Archive for the ‘Backup sump pump’ Category

I am tryng to figure out how resolve our basement flooding problem. I have contacted several people on the situation, but it seems each one thinks that their service is the best way to solve the problem. I was hoping to get advice from some good knowledgable people online.

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.

Popularity: 3% [?]

We have a septic tank (obviously underground) that sits about 20 feet from our back bedroom. Our back bedroom smells horribly!! What could the problem be? We have a B-Dry sump pump underneath the house and the verizon people have hit the drainage pump to the system and therefore probably causing the sump pump to backup. We had the septic company come out and they felt like everything was ok with the septic tank. The sump pump is still working but the drainage pipe drains into the hole that we dug to discover the break in the drainage line. We have just gotten a ton of rain and the hole that was dug is full of 2 feet of water. So, the water in the hole drains back into the sump pump system, and when the sump pump flushes, the water under the house gets drained into the hole. By the way, this whole is also 5 feet from this back bedroom. WHAT COULD THE PROBLEM BE??????
10 points!
by the way no smell under house and no smell in other bathrooms

You have or had a drain leak.Pump out and dry the hole to see if it clears up.If that doesn’t fix it then find the leak.Good luck on the digging.I don’t envy you.

Popularity: 6% [?]

In 2/ 08, our basement flooded. We didn’t have a waterproof system, so everything was torn out. The contractor put in a baseboard, trench, and sump pump (with battery and backup pump). He verbally warranted his work for life and said it would be in writing when he is paid in full.

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.

Popularity: 3% [?]

I have a new sump pump that did not come with a battery backup. What is the best way to backup this sump pump without replacing the ENTIRE unit? Can I just buy a battery backup attachment?

I would assume the sump pump you purchased is being used as your primary? A battery back up system is just that – a sump that is run off a deep cycle wet cell or AGM( gel) marine battery, that is connected to a charging unit , and operates when you have a power outage or your primary pump cannot keep up with the amount of water in your sump pit/basin. There are systems out there that convert dc to ac, but are rather expensive. You can opt for your retail store line of b/u systems, but are cheap. But something is better than nothing. If you want top of the line , go with Zoeller Aquanot II system or Sumpro line of b/u systems. Those could run anywhere from $700- up to $3000, uninstalled.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I have a dehumidifier in my basement and during the summer I have to empty the bucket atleast once a day sometimes more. Would there be any problems running a drain from the dehumidifer to my sump pump baisin? I imagine that the sump would operate much more frequently doing this. Is it common practice?
The sump does have a battery backup so there is no worries about it overflowing during a power outage.
I was mostly just nervous about the pump running more often than perhaps it was designed for.

you will have no problems running the dehumidifier drain to your sump

Popularity: 2% [?]