Archive for April, 2009

I have a sump pump that runs out into my back yard. It pumps out about 2-4 times a day about 5-10 gallons of water each time. I would really like to know how to hook it up to some kind of device to use it as a sprinkler system of some sort to water my lawn or veggie garden? Any suggestions?

Popularity: 11% [?]

Technorati Tags: back yard, Pumps, sprinkler system, Sump pump

When do most homeowners find out that their sump pump has failed? When it is too late! It is raining cats and dogs, rain water is contributing to the ground water and the water table is rising quickly. As the ground water level reaches the float activation set point. Regularly the sump pump will kick on and keep the water level below the basement slab, thereby alleviating the hydrostatic pressure below the basement floor.

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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Popularity: 11% [?]

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

We live in an older house and have had some water issues in the area that the sump pump system is not installed, but the sump pump tank had never filled with water. Our neighbor can never remember it running. I don’t think that it was installed properly because it gets musty smelling in the basement and why would they have installed it if it wasn’t needed.

Our sump pump well is bone dry and in two years has never had a drop of water. We live in Minnesota and sometimes get a lot of rain. We had a lot of water come in last September in the area with out the SP, but the tank was dry. If water was coming in why didn’t it go into the tank?

I think it is the type with a pipe in gravel running around the perimeter of the half of the basement. It is covered by cement. The well has a plastic liner and is covered. The water is just supposed to be piped out of the house about 2 feet off the ground. It would be pretty obvious to the neighbor if this occured because our houses are only about 20 feet a part and I assume it would spray.

The system has been in for about 10-15 years. I had the compay who installed it come take a look because we were getting water in via the wall and floor during rains in the unfinished part of the basement. The piping is not in that area. I asked why we never get water in the well and I was told that sometimes water never goes into the well. I said then why would a SP be installed? There must have been an issue at some point.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Technorati Tags: cement, drop of water, gravel, last september, lot of water, neighbor, occured, perimeter, piping, plastic liner, pump tank, rain, Sump pump, water issues

My yard has a very damp area that I believe is being caused by my neighbors malfunctioning sump pump. You can hear the pump run and then water shoots out of the outside pipes on to the ground. My understanding is the water should be sent out a pipe into the water sewer. I believe this excess water is affecting the concrete in my yard. Any ideas?

Popularity: 12% [?]

Technorati Tags: concrete, excess water, neighbors, pipes, water sewer

Basement Systems provides a patented sump pump system called the TripleSafe Sump Pump System. We have severe water flooding issues in our home. But, they do not say what the cost of installing this system would be. Does anyone have this system? If so, how much did it cost, and how well does it work?

Popularity: 13% [?]

Technorati Tags: triplesafe sump pump