photo credit: swanksalot

Water bills are escalating as the cost of maintaining water supplies to us is passed on directly to us by the water companies. So a water leak can add considerably to your water bill.

Naturally a leaking tap/faucet wastes water. So too does a leaky toilet, which are often caused by a leaky flush valve. These can cost cents to fix and replace yourself.

Signs of a major water leak include, slow time to get hot water out of your shower/tap and if you shut off your water main and your water meter is still going.

What many people may not think of though is their Sump Pump.

Paul St. Henri, superintendent for public works for Livonia is reported as saying that 1 case got an $800 water bill because their back-up water-pressure sump pump was actually operating the pump over an extended period of time.

“People should make sure that their sump pump’s electric circuit hasn’t tripped, which causes the water pressure back up to operate every time there is a need to de-water the sump pit” said Paul St. Henri.

This is one of the topics we will cover in our forth coming report on Sump Pump buying and maintenance. Pop your email in the box on the top left, to get an early notice of when our Sump Pump Report 2009 is  available.

Mean while, double check your Sump Pump only switches on when it should do, and mend that dripping tap/faucet and toilet over flow valve.

Let’s save money and water…

Technorati Tags: Sump pump, water leaks

My question is: is there are a limit to how many "turns" and the
total distance  of an effluent system ? If so, how is this calculated

thanks in advance.  

Bill

Technorati Tags: horizontally, pipe, pipes, Sump pump, turns

Sadly, many homeowners find out the hard way that their sump pump is not working properly. The water table rises beyond a controllable level and hydrostatic pressure begins forcing water through floor cracks and floor/wall joints. The outcome is increased moisture levels inside the basement, which can lead to poor indoor air quality conditions, and in severe cases can lead to standing water filling up inside the basement causing havoc and misery.

The most important thing homeowners with basement waterproofing systems (sump pumps, basement drainage, etc.) can do is complete regular factory recommended maintenance procedures included in the manual that came with the sump pump. If a basement waterproofing company or local contractor/plumber installed the system they should have given you the original product manual. Many waterproofing companies offer annual maintenance to assist you in the maintenance of your sump pump(s) and waterproofing systems. It is highly recommended that if you decide to go forward with contracted maintenance that you ask lots of questions about how the company will service the system.

Regular maintenance should include removal of debris and obstructions from the sump liner and any cleaning of filters or screens that are attached to the sump pump. It is recommended that drains and sump pump systems are flushed with hot water regularly. This ensures that any debris or iron bacteria colonies do not build up and become obstructions to the flow of water. Do not run any type of hazardous cleaning chemicals (bleach, ammonia, detergents, etc.) through any drain or sump pump systems.

If your sump pump has a removable screen (usually at the base) most waterproofing professionals should remove them and use a wire brush to clean the impeller of the pump. Proper maintenance should also include testing of the sump pumps operation and the float switch (if applicable). Water discharge lines should also be checked to ensure that the water being pumped out is flowing freely and to an area that will not allow the water to seep back into the basement.

If open drains are part of your basement waterproofingsystem (bulkhead trenches, garage trenches, etc.) be sure to test them for efficiency frequently. If your basement waterproofing system includes a battery back-up, it should also be tested and maintained. Any open-cell batteries should be filled to factory recommended levels with distilled water.

As mentioned earlier in this posting, always follow the factory recommended maintenance procedures. It is recommended that you have maintenance completed at least twice a year. The most important times to maintain your waterproofing systems are after prolonged dormant times and before typical heavy usage times. Every area is different but experience with Massachusetts weather patterns has proven that February (Winter thaw) and September bring the most sump pump failure complaints.

Author: Lois Bartels

Lois Bartels is the owner of Green Bear Innovations, Massachusetts greenest home improvement company offering green insulation, basement waterproofing, foundation repair, sump pump installations, mold and radon assessment and remediation… We use energy efficient products, recycled/recyclable materials and hold a high standard for resource conservation during all installations. We are based in Reading, MA and serve the entire state and also RI, CT and NH.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lois_Bartels

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Technorati Tags: alleviating, basement slab, drainage, float, hydrostatic pressure, level, maintanenance, Plumber, Pump, Sump pump, water pump, waterproof

Since the basement of a house is below ground, when the soil of the ground gets saturated with rain water, that water can leak into the basement. And leaking in the basement can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Sump pumps are needed more in areas which have lots of flooding, or when the house is below the water table line. However they’re useful as a precaution in any house which has a basement, since that basement is always at least partially underground.

A sump pump is a machine which sits in or above a small hole in the basement floor. The hole is referred to as the sump hole or sump pit, and it’s designed to catch any water that might enter the basement of a home.

As water fills up the sump pit hole, the sump pump kicks on and starts pumping it out through various connected pipes. Sump pumps can drain into the house’s main water drainage system, or drain directly outdoors away from the foundation of the home. This keeps the basement itself from getting flooded, because the water is actually diverted into the hole and then moved out by the sump pump.

