not be confused with ejector pumps, which are designed to remove solid waste from sinks, toilets and other outlets which are situated below the main water line.

Choosing the Right Sump Pump

There are many different brands and types of sump pumps available on the commercial market, each designed to address specific needs. Because of this wide variance and the need for precise installation, it’s always best to contact a professional in order to have a sump pump installed. A plumbing contractor, septic or sewer professional will be able to help you make the right selection, and to ensure proper installation of your new sump pump.

Posted on behalf of Seagraves Septic & Sewer

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Sump Pump Installation and Repair

August 15th, 2013 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Sump pumps are a critical part of keeping every basement dry, especially on those homes where it is not possible to “daylight” the drain tile.  On these homes the rainwater collected in the drain tile and stone drainage system installed along the footings is not allowed to escape and stays in place.  Ultimately this leads to basement leaks!  In an ideal world, the drain tile would be run out to a point on the property below the level of the footings and be allowed to escape by gravity.  However, this is not possible on many properties because of grade conditions and the only solution available to keep basements dry in this situation, is to install a sump pump pit and a sump pump.

A sump pit is installed level with the basement floor, where drainage pipes from the footing allow the water in the drain tile and stone to flow into the pit.  The sump pump, which is electrically powered, is installed in the pit.  When a sensor detects water in the pit, the sump pump then turns on and pumps the water out of the pit and to the outside of the home via a sealed pipe.

As with most mechanical systems, it is critical that the sump pump system be regularly inspected by a qualified contractor, who installs and services sump pump systems.  They have the expertise and qualifications to quickly and economically repair or replace the pump as necessary.  In addition, they can install a completely new sump pump system, including pit and pump, if necessary.  A properly installed and maintained sump pump is critical to keeping a basement dry.

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Sump and Ejector Pumps

June 4th, 2013 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Just about any home with an in ground basement is going to need a sump pump and perhaps an ejector pump.  A sump pump is used to remove rainwater and groundwater from the area around the home’s footings, while the ejector pump is used to pump sewage out of the home and into the sanitary sewer system.   A qualified plumbing contractor that specializes in sump pumps and ejector pumps will be able to install, repair, maintain and replace these systems as necessary.

In homes with a full in-ground basement, there is not a way for rainwater and ground water that is collected in the drain tile to be removed from the footings.  Often this leads to a leaky or otherwise damp and “musty” basement.  A pit is installed in the basement slab and the drain tile is routed into the pit.  A pump is then installed in the pit, which is connected to a drain line that is routed out of the home.  The pump is plugged in to an electrical outlet and the pump is operational.  As the pit fills up with water, the sump pump then pumps the water out of the pit and it is discharged outside of the home.

Ejector pumps are used when the lowest point of the plumbing in a home is below the sanitary sewer outside of the home.  As a result, sewage from the home is unable to be discharged into the sanitary system.  The solution is to install a pit to collect the sewage, with the ejector pump removing the sewage from the pit.  It is pumped into a pipe at a higher elevation, which then allows the sewage to be gravity fed into the sewer system.

If necessary, both pumps are critical to the home being able to function as designed and be habitable.  Both pumps must be regularly checked by a qualified plumbing contractor, who specializes in this type of work, for proper operation.

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Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps

March 28th, 2013 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Upon purchasing a new home, you find a pump in the basement and you have no idea what it’s for. First off, don’t be embarrassed. This is one of the most common questions asked by customers of sewer-septic service providers. Second, chances are, the pump is either a sump pump or an ejector pump.

Sump Pump 

A sump pump is used to drain excess water from the basement to keep it from flooding. This is especially important in coastal and other areas that are prone to flooding. Sump pumps keep excess water at bay and also help preserve foundations from cracking due to pressure from groundwater.

Typically, the sump pump is installed in a sump pit, a specially made hole for holding excess water from drains and natural water migration. When the water reaches a certain level, the sump pump lifts the water out of the hole and away from the building.

It’s always a good idea to have a battery back up for your sump pump. These are usually relatively inexpensive and easy to install and worth every penny if you want to avoid costly damages due to a basement flood.

Ejector Pump 

An ejector pump may resemble a sump pump, but it has an entirely different purpose. An ejector pump’s job is to pump solid waste and wastewater from toilets and sinks that are below the main water line. It is most often seen in houses with bathrooms or washing machines in the basement.

The ejector pump is placed in an ejector basin, a pit in the floor that is connected to sewer or septic pipes. The pump grinds up any solids, then pumps the effluent up from the basement and out to the septic system or city sewer.

One important note about ejector pumps is that the ejector basin must be sealed to avoid leakage of methane, a dangerously explosive gas. If you notice any foul smells around the basin, it is essential you call your sewer-septic right away to investigate and make any necessary repairs or replacements.

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Wet Basements

March 15th, 2012 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Wet basements are a huge problem for thousands of homeowner.  In addition to causing severe damage to floor coverings, personal possessions, appliances, and furnishings, flooded basements can lead to wood rot and structural damage.  The presence of all that moisture attracts insects and promotes the growth of mold and mildew.

Ignoring a wet basement will only make the matter worse.  Fortunately, you don’t have to live with a wet basement.  There are several different options for solving any flooded basement problem.

The first thing to do is to ensure that your yard is draining properly.  The ground around your home should be graded so that rain water and runoff flows away from your home.  In many cases simply re-grading your property will solve of greatly reduce basement flooding issues.

Drain spouts that allow water to accumulate near the home are another common cause of wet basements.  Re-position or extend drain spouts so that rain water is directed out into the yard and away from your foundation.

When the water table is too high or it is simply impossible to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation, you should talk to your plumber or sewer septic professional about installing a sump pump.  Sump pumps are installed in a shallow well in the floor of your basement.  The well is below floor level so water accumulates in the well before it reaches your basement.

A float switch in the well activates the sump pump and the water is safely pumped out and away from your home.   A sump pump system must be properly designed and installed for effective operation.  A good local plumber  or sewer septic technician will be able to help you select the right sump pump for your home and handle the installation.

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