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The Benefits of a Sump Pump
Sump Pump Aurora CO (like this one from Superior) removes excess water from a low part of your basement to prevent moisture from entering the home. It complements other ways to minimize moisture, like French drains and a well-designed gutter system that directs rainwater away from the house.
A sump pump, which sits in a pit or basin in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space, automatically activates when the water rises to a certain level. It then pumps the water out of the pit and away from your home, preventing flood damage and safeguarding your property and family safety.
Wet basements are a common problem in the United States, but they don’t have to be. The cause often lies in how the ground is handled outside the house, such as gutters that aren’t large enough or downspouts that don’t direct water far enough away from the foundation.
It also helps to ensure that the soil around the foundation is graded to slope away from the house and not toward it. In addition, sump pumps can help keep basements and crawl spaces dry by removing moisture that is already inside the structure.
If you have a sump pump, it is important to periodically test it for proper operation. A simple way to do this is to fill a five-gallon bucket with water and slowly pour it into the sump until the pump turns on and drains the water. If the pump doesn’t turn off promptly once the water reaches the shut-off level, it may need a new float switch or other component.
The pump is connected to an electrical power source, so it is also a good idea to have a battery backup system in place in case the main power fails during a storm. It is best to use a dedicated circuit, rather than one that is shared with other appliances, because this reduces the risk of the pump being accidentally unplugged. The pump’s plug may be labeled to warn against unplugging it or secured with a retaining bracket to discourage this. The pump may also be hardwired to electrical power so it cannot be unplugged, and it should be plugged into a GFCI outlet.
It is recommended to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to install your sump pump and connect it to drainage piping. The plumbing contractor should be able to provide you with an estimate for the installation and explain how the pump works. The plumbing contractor should be able to help you determine the correct size of the sump pump, whether it is submersible or non-submersible, and how long the discharge piping will need to be.
Reduces Health Hazards
As the name suggests, sump pumps remove water from the lowest areas of your home to prevent flooding and keep moisture away from foundations. They also protect property from mold and mildew, as well as maintain the structural integrity of homes in flood-prone areas.
However, the constant draining of water can wear down the hardworking pump motor and internal components, leading to premature failure. Sump pumps require regular maintenance to maximize performance and prolong life.
Start by regularly inspecting the pump and power cords for signs of physical damage and wear. Having the pump serviced as soon as possible helps limit potential problems.
If the sump pump is plugged into a standard household outlet, make sure it’s on a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to avoid accidental electrocution from faulty wiring. It’s also a good idea to use backup battery packs that temporarily take over pumping duties in the event of a power outage. For longer outages, a gas-powered portable or hardwired standby generator offers long-term backup power to keep your sump pump chugging along.
Check that the discharge pipe is properly sized and sloped to direct water away from the home’s foundation. A clogged discharge line leads to water backflow into the pump basin and decreases the pump’s lifespan. Check that the float switch is working correctly to activate and deactivate the pump based on rising water levels. If this free-floating switch gets stuck in a fully raised or lowered position due to debris obstructions or tangles, it won’t accurately track changing water heights.
Excessive operational noise, clanking and rattling is another sign of malfunctioning machinery that requires attention. Wear in the pump’s bearings, impellers and shaft seals causes disruptive sounds as these components grind against each other. A professional can repair or replace these parts to restore quiet operation.
In addition to ensuring the pump’s components are functioning correctly, it’s also important to have the entire system regularly cleaned. The pump itself should be inspected to ensure no physical damage or wear is present, and the pump pit and intake area should be kept clear of combustible materials that could cause fires. A check valve can also be installed on the discharge pipe to prevent recirculation of water back into the sump basin after the pump shuts off.
Keeps Your Basement Dry
Whether you’re a homeowner with a basement full of valuables or simply an avid hobbyist who enjoys working on projects in the comfort of your own home, keeping your basement dry is an important goal. If you want to protect your basement and your belongings from water damage, you need a functioning sump pump to keep the space dry.
A sump pump is a plumbing system that prevents flooding and other issues by drawing water from the area into a special container called a pit and pushing it away from the home. It’s a critical component in protecting your home from flooding, water damage, and mold problems.
However, it doesn’t take a raging flood to ruin your belongings or compromise the foundation of your home. Even mildew-inducing condensation and slow, steady leaks can wreak havoc on your home. If the conditions are right, excess moisture can trigger mold and mildew that ruins your belongings and threatens your family’s health. A functioning sump pump prevents mold and mildew growth, which keeps the area drier and more comfortable for your family.
