Sump Pump | Plumber in Fort Worth
A basement that repeatedly fills with water is one of the most frustrating problems a homeowner faces. While it is tempting to close the door on it, mold, mildew and structural damage to your home and foundation are the reasons why you shouldn’t. A sump pump professionally installed by a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth will provide the solution for the basement’s water issues.
Sump Pump Installation
A professionally installed sump pump will keep your basement dry. The sump pump system consists of a sump pit, the pump and a drain pipe. A small pit is constructed where water collects. The rising water level causes a float to rise, triggering the sump pump to start, pumping the water away from your home through a drain pipe where it is discharged a safe distance away from the foundation. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth has the expertise to accurately assess the factors required, in providing the sump pump your basement requires.
Sump Pump Styles:
Of the various types of sump pump available, the pedestal, submersible and the battery backup are the most common.
Pedestal: The pedestal sump pump sits upright above the pit with its motor out of the water.
Submersible: The submersible has a waterproof motor, and is submerged by the incoming water. The submersible pump is the choice selection for finished basements as the sump pit can be covered with a lid.
Battery Backup Sump Pump: The battery backup will operate when the water level reaches a particular level, such as when a power outage occurs, or the primary pump fails. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can install a backup sump pump for you.
If your primary pump seems to struggle during excessively heavy rainfall, and you’re considering upgrading, a back-up may provide for your needs. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can determine if you need to upgrade the primary pump or simply add a back-up.
Sump Pump Repair and Maintenance
Like any other mechanical device, the sump pump will require periodical maintenance. To ensure the primary sump pump is functional when it’s needed, maintenance is recommended every three months.
Clean the pump inlet screen, a clogged screen will overwork resulting in potential damage and a shorted service life.
Routinely check to ensure the primary pump is plugged in routinely. Accidental unplugging can result in a flooded basement. Check the electrical cord for fraying or other damage. If cord damage is noted call a plumber in Fort Worth for repair to prevent the potential for shock.
Check the sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit, enough to raise the float and trigger the pump to run. Clean the pit annually or more often if required to eliminate debris that can clog or damage the pump. Refer to the owner’s manual for any instructions on other necessary maintenance tasks.
If you require sump pump repair, give a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth a call to schedule service.
Correctable Causes of Basement Flooding
Some causes of flooding can be corrected and prevented as in the following:
Grading
The grading of the soil around the home’s foundation is important to ensure water doesn’t collect, or drain into the foundation or basement. Grading is an adequate slope away from the home. Grading is higher where the soil and foundation meet, and decreases in height as it moves away from the home to allow water to drain away from the foundation. Heavy rain or a fallen gutter can allow soil erosion to occur. This may allow water to seep into the basement.
Homes located at the bottom of a hill may need other drainage interventions such as a French drain. A typical French drain directs water away from the foundation utilizing a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel within a small trench.
Gutters
Gutters capture rain from the roof and direct it away from the foundation via downspouts. Downspouts shouldn’t drain near the foundation. To avoid soil erosion and water entering the foundation or basement, water should flow onto a hard surface such as a splash guard that slopes away from the home. A downspout diverter will direct water from the downspout away from the foundation.
Other Factors
Sidewalks, patio, or a deck should slope down and away from the home to prevent water from being directed to the foundation.
If you correct these issues and a flooding basement remains a problem, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Fort Worth can provide the professionalsump pump installation that you require. Don’t ignore flooding when a sump pump can help to keep your home healthy and comfortable for years to come. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.