Sump Pump

If you’re like many of us, you may find the septic system a bit of a mystery. You probably have a vague understanding of how it works, and maybe you know that it involves a drain field and a tank, with the knowledge that it should be cleaned out every few years. If a clog happens, and the wastewater pipe leaks and backs up, homeowners with septic systems can sometimes not know what to do – and that can be exacerbated during freezing temperatures and the freezing problems that can come from the frozen ground and holding tanks.   Otherwise, you probably don’t think about the septic system much until there’s a problem. Fortunately, as a homeowner, you can prevent many mishaps or common issues through regular maintenance and care, but what about when the weather causes your septic tank problems? Does Cold Weather Affect Septic Systems? Yes. Cold weather

Homeowners know if you have a sump pump, it is there to ward off floods, pumping water away as it collects in the sump pit. In order for it to do its job, however, you will have to perform regular maintenance to ensure that gravel and sand do not clog up the pump. Without regular checkups, cleaning a sump pump, and checking other items like the discharge pipe/drain line or circuit breaker/ power source, a flooded basement could be the signal that a buildup of debris has caused a blockage or broke your sump pump system, a signal that of course, comes too late. Here then are some DIY things homeowners need to do regularly if there is a sump pump system in their home. Make Sure It Works First, you want to ensure that your sump pump is actually in working order. Fill the sump pump pit with enough

Maintaining a well-functioning septic system doesn’t happen by accident, but by homeowners knowing their septic tank needs, how their septic system works. They also know the correct additives to go IN the septic system, and keeping the correct things OUT of the sewer system. The other part of a properly cared for septic system is having the septic tank pumped on a regular basis. Septic tank pumping is also referred to as septic tank cleaning, and is the process of using a vacuum truck to suck the sewage out of the tank. When Should I Get My Septic Tank Pumped? How often a septic tank needs to be pumped depends on the size of the septic holding tank, as well as the number of people in the home and how much wastewater, liquid waste, solid waste, and water usage.  For most households, a septic tank should be on a pumping

Even the best-built basements in Kansas City can have excess moisture issues, especially when there are heavy rains, or excess water comes in from being in a bad spot as it relates to the water table. Basement waterproofing is among the best ways to prevent needing water damage restoration, and gives you peace of mind for the lifespan of your home. Properly installed sump pumps are a must for many basement owners, as they can protect basements and crawl spaces from water damage associated with flooding or moisture accumulation. Sump pumps pump water out of basements or crawl spaces and into storm drains or dry wells.  If you are a homeowner with a finished basement or living space, then the potential for massive water damage issues arises, as mildew and mold build up, or other issues that could have been avoided if you had a sump pump. To help avoid

The last thing you need during the mad holiday rush is to have something go wrong with your plumbing, right? Unfortunately, if you don’t prepare your plumbing for the winter, you could end up paying a big price, and you don’t need any added expenses during a time that your budget is already stretched to the limit. There’s no such thing as a “good time” for a plumbing emergency. Emergencies often occur when our minds are on something else, like preparing for out-of-town guests over Thanksgiving and Christmas. While you’re stocking the fridge for your annual holiday dinner or the linen closet with new sheets and towels for your in-laws, don’t forget that the colder weather means more than holiday travel, it means temperature shifts that can cause your plumbing to fail at the worst of times – when you have a house full of guests! Here are some of

When it comes to disaster prevention, a sump pump is one of the most important devices that you’ll ever rely on. Unfortunately, when this simple yet vital system fails at the wrong time, you get catastrophic results – leading to higher insurance premiums, thousands in water damage, and daily disruptions as major repair work is being done. When the water level in the sump pit gets too high during heavy rains or snow melts, the float switch rises with the amount of water and, at a certain level, causes the pump to run and prevent standing water/flooded basements/mold growth/flood damage to drywall and more. To avoid sump pump failures, many homeowners keep a replacement pump handy just in case their sump pump dies, but that doesn’t do any good if yours dies while you’re out of town during a power outage or if your pump gives out while you’re sleeping

Homeowners who want to keep their crawlspace or basement dry, or prevent a flooded basement or crawlspace, know their sump pump needs to be in good working order at a moment’s notice, even after months of lying in disuse.  There are many reasons for a homeowner to have a sump pump. The water damage that homeowners can face when there is groundwater backup can be incredible. Sump pump failures and common issues, such as a clog or obstruction in the sump pit discharge pipe or the sump pump float switch failing to engage the impeller to get rid of excess water, can make a rainy day into a disastrous day.  How Many Types Of Sump Pumps Are There? In general, there are two essential types of sump pumps: a pedestal sump pump and a submersible sump pump. Pedestal types of sump pumps – this variety of pump systems have the

No matter how hesitantly it has come, spring is officially here, and it will soon be time to start spring cleaning. This can include a much-needed cleaning and maintenance of your plumbing. You may need to perform repairs as well, as appliances may have had to work extra hard this winter, or pipes that froze earlier may have now cracked. When it’s time to deal with your plumbing, here are some tips so you can enjoy a disaster-free, energy efficient spring. Your Kitchen & Bathroom You can start by ensuring that your faucets and drains are in good working condition. First examine faucets to see if any of them are dripping or leaking, and perform any necessary repair work now to save on the next water bill. Then you can double check that every drain has a screen on it to keep out soap scum, hair, and other materials that