sump pump

Is Your Sump Pump Discharge Line Working Against You?

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Sump Pump Discharge Line

The sump pump discharge line is the pipe that gets the water out of your basement.  The sump pump is tied into the discharge line that goes up and out of the basement and from there filtered through another drain pipe and out into a drainage area in the yard.  If your sump pump system is designed correctly, it can keep your basement dry.  If it isn’t, your discharge line could be working against you.

Pump Strength with Discharge Line Length (or head)

First, make sure that the pump is the right size and strength for the length of the discharge line and the amount of water you need to be pumping.  The efficiency of a pump is figured by how many gallons of water it can pump out per hour.  The length of the discharge line, or head, is factored into the equation. Sometimes when a pump states the amount of gallons per hour, it is at zero foot head. That means that is how fast it can pump out the water at the floor level.  If a pump says it pumps 2,000 gallons at an 8 foot head (which is about what you need to get the water out of a typical basement) that is a good, strong pump.  A professional basement waterproofing contractor can help you determine the right pump to install in your system.

The Force of Gravity

Another way a discharge line could be working against you is with gravity.  The discharge line is usually vertical and goes up the basement wall. If you don’t have the proper check valve on the discharge line (and backup check valves in place) water will start going the wrong way back down into the sump pit or liner.  Generally one third to two thirds of the total water pumped will slip back down if you don’t have a one-way valve to stop the water from going back down into the pit for the pump to pump it out again.  Make sure your check valve is working properly and your discharge line isn’t working against you.

Keep the Discharge Line Clear

While the sump pump is the heart of the waterproofing system, the discharge lines are the veins and arteries. If either part fails, your system is in trouble.  If the water can’t exit the basement due to clogged or frozen discharge lines, the whole system won’t work to keep the basement dry.  There will be water backed up, and even if the pump is working, your basement could flood.  It is important to take precautions to make sure the lines don’t freeze or clog.  Regular check and maintenance on the discharge lines will make sure they don’t get full of debris. The vertical discharge line and the lines on the outside of the house should be in good working condition for the system to work effectively.

sump pump

The Importance of Installing a Sump Pump with the Winter Storm Boreas in Effect

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Install a Sump Pump

Winter storm Boreas hasn’t been making this Thanksgiving travel season any easier for us New Jersey homeowners. Whether you’re having trouble catching the next flight out to go see family for the holidays, or you’re worried about your basement flooding due to the large volume of water and wind pounding the area, you’ve likely got a lot to worry about. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have a waterproofing system as well as a functioning sump pump.

Multiple inches of heavy rain and high winds brought by Boreas certainly create plenty of opportunity for extended power outages and seepage due to ground saturation. Here are a few things to look out for.

Power Outages

Your waterproofing system relies on a sump pump to pump the water collected by your waterproofing system out and away from your foundation. Your sump pump relies on electricity from your home in order to operate. Without power, your waterproofing system essentially becomes a “bowl” for the water to collect and potentially flood up into your home.

Sump Pump Motor Burnout

With heavy rains come a heavy burden on your sump pump. As more water flows into the sump basin and fills up more rapidly and more often, your pump has to work harder to pump it out. If the water volume coming in is greater than the amount of water your pump is able to pump out, your pump could be at risk for burning out completely.

Sill Plate Seepage

With increase rainfall comes more water pooling in your yard and along your foundation. Sump pumps and gutter downspouts can also significantly contribute to this standing water. This poses a risk of seepage coming in from the sill plate, or the seam at or near ground-level where the rest of your home rests upon the top of your foundation walls.

Remember to test those sump pumps, and extend those discharge links and gutter downspouts. The idea in a heavy storm like this is to direct as much water away from your foundation as possible, while maximizing the pumping efficiency of your existing waterproofing system. And one final pro tip for you, if you haven’t already invested in a battery operated backup pump yet, DO IT! It can mean the difference between a dry, healthy basement and a flooded basement!

Contact us for more information about waterproofing systems and sump pumps.

