Have you recently noticed that your sump pump isn’t powering on when flood water level rises? Do you have flooding issues, but don’t know how to tackle them? Luckily, it’s relatively simple to install a new sump pump. The best time to replace a broken pump is before the next major storm hits your area.

If your sump pump isn’t turning on and removing water as it rises, or if you have a pump that is more than ten years old, you need to install a new one to ensure you don’t incur water damage to your home. Here are a few things to consider when installing a new sump pump or replacing your existing one.

Choosing the Right Pump

If you’re replacing a sump pump that efficiently managed your drainage needs, it is easiest to simply replace it with a similar sump pump. Submersible pumps rest in a hole cut into the floor of your basement or crawlspace, which removes water from your house by means of your French drain system. The sump pump’s motor is placed in a sealed, waterproof case, and when the water surrounding your pump rises to a level – which is pre-determined by your sump pump – the pump turns on and subsequently flushes the water through your drain system. Your French drain system then guides the water outside and away from your home.

A pedestal pump, on the other hand, is a sump pump that sets its motor on a stand a few feet above your water level. With a pedestal pump, only the impeller (the device that pushes the water) is located within the pit of your system. While many people believe a pedestal pump will last longer as it isn’t submerged in water, this simply is not true. Well-built, quality sump pumps typically have a longer life expectancy than pedestal pumps. This is largely due to the materials used to make each pump, as the higher end pumps are usually made of cast iron, while most pedestal pumps are made of plastic.

Always Have a Backup

If you have a need for a sump pump, you know all too well how easily you can lose power during a large storm. If you experience a power outage, your sump pump could become nothing more than a paperweight when you need it most. This is why it is a necessity to have a backup system installed, should your main system ever lose power. The majority of homeowners choose between one of two common backup systems: a backup battery, or a second sump pump.

The backup batter includes a rechargeable battery pack that can effortlessly power your sump pump, even if your entire neighborhood was to lose power. It should be noted that some of the newer sump pumps available come with a built-in secondary battery to combat the need for a backup system. However, if your sump pump does not have this feature, you should prepare for the worst and hope you never need to use your backup system.

A battery-powered secondary pump is nearly as powerful as your main sump pump, and offers a few things a battery backup cannot. A battery-powered sump pump will not only properly function during a power outage, but will also serve as an emergency pump during extreme flooding and will help remove additional flood waters, keeping your primary pump from overheating.

Both of these backup options will provide you approximately ten hours of use in the event of a power outage. A lesser utilized option, the water-powered pump, eliminates the battery and second motor. This option receives power from your water main, as it uses the pressure in your water line to create a vacuum effect to remove water from your pit.

Removing Your Pump

Before we discuss the steps to remove your old sump pump, you’ll need to pick up the necessary plumbing supplies to complete the project. The list of materials needed for your removal and installation include:

• Masking tape
• Corrugated pipe
• PVC Glue
• Gravel
• Wooden float
• Cement
• Power drill
• Trowel
• Wire ties
• Spade and Spade bit

Now that you have everything you need, let’s us begin. Here is a step-by-step guide for removing your sump pump.

1. Unplug your sump pump.
2. Make note of how your pump is situated within the pit. I recommend taking photos of the sump pump’s location to help you properly install your new sump pump.
3. Locate the coupling along your discharge pipe. If you have a check valve, these often double as a coupler. Your coupler will be screwed into the discharge pipe or clamped atop a rubber coupling.
4. Loosen your clamp valve. Note that there will be water flowing from the top of your discharge pipe, so keep a bucket nearby to collect any water that may flow from your pipe.
5. After draining your discharge pipe, securely lift it from the bottom. Your sump pump is attached to your discharge pipe, so you need to make sure you aren’t damaging the float switch as you remove the pipe from your pit.
6. Place your old sump pump in a bucket to allow the water remaining within the pump to properly drain.
7. Remove any rocks and sludge from the bottom of your pit.
8. Remove the discharge pipe from your old pump’s adapter.

