SUMP PUMP ADVISOR – A ONE-STOP SOLUTION

Looking for ways to defend your basement against flooding?

If you live in a climate that suffers from heavy rainfall or snow or you’ve had water problems before, you need all the help you can get to prevent your basement from flooding and causing myriad issues for your home.

That’s where the sump pump comes into play. It’s a submersible device that’s installed in the lowest point of your home, such as your basement, and keeps the groundwater level from rising all the way up to your basement floor.

When it rains, the soil around your house gets oversaturated and the sump pit fills up with water. This activates the sump pump float switch that triggers the sump pump to drain the excess water into a dry well or a storm drain away from your house.

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WHY YOU NEED TO INVEST IN A SUMP PUMP

Considering investing in a sump pump?

There’s no time to wait as the weather can be fairly unpredictable. It’s a small investment that will yield great benefits for your house in the years to come.

Here are some advantages that are worth mentioning:

Moisture leads to the growth of mold and mildew. Since sump pumps keep the groundwater and moisture levels in check, it significantly reduces the risk of fungus growth in your basement.
Moisture makes your house a termite magnet. A sump pump is just what you need to make sure your house stays protected against all kinds of pest infestations.
Standing water in your basement can create humidity and cause difficulty in breathing, especially for asthma patients. Installing a sump pump will allow you to keep the humidity levels under control and improve the indoor air quality of your home.
Electrical fires can occur due to flooding. Excessive water can cause the appliances in your basement to short-circuit. With a sump pump, you can prevent the water from ruining your appliances and reduce the risk of a household fire.

INSTALLING YOUR SUMP PUMP THE RIGHT WAY

There’s so much you need to know when it comes to installing a sump pump in your house, whether you’re doing it yourself or getting a professional to do it for you.

You may not know this but neither a homeowner’s policy nor your flood insurance will provide coverage for your sump pump failure. You’ll have to purchase targeted pump failure insurance coverage to minimize your losses.

Looking for ways to get the most out of your sump pump?

Sump Pump Advisor is here to save the day. It’s a one-stop solution where you can find answers to all the questions you may have about sump pump maintenance and picking out the right model for your home.

With a host of informational guides to choose from and comparison tables that narrow down your options for you, Sump Pump Advisor has everything you’re looking for and more.

So what are you waiting for?

Head over to our website and learn everything you need to know about sump pumps in just a few clicks!

Guest Contributor: John Fred

10 PLUMBING TIPS FOR NEW HOME BUYERS

Plumbing is essential to a home. Old or damaged pipes can turn a beautiful place into a flooded mess. That’s why it’s so important for new home buyers to make sure their property’s plumbing is in good condition. We wanted to share some tips that can help you fix minor issues and keep your plumbing system flowing.

Look for Corroded or Rusted Pipes – Inspect the pipes in your new home and look for signs of corrosion or rust. Properties with copper piping may have corrosion from exposure to water damage or bacteria. If you notice blue stains or rust, you need to replace the pipe.
Avoid Unqualified Handymen – A incorrectly installed plug can cause fires and a poorly installed pipe can flood a room causing thousands in damages. Use certified electricians, plumbers and builders with good reputations and it will save you money in the long run.
Unclog Drains with a Plunger – If a drain gets backed up, you may be able to clear it with a plunger. Place it over the drain opening and use just like you would in a toilet. If you experience chronic backing up or slow drain problems, it may be time to talk to a plumber.
Get Acquainted with Your Main Valve – Make sure you know where your new home’s gas and water valves are before you move in. This is important in case of an emergency. If you notice flooding or a gas leak, shut off the valve immediately and call a professional.
Have a Plumbing Kit Ready – Put together a home plumbing kit. This should include duct tape, a plunger, paper towels, and a screwdriver.
Never Ignore a Leak or Moisture – If you notice a leak or unexplained moisture in your home, do not ignore it. This is usually a sign that water is coming from a pipe or entering from outside. A plumber can inspect your property and find the cause so you can fix it before it causes extensive damage.
Avoid Dumping in Chemicals – Avoid using chemicals in your plumbing system. That includes chemical drain cleaners. These products can harm pipes, which will lead to bigger problems later. The first step should be to try a plunger or drain snake. A professional may be needed for tough clogs.
Keep Hex Keys on Hand – Also known as an Allen wrench, the hex key is an L-shaped tool that can be used to screw anything with a hexagonal socket. These are commonly used by plumbers. Keep a set on hand so you can handle smaller jobs.
Use a Bucket of Water to Flush – If your toilet won’t flush, you may be able to temporarily deal with it using a bucket of water. Fill the bucket halfway and then dump into the toilet bowl to remove waste in place of a flush. This isn’t a long-term fix but can make life easier until a plumber can get there.
Check Out Strange Plumbing Sounds – If you notice strange sounds in your plumbing system, have it checked out. Unusual gurgling or sloshing could be a sign of a backup. You may also hear a banging sound called a water hammer. This occurs when pipes hit the wall after pressure changes. Have these problems investigated before they cause a leak.
Update the Water Heater – If your new home has an old water heater, now is the time to replace it. The life span for the average water heater is about 10 years or less. Anything older should be replaced to ensure efficiency and to avoid a sudden breakdown later.