Wet Basement | Middletown, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Signs of Basement Leaks in New Jersey

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Leaks in New Jersey

Basement leaks in New Jersey have many common causes. First, water that is on the ground can seep into your foundation and basement floor. Water could also leak into your basement due to issues with your gutters. Your gutters may overflow due to heavy rain, clogs, a sudden thaw, or poor installation. If you do not have enough gutters, water will also leak. Basement leaks in New Jersey are also often caused by disconnected downspouts, poor planning in terms of landscaping, and sprinklers aiming at your home. Finally, basement leaks in New Jersey are also a risk if your pipes have excessive condensation or if your interior walls have water inside them.

Signs of Basement Leaks in New Jersey

To catch basement leaks before they become serious floods, watch for these common signs.

  • Staining: Water stains on your basement floor or walls are a definite indication of a basement leak.
  • Odor: If your basement smells damp or musty, it is likely that there is excessive moisture and a potential leak.
  • Mold: Mold will also appear in a basement that has a leak, and it can come in many colors. If you suspect mold, you should have it tested.
  • Efflorescence: Efflorescence is a condition in which salt deposits are left by water that has evaporated. These may appear on your walls as gray or white ash, and it can sparkle.
  • Spalling: This also refers to salt deposits that are left behind, but spalling occurs when the surface that the salt is on begins to peel away or otherwise come off.

Contact us to get your FREE Estimate today!

Basement Waterproofing | Monmouth County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Home Equity Can Come From Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey

WaterProof Stg0 Home Equity Can Come From Basement Waterproofing in New JerseyBasement waterproofing in New Jersey is a major factor in maximizing your home equity. Fixing minor problems are easy. But fixing major flaws become very important since it is both time consuming and expensive. Although basements are not used as much as kitchens, many sellers overlook the importance of a dry basement. In today’s buyers market, a clean dry basement is a must. Most statistics say well over 90% of home buyers won’t even look at a house when there are foundation issues. With a basement comes its many problems like leakage and flooding during rainy months. Basement waterproofing in New Jersey is a good solution that can make the sale of the home easy.

The Importance of Basement Waterproofing in New Jersey

While new home buyers sometimes look at basements as an added bonus, they are very cautious of buying homes with unkempt basements. Maintaining basements through the year is difficult, but with right kind of waterproofing, it can be easily done. When hiring a basement waterproofing contractor, make sure they offer a lifetime transferable warranty. When home shoppers see the foundation is under warranty, this is a great indicator that you have kept up the maintenance on your foundation and home.

Look for Foundation Cracks

A minor fracture found in the mortar joints of concrete block walls may not just be a simple “settling crack”. That may actually be the movement of the wall inward due to pressure from the earth’s clay on the exterior. These cracks on the interior are just the tip of the iceberg as far as damage is concerned. Popular Science tells there can be 3 to 4 times as many cracks to be found on the exterior wall when one is found on the inside. These cracks on the exterior lead to water seepage into the hollows of the block. That moisture, hidden and unseen in the hollows may take a while to leak presentable water on the interior.

These are just a few of the indicators of a much more significant issue. Professional inspections can prevent much of the more significant damage caused from this moisture. An ounce of prevention can save a pound of cure. Basement inspections may not solve the problem, but their diagnosis is the first step in attaining a dry, safe environment. If you would like a professional consultation on your foundation, please contact us.

sump pump discharge lines

Understanding Sump Pump Discharge Lines

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Sump Pump Discharge Lines

Our sump pump discharge lines are often the last things we consider when we talk about basement waterproofing systems, yet are a very important piece. Your sump pump discharge lines can have a direct impact on how well your basement waterproofing system performs, and should be evaluated to increase system efficiency and prevent backup.

Problems with improperly set-up sump pump discharge lines

One of the more common things we see with improperly set-up discharge lines is an overabundance of angled fittings. Understandably, some basement and crawl space layouts don’t necessarily allow for a nice, short, straight exit out of the home, but you certainly don’t want a “pipe-rollercoaster” downstairs. This can lead to severely decreased water output, and strain on your sump pump’s motor.