Installing Your New Pump

Having removed your old sump pump from its pit and any debris from the pit itself, you’re finally ready to install your new sump pump. Follow these steps to guarantee a successful installation.

1. Before you do anything, level your new pump. Make sure it sits level within the pit, using shims as needed to guarantee the pump is level.
2. Connect your discharge pipe to the new sump pump. Whether you reuse your old discharge line or purchase a new pipe to install, the choice is yours.
3. Install a check valve. This will prevent water from flowing between your discharge line back to your sump pump when it powers off. This reduces the change of flooding and will improve your sump pump’s life expectancy.
4. Attach your outlet pipe to the main discharge line. Then, tighten the connection, or install a rubber fitting and tighten hose clamps around the fitting to ensure proper installation.
5. Lastly, turn your electricity back on. Plug your sump pump’s cord into a grounded outlet and allow the pump to fill with water until it activates.

 

Rachael Jones is a blogger for DIYMother.

Tags: Drainage by UK Home Improvement Team
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A blocked drain can be an incredibly stressful thing – not to mention an unwanted strain on the wallet! Despite first rate drainage companies offering top quality unblocking and repairs at competitive rates, prevention is always better than a cure, so working hard to ensure that your drains don’t become blocked is the best way to save you both time, money and hassle!

Obstructions can be caused by a build-up of fats, hair and food waste, amongst other things, and over time these can form hard deposits that disrupt the flow of water. Discovering these blockages before they become hazardous to the drain’s operation is vital.

Simple Checks

There are a number of preliminary inspections that you can carry out for yourself when assessing the health of your drains. For example, many drain covers can be removed fairly easily, allowing you to check for any visible tree roots, standing instead of flowing water, obvious erosion or cracks and any other obstructions. This will not give a full or completely accurate picture of the wellbeing of your drains however, and professional inspections are always advisable.

CCTV

Nowadays, this generally means advanced CCTV monitoring to fully determine the health of pipes and sewers, snaking remotely controlled cameras through the drains to get into all the hard-to-reach areas. Once the obstruction or fault is discovered, it can then be resolved quickly and efficiently, with no time wasted on any unnecessary repair work. As well as blockages, CCTV inspections are commonly used to check for any damage caused by root ingress, leaks, displaced pipes or collapsed drains, giving an accurate picture of the extent of the problem.

Having a thorough and extensive drain inspection carried out before buying a house is also a savvy move. This can be especially important in older homes, as tree roots can cause cracks and other faults in the lining of the sewers, not to mention the build-up of potentially obstructive materials over time. It’s also important to note that during the 1950s, sewers were lined with a tar paper called Orangeburg, which disintegrates over time, so your drains will need relining if the property was built during this period.

How Much?

The cost of a drain inspection will always be less than the amount you would end up shelling out for an emergency call-out and repair should your pipes start backing-up due to blockages, so don’t wait until it’s too late; get your drains inspected today.

 

Express Drainage Solutions are able to carry out accurate CCTV drain inspections for all domestic and commercial customers, following this up with all necessary drain repairs, high power jetting to clear obstructions and any required relining or replacement. Footage from the inspection can also be put on to a DVD, allowing you to see the extent of the issue for yourself, as well as providing you with all the evidence you need for insurance purposes.

 

Tags: Drainage by UK Home Improvement Team
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The exterior or façade of any home is just as important to maintain and improve as the interior. Although you don’t see the designs and visuals of a properties exterior once you are through the door, getting through the door in the first place is much more enjoyable for both you as the owner and any guests you may have.

An area often overlooked on every exterior of a property is the guttering and fascia detailing. Although a reasonably understated exterior feature compared to your windows, roofing and doors, guttering and fascia’s can dramatically improve the look of any house. Also, the importance choosing the right type of guttering in terms of practicality is not to be underestimated as there are plenty of options out there that can become very confusing if you don’t do your homework.

