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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Keeping Up with Sump Pump Maintenance

April 8th, 2019 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Your sump pump is a vital component to keeping your home and basement dry, removing excess water from around the foundation to prevent water and mold damage to your home. You need to know that it is working 24/7 and will turn on when needed to pump water out and away from your home. The best way to ensure your sump pump is working correctly is to performed routine maintenance and inspections through the year, especially before and during the wet months. Here is a quick checklist on what to look for to ensure your sump pump is working properly.

  • Fill basin with water and make sure pump turns on and begins pumping the water out
  • Make sure the pump is upright and level, with the float working correctly
  • Remove the pump from the basin and clean the grate on the bottom of the pump
  • Clean the pump screen or inlet
  • Inspect the cord and connected plumbing for any problems – look for wear and tear, leaks or other issues that may need repair
  • Remove any debris from the basin or outlets

Before you clean screens or do any maintenance on the pump unit, make sure to unplug it first to avoid any risk of electrical shock. You should check your sump pump at least four times a year to ensure it is in the proper position, clear of any debris and is turning on when the water gets to the designated level.

If you inspected your sump pump and there are any problems, contact your local sewer/plumbing service. Most offer sump pump repair or replacement services to keep your sump pump working year-round.

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

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How to Tell if your Sump Pump Needs Repair

November 5th, 2018 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Ironically, sump pumps are put in to prevent a flooding emergency, but they can sometimes cause the emergency. Since sump pumps are not necessarily used year-round, they can be easily forgotten when it comes to maintenance and repair. However, if your sump pump does not work when it is needed, you could be in for a flooded basement that can cost you plenty in damage and repairs, both on the sump pump and your home. Here are some tips to keep your sump pump maintained and how to know when it needs a repair.

  • Beware of bad odors. A bad odor coming from your basement may be sign that your sump pump repair. Check your sump pump – if the odor is especially bad in that area, you need to call your sewer/septic plumber for an inspection and possible repair.
  • Flooding. Obviously if your basement has any flooding, your sump pump may not be working correctly. Call your local sewer plumber for a repair.
  • Strange noises. If the sump pump is making more noise than usual or sounds like it is struggling, it is time for a service. It may just need a little tune-up on the motor or other regular maintenance, but it is better to be proactive and get it serviced before it quits running altogether or needs an emergency repair.
  • Keep your sump pump maintained. Schedule regular service for your sump pump, especially before the wettest seasons of the year.

Don’t wait for your sump pump to breakdown. Watch for signs that it needs repair and have regular maintenance performed to prevent sump pump emergencies. Talk to your local sewer/septic plumber about scheduling your next inspection or maintenance service.

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

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How to Tell if your Sump Pump Needs Repair

September 24th, 2018 Posted in Sump Pumps and Ejector Pumps
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Your sump pump can work tirelessly year-round, kicking on when needed to keep the water level around your basement low to avoid flooding. However, like any mechanical equipment, it will not last forever. The last thing you want is for your sump pump to fail when you need it the most, causing flooding in your basement. In most cases, there are signs that your sump pump is struggling before it quits altogether. Here are signs to watch for to get it repaired or replaced before it leads to water damage in your home.

  • Abnormal sounds. In most cases, sump pumps are quiet and don’t make much noise. When you start hearing your sump pump turn on, getting louder or making strange sounds like grinding or rattling, you should get it inspected.
  • Running longer. It is normal for your sump pump to turn on more often when there is heavy precipitation, but it should not be continuously running. If it is running for longer periods or seems to rarely turn off, something may be wrong, even if it is still removing water.
  • Odors. If your basement has a foul odor, especially near the sump pump, there may be something amiss.
  • Water intrusion. The last sign is the most obvious – water intrusion into your basement. Even if the sump pump is still working, it is not working efficiently enough to stop flooding.

If you have any of these signs, call your local plumber or sewer service company to have your sump pump inspected and serviced. It may just need routine service or could need a repair or replacement. It is less expensive to proactively repair the pump than to pay for repairing water damage, so it is worth the money to pay for a professional repair.

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 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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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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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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