Battery Backup System | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, you need to have a dependable sump pump and a good battery backup system. Because of their location below other floors of a building, basements and crawlspaces are prone to flooding, and this can cause notable damage and health issues in your home.

download Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

When water accumulates in your basement or crawlspace, the moisture can cause significant damage to the floor and walls. Humid conditions also cause the growth of mold, which apart from causing damage to drywalls walls, ceilings and other structures, also causes health problems like allergies and respiratory issues.

It is therefore important to have a mechanism that can efficiently and consistently remove water from areas that are prone to flooding. One of the ways to achieve this is by installing a sump pump and having a reliable battery backup system.

Sump pump?

This is a device that is used to remove water from areas that are susceptible to flooding. To play their role effectively, sump pumps are positioned in the lowest points in a home, notably within the crawlspace or the basement.

home basement sump pump and float switch Why You Should Have A Battery Backup System Trenton, NJ

How a sump pump works

A sump pump is designed such that it turns on automatically when the level of water at the point where it is located reaches a certain point. This happens during occurrences such as flooding when it rains or when there is a substantial leakage from the plumbing systems. The sump pump removes the water and dumps it at a designated area outside through its discharge pipe.

How a battery backup system can help you

A battery backup system helps ensure that your sump pump is on standby at all times. Interestingly, flooding of the basement is in most cases associated with bad weather. Storms and falling trees can leave you without power. Yet it is during storms that your sump pump needs to be up and running.

With a battery backup system, you are able to protect your home from flooding by ensuring that your sump pump has power even when the mains electricity fails. A battery backup system turns on automatically any time there is a power outage in your home.

So, by installing a good battery backup system, you will not have any reason to worry in the event that there is a storm because your sump pump will function normally.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Basement Waterproofing | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ

Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ

Are you considering investing in basement waterproofing? One of the biggest concerns homeowners have when faced with the need to waterproof their basement is how much it will cost. The best way to get this information is by having a professional contractor provide you with an estimate.

The following are some things you should know about basement waterproofing estimates.

basement waterproofing new jersey Things You Should Know About Basement Waterproofing Cost Estimates Trenton, NJ
  • The cost of waterproofing will depend on the solution provided by the contractor

There is a wide range of options available for waterproofing basements. The estimate you will be provided with will depend on the type of solution suggested by the contractor. You may therefore be provided with different costs by different contractors depending on the solutions they offer and the price of their labor.

  • You can seek estimates from different contractors

Many homeowners go with the first waterproofing contractor they contact. They don’t take the time to consider other opinions or to compare different estimates. This is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when considering basement waterproofing. Comparing estimates from different contractors is the best way to identify great deals as well as the best solution for your basement.

  • Many contractors give estimates for free

If you’re worried about the cost of getting an estimate, don’t be. Many professional contractors offer this service for free. You can therefore contact different contractors and request for their estimates for the waterproofing project to compare. You are under no obligation to go with any particular contractor until you choose the contractor you will engage for the project.

  • Estimates are just that

Estimates aren’t an accurate calculation of the cost of the project. An estimate is just an estimate. There is therefore a good chance that you will spend more on the project than was outlined in the estimate. The estimate is just a guideline of how much the contractor thinks the project would cost.

  • Never go with an estimate that is too low

It can be tempting to go with the contractor offering the lowest estimate in an effort to save money. However, you may end up regretting this. In many cases, extremely low costs are achieved by cutting corners. This could result in failure or damage that will require you to pay a different contractor to fix.

Go through the estimates and determine which contractor meets your needs. Choose a cost-effective solution for your basement. 

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Foundation Repair | Trenton, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Don’t Miss the Signs That Your Home Needs Foundation Repair Trenton, NJ

Foundation repair is required in many situations. However, a small crack does not indicate an immediate need for foundation repair. There are plenty of signs and signals that something is not right with your foundation when there happens to be potential serious damage. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore the signals, allowing things to deteriorate further. If these homeowners had paid attention and called for help at the first sign of trouble, repairs could have taken place before further damage took place. These repairs would have been easier, less expensive, and there would have been less damage to their home and belongings. Below are some signs to consider.

Cracks, Crumbling, and Water

One of the first signs that your foundation is in trouble is usually cracking in the foundation. These cracks allow water to get into the basement. The cracks can and often do become worse over time.

Cracks and walls can get repaired, and your basement can get waterproofed. It is important to note that not all water in the basement points to foundation issues. The water may be coming up into the basement due to a high water level. In this case, having your basement waterproofed will stop the problem.

Doors and Windows that Are Difficult to Open and Close

If your doors and windows are becoming more challenging to operate, it is a sign of foundation problems. Think back to when you first moved into your home, did they open and close more easily? They may become more difficult over a long period, which makes it harder for you to notice, so it’s essential to pay attention.

Look Up

Do your ceiling and molding meet? They did at one time, and they should still meet now. If they do not, your foundation could very well be the cause, and you should have it checked out.