The design and style of any guttering or fascia that you get fitted to the exterior of your home should be incoherent with the style of your property. There are options available that will compliment the aesthetics of a more traditional and periodic house as well as there being choice at hand for a more modern and contemporary property.

Aluminium

As the most popular choice for guttering and other alike features, aluminium guttering offers a conventional and cost effective method of making sure that water is redirected away effectively and efficiently. Fitting seamlessly onto any style house, whether it is traditional or modern this type of guttering and pipe will provide you with a reliable and durable water disposal system. Providing you with a classy and elegant look to any house, it is easy to see why this type of rainwater system is so universally popular.

Cast Iron

Capturing the essence of charm and tradition, cast iron guttering is the perfect way to continue the theme of periodic features through to the exterior of your home. Strong and durable but coupled with the latest modern fixtures and fittings, choosing cast iron could be a great way to dispose of any rainwater without compromising on the visual aesthetics of you traditional property. Providing the perfect option for listed or converted buildings, these classic yet reliable rainwater solutions are perfect for the older building.

Glass Reinforced Plastic

Providing extreme durability, GRP guttering is becoming an increasingly popular choice for a wide range of people in a variety of different types of property. This is because the options to customize this type of gutter are endless. Perfect for all types of style of house, of the most peculiar shapes, GRP rainwater solutions are a very appealing choice. With the ability to tailor this material to the look of property in terms of colour, style and design, these will be seen in a vast range of properties. Offering excellent efficiency at diverting water away, the decision to purchase this type of guttering is a very appealing one.

Copper

A relatively new choice, copper guttering is a becoming increasingly popular for those looking to achieve a different and unique look to their home. Offering striking looks that are like no other, copper rainwater solutions can be used in conjunction with both new and traditional style buildings.  Boasting extremely durability through exposure to natural elements, copper gutters will add a unique yet beautiful look to any property.

Tags: Drainage by UK Home Improvement Team
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A clean, fully functioning drainage system is a vital feature of any building, whether it is a household or a workplace.

Drains make sure that your home or business is hygienic, sanitary, and a safe place in which to live and work.

Unfortunately, most buildings will, at some point, suffer drainage blockages as drains become damaged and deteriorate with the passage of time, usage and sometimes the careless attention of some householders.

The only time most people think about their drains is when they are already damaged, leaving them with a blocked drain, and a myriad of potential problems.

It’s a good idea to tackle potential drain problems before they become unmanageable by using drainage systems correctly. It is important to be careful of what you put down your sinks, keeping in mind that because drainage pipes are not a proper means of waste disposal, we need to be sure they are properly cleaned and maintained in good condition.

Without regular and diligent deep cleaning, it is difficult to preserve a drain system and keep all of its components in optimal health.

One of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly drainage techniques used to eliminate any blockages is water jetting or drain jetting. This high pressure tool uses a highly concentrated stream of water mixed with abrasive particles to cut through a material. It is widely considered the most effective way to remove any blockages from drains, allowing you to avoid costly pipe replacement.

It is important that you use a professional drainage specialist who is trained and experienced in using this kind of equipment. Because the water comes out from the jet at such a high pressure, it is a real health and safety hazard and can easily injure anyone who uses the equipment incorrectly. The best tip is to stay well away from the equipment while it is being used.

Despite its potential danger to inexperienced users, high pressure water jetting is safe and quiet enough to be used inside your home if necessary.

Sometimes, high pressure water jetting isn’t the right choice for every kind of obstruction. Simpler hindrances can often be fixed by a sewer snake or other means. However, if your pipes have significant problems from excessive disposal of cooking fats and oils, along with other domestic products and DIY materials such as plaster, the drain jet is the best option.

Nonetheless it is also helpful to have good quality drains installed in your household, as this makes the cleaning more effective by allowing higher pressure water to travel through the system without the danger of breaking pipes. It also makes blockage far less likely in the first place.

Tags: Drainage by UK Home Improvement Team
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