Another item to consider is winter freezing. During the wet Spring months, you may want the water to discharge far away from your foundation, so you extend the line far away. During the winter months however, this can increase the risk of freezing. A frozen discharge line can mean a freshly burned out sump pump, as well as water backing up into your home. Reduce this risk by shortening your discharge line in the winter, and check it periodically.

How often does your sump pump burn out? Share your experience below in the comments! Contact us for a FREE Estimate on sump pump installation.

foundation floor cracks

Foundation Floor Cracks, What Next?

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Does Your Home Have Foundation Floor Cracks?

Foundation floor cracks can be found in the majority of homes across New Jersey. The trick is knowing when to take action.

If your home wasn’t built last week, and we’re willing to bet it wasn’t, you’ve probably noticed a few cracks in the foundation floor by now. These are caused by a variety of factors ranging from increased moisture and water pressure, to settlement and structural deficiency. Luckily more serious foundation issues can be identified and prevented if you catch them early enough.

So what can you do about your foundation floor cracks? Let’s take a look at the facts.

1. How large is the crack? Are we talking hairline, 1/4″? Larger?

Larger foundation floor cracks can signify a bigger structural issue, especially if both sides of the crack are shifting and moving away from one another. Give your local foundation repair company a call, to be on the safe side.

2. Have you noticed mold, mildew, fungi, weeds, or insects?

Okay, sounds gross––we know. But it can happen. Cracks in your foundation floor expose your home to the elements, allowing for a variety of potential intruders. Save the weed killer for your driveway, not your basement.

3. Any dark staining or moisture? During a rain storm, do you notice water coming up out of the cracks?

If so, ensure your primary sump pump is working. Don’t have one? You may need to consider installing an interior french drain/pump system. Check for dark staining as well, this can be a sign of moisture.

mold

Is Mold Growth Affecting the Air You Breathe?

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Mold Growth Can Cause Problems in Your Home

You may not of heard of the Stack Effect, but I’d be willing to bet you’ve more than likely experienced it in your home. Stack effect occurs when the air begins to warm inside of your home, and negative pressure causes the air in the lower parts of the home to rise into the upper floors of your home. This can eventually cause mold to grow in your home with all the moisture in the air.

Today, our homes are more energy efficient, creating a tighter seal between the inside of your home and the elements outside. This tighter seal means greater negative pressure, which means more basement or crawl space air rising into your living room. As you can imagine, a neglected wet and moldy basement makes all the difference in this situation!

Mold can form faster than you think

It only takes 24-48 hours for toxic mold to begin to infest a wet basement, so you can image what a few years can do. Don’t wait any longer! Prevent those mold spores from entering other parts of your home by identifying and repairing the source of water intrusion. Need help locating the source of the water? Contact us for a free inspection and evaluation, and we’d be happy to come out!

backup sump pump

5 Ways You Can Benefit From a Battery Operated Backup Sump Pump

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

A Backup Sump Pump Can Be Beneficial to Have in Your Home

Have you ever looked down into your basement from the top of your stairs after a heavy rainstorm, only to notice that trademark reflection of a thin layer of water covering the floor? Have you felt the ping of guilt knowing that you had thought about installing a battery backup sump pump the last time this happened, but failed to do anything about it?

Owning a basement in New Jersey isn’t walk in the park. High water tables and frequent strong storms are just part of life here; and it can really take a toll on our homes. We take the good with the bad; but that doesn’t mean we can’t do something to help reduce the latter.

There are many reasons to keep your basement dry and healthy; it can increase your home’s value, keep pests out, help provide a better air quality throughout the entire home; and best of all, eliminate the need for rubber boots and a Wet Vac the morning after!

One great way to avoid a disaster and keep your home healthy is to invest in a battery operated backup sump pump system. Battery backups can really be a lifesaver in rain-heavy storms, and we recommend every home have one.

Here are just 5 benefits of protecting your home with a battery backup:

1. Protection in the case of a power outage.

Strong storms can knock out power to your home, rendering your primary sump pump useless. Unless you’ve got a battery backup sump pump, your basement or crawl space is totally vulnerable to flooding.