The above are a few of the signs of foundation issues. Pay attention to your house, so that you will be alerted at the first sign of problems. Foundation issues can impact the entire integrity of your structure. If they are allowed to progress, you could experience bowing walls and wall failure. A strong foundation is needed to have a safe and secure home. If you suspect foundation issues, call for a professional inspection today.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

Battery Backup System | New Brunswick, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

Signs That Your Sump Pump or Battery Backup System Needs Replacement New Brunswick, NJ

If you have a basement or crawlspace, it’s wise to have a sump pump and battery backup system installed to prevent flooding. With these systems in place, you can rest assured that you won’t wake up to a flooded basement.

However, like anything else, sump pumps and backup systems don’t run forever. With regular maintenance, a good system can last for well over 20 years and keep your space moisture-free and safe. There are instances when these systems fail sooner than anticipated. When this happens, your home becomes vulnerable to flood damage. It’s therefore important to be on the lookout for signs that your sump pump or battery backup system needs replacement. sump pit liner 239x300 Signs That Your Sump Pump or Battery Backup System Needs Replacement New Brunswick, NJ

  1. Vibrating excessively

Sump pumps vibrate when water flows through them. They may even vibrate more vigorously when the occasional dirt or gravel is drawn up into the impeller. Solid objects that come into contact with the impellers can damage them. This can result in the unit vibrating excessively.

When your unit sounds louder or is vibrating more than it did previously, it’s time to call in a professional technician to have a look. They can diagnose the issue and provide you with a solution. You may have to replace the pump. You will also have to attend to the part of the system that is letting gravel and dirt into the drain.

  1. Age

How long have you had the sump pump and the backup system? If you’ve had it for several years, it may have reached the end of its life and may not be useful anymore. Your system may not be able to handle the same volume of water it did in the past. It may break down in the middle of a storm and leave you with a flooded home.

Have a technician inspect your system and help you determine if you need to install a new pump.

  1. Rust

Pumping systems with metal bits may succumb to rust over time. This is because the systems are constantly exposed to water and bacteria. This eventually leads to formation of rust. The accumulation of rust in your system, especially around the terminals of the battery, can result in extensive damage and complete failure of the system. It can leave you with a flooded basement.

  1. The system is continuously running

If the system is running even when water is not flowing into the basement, it’s wise to have it checked by a technician. The system may not be working properly. The pump may burn out as a result of running for too long.

Ensure that your system is inspected at least once a year. Regular maintenance can help to prolong the life of your system. However, when the time comes to replace it, be sure you do so as soon as possible to protect your property.

Contact the Professionals at Select Basement Waterproofing Today! (732) 526-7770

sump pump

Tips for Sump Pump Inspection

Sump Pump

Your sump pump is a key component of the waterproofing system of your home. It prevents your basement from being flooded by rainwater or groundwater. Water that makes it into your basement collects in a well and is pumped out of the basement.

We’d all like our sump pumps to last forever. However, like any other appliance in the home, your sump pump requires regular maintenance. This will help it function properly for longer. Inspection is the first step to maintaining your pump.

How often should your pump be inspected?

Sump pumps come in a wide variety. Maintenance schedules for these pumps vary depending on the requirements of the manufacturer as well as the amount of work the pump does. However, it is recommended that your carry out maintenance of your pump in accordance with the schedules below depending on your situation:

  • Monthly

If your pump is active more often e.g. sump pumps that also have to dispose of water from washing machines and other household appliances, monthly maintenance is required. Monthly cleaning of the inlet and pump screen is highly recommended in these situations.

  • Quarterly

If your pump only disposes of ground water and rain water, maintenance can be done quarterly. This should also include inspection and cleaning of the pump screen as well as the inlet.

Inspecting Sump Pumps Like Pro

There are several things that professional inspectors look for when they check on pumps at annual inspections. These include the following:

  1. Alarms

It is important to purchase a pump with an alarm. This will ensure that you’re alerted in case of a problem. If your pump has an alarm system, it is the first thing that you should inspect. Test the alarm to ensure that it functions properly.

  1. Check valves

These valves help to prevent water that is being pumped out from flowing back down through the discharge pipe. It is important to ensure that the valve is working properly to prevent your basement from flooding.

  1. Pit

The pit in which the pump sits is also inspected. Professionals inspect these pits to ensure that they are large enough. They also inspect them for siltation and signs of underpinning. This helps to ensure the integrity of your foundation.

  1. Backup system

It is important to have a backup system. This kicks in when the primary pump malfunctions. Ensure that this system is working just as efficiently as the primary system.

Contact us today for more information!

sump pump

How to Enhance Flood Protection with a Battery Backup Pump in Woodbridge NJ

Battery Backup Pump in Woodbridge NJ

Most homeowners struggle to control water in the basements. The Concrete Foundation Association (CFA) says almost 70% of homes aged over 5 years will experience some form of basement leakage. Maintaining a dry can be a daunting task, but with a well installed sump pump system you can easily handle the situation. For this waterproofing solution to work, there must be a primary AC pump and a battery backup pump.

A sump pump system is crucial in drawing both ground water and surface water and directing it away from the basement floor. However powerful your primary pump is, it is important to appreciate the importance of a backup in various situations.

