Somerset County, NJ | Select Basement Waterproofing

How Sump Pump Discharge Lines Function | Somerset County, NJ

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.

sump pump installation ct 150x150 How Sump Pump Discharge Lines Function | Somerset County, NJ

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 today ( (800) 593-8379) for a FREE Estimate on sump pump installation.

Morris County, NJ | Select Waterproofing

Is Your Sump Pump Discharge Line Working Against You? | Morris County, NJ

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.

maxresdefault 150x150 Is Your Sump Pump Discharge Line Working Against You? | Morris County, NJ

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.

Bergen County, NJ | Select Waterproofing

3 Signs You Might Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump | Bergen County, NJ

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.

Open sump pump 150x150 3 Signs You Might Need a Battery Backup Sump Pump | Bergen County, NJ

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

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.

sump pump discharge lines

Understanding Sump Pump Discharge Lines

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.