2. Protection in the case of a primary pump failure.

It’s no secret that sump pumps don’t last forever. Too often we wait until the pump fails to do something about it. Protect against burned out pumps with a backup system!

3. Lend a helping hand to a struggling primary pump.

Most people assume backups only engage when the primary sump pump fails. While that’s true, they will also kick on to help a primary pump that can’t keep up with the flow of water. This is a great asset during torrential downpours.

4. Protect your valuables.

The long term cost of replacing carpeting, tile, drywall, and valuables in your basement or crawl space can really add up. You can save your self lots of money down the road by spending a little money now with a battery backup sump pump.

5. Do it for the health of you, your home, and your family.

A perpetually damp basement is very unhealthy. So is a recently flooded basement. Toxic mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours, and that air travels upward, affecting the rest of the home.

Contact us for a FREE Estimate on a battery backup sump pump!

basement waterproofing system

Do You Have a Working Basement Waterproofing System For the Spring?

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

Have a Basement Waterproofing System Installed

This has sure proven to be one cold, wet February. Between blizzards, snow melting, and rain showers, our sump pumps have been doing overtime. Unfortunately, in some cases, so have our Wet-Vacs and mops. It’s important that as a homeowner you’re doing everything you can to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your basement waterproofing system. That’s why we recommend that you take the next few weeks and focus on your basement or crawl space. Be sure to pay special attention to the most critical part of any home waterproofing system, the sump pump.

But I paid all this money for a top-of-the-line basement waterproofing system, can’t I just let it do its thing and forget about it?

Well, even the most advanced basement waterproofing systems need a little care every once in a while. Testing your system ahead of time can also help you prevent things like burnt out pumps, power outages, electrical failures, and drainage clogs. Since we’re assuming a flooded basement during a rainstorm isn’t the ideal way to find out there’s something wrong with your sump pump, we’re recommending testing it ahead of time.

Testing your system with water is a quick and easy process. If your system has small access ports, place a hose and pump water through your system, preferable at the furthest point from your sump pump. This will accurately simulate a rain storm, while simultaneously helping flush out any debris or residue that may be accumulating in your drain tile.

If your system was not supplemented with access ports, you may pour water directly into the sump basin using 5 gallon buckets. This will certainly be able to tell you if your pumps are operating properly.

To test your battery backup system, simply follow the same water testing procedures with the primary sump pump unplugged. If you don’t have a battery backup system, we recommend you consider one. A battery backup is the best way to ensure you’re protected in the event of a primary pump failure or power outage, period.

Remember, stay ahead of the storms. Water test your system, check those pumps, and test your battery backups! Spending a little time checking everything out now will surely save you loads of time and money dealing with a flood later.

basement flood

Prevent a Basement Flood This Winter!

Posted by Stephen Bertolacci on

How to Prevent a Basement Flood

It’s the holiday season and we’ve all got a million and one things on our to-do lists, I know. With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, who needs to deal with a basement flood, and therefore a basement waterproofing headache? I know I don’t.

That’s all the more reason to take preventative action to make sure you don’t experience any unforeseen headaches or surprises. You see, if your home has experienced water issues in the past, the fact that it’s winter doesn’t mean that your basement or crawl space is much less susceptible to seepage. Only the top layers of soil freeze; water at the basement floor level is still allowed to flow within the warmer soil. This means that your sump pump is still working hard while you’re out shopping.

Check your sump pump!

To greatly reduce the possibility of you coming home to a basement flood, you’re going to want to check on your sump pump. We recommend that you check your pump(s) at least once or twice a month to ensure proper operation.

First thing’s first, test the pumps. To do this, simply fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and pour it directly into the sump basin. Repeat until you see the sump pump discharge the water. If your pump goes off before or shortly after the pump is fully submerged in water, you should be in good shape. If you continue to fill the basin with water without the pump going off, you may want to have it check out by a professional.

Another thing you may want to consider is a battery-operated backup pump. This can really be a lifesaver in the even of a power outage or primary pump failure.

So do your basement a favor this holiday season, and go check on your sump pumps!

Have another tip or question? Leave a comment below or contact us!