Below are some pertinent issues regarding a backup pump that you need to understand;

How the Battery Backup Pump Works

This pump is mostly installed adjacent to the primary pump and runs on a 24 or 12 DC power supply. The backup system has a float switch that detects rising water levels and immediately goes to work. If the battery is full, the pump can run for several days making it suitable in case of storms. In essence, the battery backup pump aids the primary pump in case of problems. Some of the common problems that require a backup include:

  1. Low or no power supply to the primary pump
  2. Failure of the primary pump
  3. Lending a hand to a struggling primary pump

Buying Your Primary Pump Backup

For this system to work optimally, you have to consider these features when installing one:

  • Capacity: Always buy a backup pump that is of the same or higher capacity than the primary pump. A low capacity backup is counterproductive and might also fail to drive away the rising water.
  • Alert system: Modern backup pumps have automatic alarm systems that go off in case of technical problems or when it is activated.
  • Buy a second battery and get it installed in case there is a long power outage.

Why You Need a Primary Pump Backup

Most homeowners are convinced that their primary pumps have the capacity to keep their basements safe. However, studies have shown increased precipitation in most regions poses a danger to any property. A battery backup pump protects your valuables and prevents foundation damage by ensuring this space remains dry. A perpetually damp basement is also a health risk to your family due to high humidity and toxic mold growth, hence the need to keep your home dry.

Talk to a basement waterproofing contractor today and consult on the best backup pump to install.

sump pump

In Basement Waterproofing, Don’t Forget About the Sump Pump

Don’t Forget About the Sump Pump!

A properly waterproofed basement is going to have a sump basin, where moisture in the basement from sources such as condensation, ground run offs and underground water will be channeled to by the perimeter drains of the waterproofing system.

It will also have a sump pump to pump out the water collected to a proper disposal area. These two components are vital in the prevention of water damage to basements, plus all the related problems of excess moisture around the house.

It is not uncommon for people to forget about their installed sump pump system. When was the last time you had yours cleaned, serviced or even checked? Typical recommendations say that sump equipment need to be maintained at least once a year, and this is only for a typical installation where water damage conditions are minimal. In areas where you have the sump pump running every now and then due to bad weather or a higher water table, the frequency of maintenance should be higher.

Rarely used systems may have some component failures that will go unnoticed up until that time of great need, like say a severe rainstorm or a hurricane. The backup systems for the sump can also fail at their time of need simply because they went unchecked for long periods of time. For the avoidance of dire and potentially damaging basement water situations caused by a failed sump system, always remember to check on it.

Maintenance

When carrying out maintenance of your basement waterproofing system, you should clean the sump basin and pump by removing dirt, sand, gravel and other kinds of debris that might be hampering the efficiency of the system.

Such kind of obstructions can greatly affect the ability of the pump to drain out the sump, leading to overflows. They will also force the pump to overheat as it works harder to overcome the impediments, leading to its shortened life.

If your system has the automatic sump pump that has a float switch, make sure it is also cleared of any obstructions that will jam it, and cause it not to switch the pump on or off when necessary. If you don’t have a float guard installed, you should consider getting one to prevent such situations.

Remember to test your system to make sure the pump is working okay because if it not, you will have to call in a qualified technician.

battery backup sump pump

3 Signs You Might Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Install a Battery Backup Sump Pump

Protecting your home from water damage is always a good idea and installing a battery backup sump pump will do that job well.  However, there is a cost to installing a battery backup sump pump system. A quality battery backup system costs between $1000-$1500 to have installed.  In order to know if you need one,  consider three signs and areas of concern.

1.) If you have an older primary sump pump:

Sump pumps usually have a lifespan of about 10-15 years.  Because it has mechanical moving parts, they will someday fail, and you will have to replace it.  If you have an older pump, it is more likely to fail, but there is no telling when.  The best way to transition to a new pump and also get the most out of your primary pump is to install a battery backup system.  When the primary pump dies, it won’t leave you with water in the basement. If you have an older pump, or if you have had any trouble with your primary pump, it is a sign to get a backup system.

2.) If your area is prone to power outages:

During a rainstorm is when you need your pump working; however, during a rainstorm is when you are most likely to lose power to your house—and to your sump pump. The combination is asking for disaster.  We are pretty sure this possibility is why they invented battery backup sump pump systems in the first place.  How often does a storm knock out power to your house? Do you lose power a few times a year or once every few years?  If you live in an area where power outages are a concern, then that is a sign you might need a battery backup sump pump.

3.) The basement contents:

No matter what you have in your basement, you will want to keep it dry.  A wet basement is not something you want to deal with, and it causes more problems like mold, mildew, and rot that, of course, you want to avoid.  That is why you have a sump pump in the first place.  And the battery backup will ensure you will be protected even if your primary pump fails.  However, the urgency of getting a battery backup system will be determined by the status of the basement.  Is your basement empty? Is it full of priceless storage items?  Is your basement finished? Did you just spend thousands of dollars making it a new TV room?  Obviously, the more valuables you keep in the basement the more you need to protect it.

Evaluate your house and determine if you need a battery backup system.

sump pump

Is Your Sump Pump Discharge Line Working Against You?

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

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.