Sump pumps usually have a float which triggers them to turn on and off. When the water rises in the sump pit hole, the sump pump float rises as well. When that float reaches a certain height, the sump pump automatically turns on and starts pumping the excess water out.

Sump pumps are usually wired into a house’s main electrical system, but it’s critical for them to have some kind of power backup as well. Many sump pumps use car style batteries as a power backup, but if you don’t like the idea of having a battery in your basement, you can sometimes get a sump pump that is run off the water pressure in your home.

Regardless of what type of backup power system you choose for your sump pump, you need to be sure there actually is a backup. Sump pumps are most needed during storms and flooding, and these are common times for the electricity to go out as well. If the electrical power goes out and the sump pump doesn’t have a backup power source, it will not be able to prevent flooding in your basement.

Some people use a five gallon bucket for their sump pit, and this can actually cause problems in the long run because there is not enough room for the sump pump to work properly. When the sump pit is not large enough, the sump pump’s float can get stuck into position because the pump is holding it against the side of the pump. Making sure your sump pit is at least 18 inches across and 22 inches or more deep can keep this problem from happening.

Author: Diane Crawford

More Information on How Does a Sump Pump Work can be found at http://www.sumppumphelp.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Crawford

Technorati Tags: how it works, how to, Sump pump

Obviously, I’m not pleased. The deal’s done on the house…but my question is do I have any sort of recourse against the sellers for essentially lying about the water in the basement? I’ve had water down there for a nearly 2 weeks straight, and now running water. There’s no way they didn’t know about it or just…I don’t know forgot to say “oh, yes.”

If anybody has any information let me know.

My thought it so invest in a sump pump and waterproofing system but it runs about $6000 on the low end (I had an estimate last week). Is there any way they are legally responsible for any portion of the cost?

Thanks!

Oh, I guess I should metion I'm in Illinois because these sorts of laws can probably vary by state.
As per the first answer…

I was hoping at least to gain some info. before contacting legal help…I really don't want to be going down this road with these people.

Yes, 6 inches IS alot of rain. My point is, I had water down there the 2nd day it started.

And the $6000 is for a sump pump AND basement dewatering system such as BDry.

when the seller sells a house they are asked questions on a form you should have that form one or more of the questions pertain to water you may have a case if you can prove that they had water in the last 15 yrs

Problem: I have had basement flooding 5 times in 2 years whenever we get a heavy rain. It comes up through the utility sink drain on the floor. However, the first time it was gushing out of the toilet too.

Option 1: A Backflow Valve to prevent sewage backup into the house. Estimate: 600.00

Option 2: One of those Basement waterproofing companies. We had a "free" estimate done. It started at $12,000.00, but if you sign today they'll slash 3000.00 off the price. They were so high pressure, I had to practically kick them out.

Option 3: Bigger Sump Pump – Can it really be such a simple solution??

Option 4: Is the city in anyway responsible for stormline overflow?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

It dose sound as if it is sewage not storm water unless the city you live in has combination sewer/storm lines. which would explain the backup during heavy rain. I would call the city waste water (utilities) dept. and ask them to come out and see if they can pin point something or if they have a flusher truck they can flush the city main that some times helps.
As for a back flow valve, it is a good idea. Even if the city main surcharges that valve will protect you from any body else sewage entering your home. Gross thought I know, but it dose happen, more than you want to know.
I hope this helped, I can't say much with the info i have to go on. Contact the city see if they can help.

Last week, the pump stopped working. We called the contractor and a new pump was installed.

Tonight, we went downstairs and there was an inch of water on the floor. We immediately called the contractor. He told us that the pump had failed and went to get a new one. He told us that he had originally installed a 1/3 pump and it couldn’t handle the workload. To “hopefully fix it,” he installed a 1.5 horsepower pump and said we may need to get a ¾ pump.

My question is: should the contractor be responsible for knowing that a smaller sump pump will not work in a high water area (HE mentioned it was an area that has a lot of water)? My furniture and new walls are ruined… what are my options?
He did not say there would be a charge for the pump replacement. Considering his previous (lack of) work ethic, I would assume he will send a bill.

He actually suggested that we go and buy another sump pump so that we have a spare if this happens again.

We've called our insurance company as they cover sump pump failure. Should we try and settle through his insurance?

My final question… sorry this is so long…. Should he be reported?

Assuming that you hired a State licensed general contractor, the first thing that you should do is to try to resolve the issue with him. If he is not willing to cover your loss, then you should file a report with the local Registrar of Contractors. His insurance should cover the damage caused by his mistake. If he is not a licensed contrator, then you're out of luck, there really isn't anything that you can do to recover any losses. That doesn't mean you can't sue him for damages, but you don't have much of a chance to win, and it will cost you way more to hire a lawyer.

Make sure you document everything, if promises are made via the telephone, make sure you follow up with a letter or email to confirm what was said. Do not authorize him to do any further work unless if he agrees that the original scope of work will be repaired at his expense. If he will not do that, then there isn't much chance that he will pay for any damages caused by his error. That leaves you no choice but to report him to the registrar of contractors. They will help you with what options you have. They are there to protect the consumer and the reputation of good contractors.