To ensure your sump pump works properly, you’ll need to take preventative steps and perform routine maintenance. During your maintenance, you’ll check the operation of all electrical components to make sure they’re safe and working correctly. You’ll also inspect the discharge pipe to be sure it’s unobstructed and free of cracks or separation from the pump. It’s also a good idea to clear gunk from the inlet screen and throughout the sump pit itself twice a year to ensure proper drainage flow.
Finally, consider investing in a battery backup sump pump to give your basement an extra layer of defense if severe weather knocks out the power to your home. A battery backup unit will operate when the main sump pump is clogged or frozen, and it will activate automatically to help protect your basement from flooding.
A working sump pump can save your home from serious flooding, structural damage to your foundation, and costly repairs. When you’re ready to learn more about a sump pump, call the plumbing professionals at J&A South Park to schedule a free estimate.
Reduces Water Damage
A sump pump is an invaluable addition to your home, especially if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall or a plot that’s below the groundwater table. This simple but effective device prevents costly damage to your carpets, walls, wood, and foundation that can occur if water is allowed to sit in the basement for long periods of time. It also prevents mold and mildew growth that can affect your family’s health, as well as protects your personal belongings from irreversible damage.
A Sump Pump is an affordable investment in your home’s protection. It can help reduce the need for expensive repairs and may even save you money on your homeowner’s insurance premium, as some insurers view homes with sump pumps as lower-risk properties.
Most residential sump pumps activate automatically when the water level rises in the basin, preventing the need for constant monitoring. The pump’s impeller then draws the water into a discharge pipe, which typically leads it away from your home and to a drainage area, such as a storm sewer, a dry well, or a designated spot in your yard where water can dissipate.
While a sump pump is a reliable and cost-effective tool to safeguard your property from flooding, it’s important that it’s properly installed and maintained in order to provide the best possible protection. A professional plumber can install your sump pump and ensure that the pipes connected to it are free of leaks, blockages, or corrosion. They can also examine your backup power source and alarms to make sure they’re functioning properly.
In addition, a professional can install baffling at the pump suction flange to help reduce the entrance velocity and stabilize the flow of water entering the sump pump. This prevents the pump from clogging, and it can significantly increase the life of your pump by protecting it from iron brown sludge (known as “iron ochre”). Iron ochre is a foul-smelling substance that’s caused by a bacteria in the soil and can be detrimental to your sump pump if left unchecked. This is why it’s crucial to have a professional clean your sump pump on a regular basis!
Why Septic Tank Cleaning Is Important
Septic Tank Cleaning Perth is an important service that keeps your septic system working at its best. It removes waste that could otherwise clog your drainpipes, saving you costly repairs.
When a septic tank needs to be pumped, the technicians enter it with a large hose and stir the contents to break up solids and liquids.
Septic tanks are out of sight and mind until something goes wrong. Overflowing septic tank waste is a smelly mess, but even worse, it can be a health hazard. Septic tanks contain dangerous gases, including hydrogen sulfide and methane, which can cause various health problems. If you suspect your septic tank has overflowed, there are steps you can take to mitigate the problem and prevent it from happening again.
The first thing you should do is stop using any water in your home until the problem is resolved. This means turning off the dishwasher, washing machine, and any other running appliances. It also means taking shorter showers and baths and using less water when brushing teeth or washing dishes. You can also use less water overall by fixing leaks, installing low-flow toilets, and spreading out laundry loads throughout the week.
Another important step is checking when your septic tank was last emptied. If it’s been more than three years since the last emptying, the tank is probably full and needs to be emptied immediately.
If the tank is emptied but you’re still experiencing overflow, there’s likely an issue with your drain field or perforated pipes. This can be caused by a lack of bacteria in the septic system, which can cause solid waste to move into the pipes and clog them. Fortunately, there are bacterial treatments that can help restore your septic system to healthy levels without the need for a pumping.
There are also septic tank cleaning products that can be added to your toilet or septic system to clean out the lines and reduce the buildup of sludge in the tank. These cleaners typically work by breaking down the grease and oils that build up in the tank and drain field. However, they should not be used as a substitute for regular septic tank emptyings or to replace a septic inspection.
If you notice pools of water in your yard, especially near the septic tank or drain field, it’s time to call a plumber. These pools of dirty water may be contaminated with hazardous bacteria from the overflowing septic tank, so it’s best to avoid them until you’re sure the problem is solved.
Septic Tank Odor
A well-maintained septic tank is not supposed to smell. If a foul odor is detected in your home or yard, it could be a sign that something is wrong with your septic system and needs immediate attention. Bad septic tank odor is caused by hydrogen sulfide gases produced during the breakdown of organic waste. These gases can be dangerous and may even cause a fire. If you notice a strong septic tank odor, call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service right away.
