If you’ve ever had to call a plumbing contractor, it’s likely that they have made the effort to check your sump pump. This common household feature is often placed in the basement of your home to protect against flooding. Here’s what you should know about this handy tool as a homeowner.

What is a sump pump?

As mentioned above, a sump pump is a valuable tool that mitigates the potential for flooding in your home. Countless plumbing companies and home builders will install this tool in the lowest part of your basement to redirect harmful floodwater away from the home’s foundation.

A pit rests beneath the sump pump in order to collect water, usually through a series of drains or runoff. The pump will redirect water that enters the pit safely away from your home, thereby keeping your home dry.

What homes can benefit from a sump pump

Nearly all homes can benefit from the installation of a sump pump, however, these tools are particularly helpful in wet climates that experience a lot of rain. Areas that experience heavy snowfall and melt will need sump pumps, along with homes located by bodies of water that are prone to flooding. But your home doesn’t even need to experience a flood to take on damage; a humid or moist environment can cause serious — and expensive — damage because of mold and mildew growth.

Do I need a sump pump?

More often than not, your home will need a sump pump. This is especially important if you have a crawl space or basement located below the ground. This area will experience higher levels of moisture than normal. It’s essential that your sump pump works to keep the area dry.

If you don’t install a sump pump, you’re putting your home at risk. Flooding can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. High levels of moisture can put the integrity of your home’s structure at risk and cause cracks in your home’s foundation. Whether you’re looking for plumbing repairs or a bathtub replacement, rely on an experienced plumber to check your sump pump as well. After all, the average life expectancy for a sump pump is only 10 years.

Are you looking for a great bathroom remodeling or plumbing service? Rely on the experience of HJ Pertzborn Plumbing and Fire Protection. We offer the best in bathtub replacements, emergency plumbing, and fire protection in Madison WI. Contact us today for more information.

Most people understand the benefits of hiring a plumber at any time of the year — after all, fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10% on their water bills. But when it comes to the winter season, many homeowners are unaware that the lack of maintenance can cause adverse effects on their home’s pipes and plumbing systems. With that in mind, here are just a few reasons why it’s particularly important to invest in residential plumbing services for winter maintenance.


Hot Water

Going through a full winter without pipes that deliver hot water efficiently is an absolute drag. There’s nothing worse than a cold shower on a cold and dark winter’s morning. A plumber can help make sure your hot water tank is functioning properly and efficiently so that you have a thorough hot water supply all season long. If you have existing hot water issues, you’ll notice the difference immediately.


Reduce Frozen Pipe Risk

Frozen pipes can be a homeowner’s absolute worst nightmare. Not only can frozen pipes leak and damage the structural foundation of your home and its contents, but if you’re leaving your home for an extended period of time, you could return to find that you can’t access your home’s water supply at all. But rest assured; a licensed residential plumber can stop by to examine your plumbing system, making improvements to virtually eliminate this risk. Just make sure to let them know if you plan on being away from your home from an extended period of time, as they may provide specific instructions regarding how to prevent freezing.


Prepare Sump Pumps

The US Department of Housing and Development estimates the average life expectancy for a sump pump is 10 years, but regardless of how old your system is, a plumber can ensure that it’s functioning properly in the event of a massive blizzard or snowstorm. This can also help to prevent a major home disaster.


Ultimately, it’s important to be aware of these reasons to hire residential plumbing services before the harsh winter weather reaches its peak and poses the biggest risk to your home’s pipes. For more information about residential or commercial plumbing services, contact HJ Pertzborn Plumbing and Fire Protection.

In the last post, we discussed some of the most common problems homeowners experience with their sump pumps. However, having a full understanding of the range of problems that can occur from lack of maintenance is the key to maximizing the lifespan of your sump pump. Here’s part two of our guide that will explore some more frequently experienced sump pump problems and how to avoid them.

Improper Sump Pump Installation

Making sure you’ve properly installed your sump pump is of the utmost importance. That’s why most people hire residential plumbing services to make sure the job is done just right and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper sump pump installation can lead to a myriad of issues. For example, many manufacturers require the installation of a check valve on the sump pump’s discharge line. If this is done incorrectly or not at all, the back-flow of water may result in the pump impeller rotating in a backward motion and coming loose from the motor shaft.

Another common issue related to sump pump installation is installing it in the wrong location. The sump pump pit should never be set in gravel or dirt, as this can cause excess debris to enter the pump and interfere with its power switch or float arm.

Discharge Line Clogs

Finally, having a clogged or frozen discharge line can cause the entire system to stop working. The water needs a clear exit path, and it can easily clog up with ice, sticks, dirt, rocks, and other debris. Make sure to protect your system’s discharge pipe where the water exits; this will optimize sump pump operating conditions. Similarly, make sure the exit pipe doesn’t become blocked or frozen with ice or snow.

Ultimately, proper maintenance and installation is the key to avoiding most of these common sump pump problems. With proper maintenance, however, they can work effectively for years. Most tankless water heaters have a life expectancy of more than 20 years, and sump pumps last an average of 10 years with routine maintenance. For more information about plumbing repair, contact HJ Pertzborn Plumbing and Fire Protection.

Of all types of home issues, plumbing problems seem to be some of the worst. Water leaks can wreak havoc on a home and cause irreparable damage. They can also raise the cost of home utility bills. In fact, fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10% on their water bills. Of course, staying proactive and looking for signs of plumbing distress is the best way to avoid a problem before it arises. Here are just a few red flags that indicate that it may be time to hire a plumber.
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