Being proactive and addressing problems as soon as you notice them can save you a lot of headaches and money later. A good home needs a solid plumbing system to stay clean and comfortable for those who live there.

Guest Contributor: Robert Lawler

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WATER DAMAGE

We know about the kind of physical destruction that water damage can inflict on our homes. Our appliances and furniture will be ruined, our carpets will be soaked and rendered useless, and our home itself will be at risk of sustaining structural damage. All this can happen even when the water that intrudes into our homes is only an inch or so deep.

However, the one thing that we all should be concerned so much about is the danger it poses to our health and well-being, especially if we don’t contact a water damage restoration company immediately.

All that moisture collecting inside your home will likely trigger the formation of mold. If the water that inundated your home is from sewage or worse, all the contaminants in it are going to make you and your family sick.

Water damage is bad, but it’s a good thing that we can actually do something to protect our homes—and our families—from all the dangers it brings. Here are some ways to protect your home from water damage.

SHUT OFF THE MAIN WATER VALVE WHEN OUT OF TOWN

Are you going out of town for a few weeks or even months? If so, you have probably made arrangements for a friend or a relative to house sit the entire time you’re away.

If you haven’t, or if you couldn’t find anyone you can trust to watch your home for you, then you should shut the main water valve off before you leave. Doing so will minimize the risk of a water pipe leaking or bursting. It will ensure that you won’t be coming home to a flooded home in a few weeks.

CHECK YOUR PLUMBING

As mentioned above, pipes could leak or explode and cause flooding. Drains and sewers could also clog up and cause water to back up and mess up your home.

You will need to check your plumbing from time to time and make sure there are no leaks, loose water pipes, or blockages to worry about. If you’re not that confident about your plumbing skills, call a professional plumber for the job.

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KEEP YOUR RAIN GUTTERS CLEAN

Your rain gutters should always be clear of leaves, branches, and all kinds of debris, so check them periodically.

You wouldn’t want blocked rain gutters, because that means they won’t be able to reroute rainwater properly. Instead of bringing them away from your house, the rainwater will simply spill over the gutters and cascade down the siding of your home and eventually damage the walls and foundation.

CHECK YOUR WATER HEATER.

You should inspect your water heater every year to make sure the tank isn’t leaking due to rust or corrosion. Watch out for signs of a leak like badly corroded parts of the tank and small puddles of water on the floor. If you notice signs of a leak, call water heater professionals to address the problem immediately.

SEAL YOUR WINDOWS

Sometimes, it rains so hard, but the water just goes straight down. There are times, however, when the downpour comes with strong winds, causing rain to go sideways and enter your home through the windows. However, if you caulk and seal your windows from time to time, sideways sheets of rain shouldn’t be a problem.

GET RID OF SNOW AND ICE

Snow and ice are going to accumulate on your property if you live in a region where winters are incredibly cold. They will melt away eventually when spring comes, but it’s better to remove all that snow and ice right away, especially from elevated areas. You don’t want all the water the spring melt will produce to cascade down your house and cause some trouble.

PLANT TREES TO FEND OFF FLOODING.

We’ve all learned in school that trees help prevent flooding, so let’s put that into practice and plant trees around and within our property.

However, you need to be careful about the types of trees you plant and avoid those with aggressive root systems that could damage foundations. You should also plant trees at least 10 feet from your house for good measure.

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PUT UP WATER DETECTORS

Water detectors are designed to pick up elevated levels of moisture and even slow leaks and sound off an alarm. You would do well to install some in your home, especially near washing machines, sump pumps, and toilets.

There are many other ways of protecting your home from water damage, but the tips above are a good place to start.

Guest Contributor: Rachel Anderson