A smelly septic tank can be caused by an overflow of waste or a buildup of sludge. The odor can also be a sign that your septic system is not digesting waste properly.
Having a professional clean your septic tank will eliminate these bad odors. The septic tank cleaner will remove all of the sludge and prevent waste from leaking into your home or yard.
The septic tank is designed to transport wastewater from your home to a drain field for further processing. The septic tank houses helpful bacteria that break down the waste. Occasionally, these bacteria can start to die and a bad odor will result. The bacteria require air in order to function. If they are starved of oxygen, they will become anaerobic and ineffective at digestion.
If you have a bad septic tank odor, it is likely time to get it pumped out. If you wait too long, the septic tank will reach full capacity and overflow into your yard or drainfield. This will create a nasty mess and require expensive repair work.
In addition to getting your septic tank pumped, you should also have any leaky pipes repaired or replaced immediately. A septic system that is leaking can be very destructive to your yard and house. In some cases, the septic system can even lead to a toxic spill in your home that requires costly cleanup.
Another common reason for septic tank odor is a blocked vent stack. These pipes send sewage gasses into the air and away from your home, but sometimes they can be clogged by leaves or other debris. Having a plumber extend your plumbing vent or place carbon filters on top of the vent will help reduce septic odors.
Septic Tank Sludge
Sludge is the dense material that settles to the bottom of a septic tank. It’s made of non-liquid waste materials, including soil, grit, unconsumed food particles and more. The anaerobic bacteria in the septic tank live in this layer, decomposing and digesting the solid waste that’s been discharged into it. When the septic tank is full, the sludge layer can rise to the top of the wastewater. This can be a problem because the water that flows out of the tank hasn’t had enough time to separate from the sludge and floatable material. This can cause a clog in the absorption field or a backup into in-house drains.
To avoid a sludge buildup, you should never flush anything except the 3Ps – pee, paper and poo. You should also avoid putting any flammable or hazardous materials into your septic tank or the absorption field. To keep the sludge level in check, you can use a septic tank sludge monitor or septic system sensor to monitor your septic tank levels between cleanings. This equipment sends a wireless signal to your smartphone or tablet to alert you when your septic tank is nearly full.
When you notice sludge is building up, contact your local septic tank service provider for professional septic tank cleaning. They can remove the sludge and clean the inlet and outlet tees in your septic tank. They’ll also inspect and replace your baffle filter, if needed.
You can help prevent septic tank sludge from building up between cleanings by using water-efficient appliances and by spreading out laundry loads throughout the week. You can also reduce the amount of waste your septic system takes in by fixing leaks and installing low-flow toilets.
If you want to extend the time between septic tank cleanings, consider adding a bacterial additive to your septic system. These products add healthy bacteria to your septic tank that can break down solid waste more quickly and effectively. This will help you cut down on septic tank pumping costs and keep your septic system running efficiently. You can purchase septic tank bacterial additives from most home improvement stores.
Septic Tank Drain Field
A septic system is a major investment that helps you avoid costly plumbing repairs. Regular maintenance is crucial for a functioning, efficient system that lasts for decades. A clogged septic tank can overtax the drain field and send sewage into your home. It can also cause your home to have a foul waste odor and water that does not drain from the sinks and showers.
Once wastewater exits your household drains, it goes to a septic tank, which holds the solid materials long enough for bacteria inside to begin breaking them down. The septic tank is made from concrete and contains three layers: Heavier solids settle at the bottom, forming sludge. Oils and other grease float to the top, forming a layer of scum. The middle layer is effluent, which is liquid wastewater that is discharged to the drain field.
Your septic tank’s drain field is a network of perforated pipes laid in gravel-filled trenches. The effluent trickles into the soil, where microorganisms in the earth perform a final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. A septic tank cleaning company can use high-powered pumps to remove the sludge from your septic tank. This ensures that your septic tank is never too full, so the drain field can continue to function properly.
If you notice that your toilets are draining slowly or that there is a foul smell in your home, it may be time for a septic tank inspection. This can help you find out what is going on with your septic system and determine whether the septic tank is overtaxed. A septic technician can examine the condition of the septic tanks, baffles, and filters. He or she will look for cracks in the septic tank and other signs of physical damage.
An experienced septic tank cleaning service can also repair a damaged septic tank drain field. If the drain field is clogged, a service can use Septi-Flow to restore it. This is a chemical product that has been used since the 1950s to soften or loosen hard soil in the septic tank drain field to get it to work again.