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sump pump

Sump Pump Maintenance: Your First Line of Defense Against Flooding

Spring rains can quickly overwhelm a basement if your sump pump isn’t ready. This essential device pumps water out of your basement or crawlspace, keeping your home dry and protected against water damage. A working sump pump can save thousands in flood repairs and mold remediation.

To keep your sump pump running efficiently, it’s crucial to perform seasonal maintenance. Clean out debris, check for mechanical issues, and test the pump by pouring water into the pit. If it doesn’t start up immediately, it may be time for repairs or replacement.

Warning signs of sump pump failure include strange noises, frequent cycling, or failure to turn on at all. Installing a backup battery system is also a smart idea in case of power outages during storms.

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we offer expert sump pump services, including installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs. Our team ensures your system is ready before heavy spring showers arrive, so you can rest easy knowing your basement is protected.

Poor Outdoor Drainage

It is easy to forget about the outside and the maintenance that is necessary. Sadly, some homes are not built the way they are supposed to be and are slowly sinking and moving to the side. When there is poor outdoor drainage, it only causes damage to a home.

What does poor outdoor drainage look like?

The signs that your home has poor outdoor drainage are large puddles after rain. It is okay to see puddles after rain, but when they are massive and don’t go away, it could indicate that your yard and plumbing pipes are poor.

The causes of poor outdoor draining

It is not easy to point at just one cause of poor outdoor draining. However, the majority of poor outdoor draining occurs because of a burst pipe and a lack of drainage solutions. For example, a home in a dip does not have proper exit ramps for water. When it rains or there is a leak, the water stays in the center of the dip, as opposed to through an exit.

Solutions to Poor Outdoor Drainage

Thankfully, you are in luck as there are solutions to pour outdoor drainage problems. Sometimes, the solution is as easy as using gardening and water-loving plants. You can transplant and grow red maple trees and french roses as they absorb large amounts of water!

Sometimes, it is necessary to call a plumbing company in Southeast Michigan that is knowledgeable about creating slopes and run-offs outdoors to get rid of water.

Conclusion

In Southeast Michigan, the highest rainfall hits about 3.72 inches. This can cause severe floods and problems if you live in a home with poor outdoor drainage. With the solutions listed above though, it is possible to decrease the chances of flooded yards.

Winter Has Arrived in Michigan

Putman and Sons Plumbing Can Help with Frozen Pipes and Sump Pump Repairs

Michigan winter is here! As we look outside at the first major snow of the season, it is a reminder to make sure that your plumbing is up to snuff, so that you do not end up with frozen or bursting pipes leading to the mess and expense of a flooded home. Snow and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Make sure your sump pump is working sufficiently when this snow thaws. If you need plumbing services or maintenance, contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 hotline.

Sump Pumps

Putman and Son's Plumbing Installs and Maintains Sump Pumps

Your sump pump is essential in preventing flooding from heavy rainfall or storms. The pump is usually located in the basement in a designated hole, or sump, because that is the first place groundwater will appear before it reaches the first level in your home. If your pump fails, you could be at risk for water damage or other costly repairs. Click here for more information to know if you need to install a sump pump if you do not currently have one in your home.

About Sump Pumps

You should be able to find your home’s sump pump in a dedicated space in your basement floor. The pump works by detecting elevated water levels and pumping the excess water out through a discharge pipe. Some homes with high groundwater levels prone to flooding may have more than one sump pump in the basement.

Regular Maintenance

While sump pumps can last up to 10 years, they require regular maintenance to work when you need them to. This yearly maintenance includes testing the pump, clearing the lines or drainage pipes, and testing the unit to guarantee it works in case of an emergency. A professional should perform this maintenance to evaluate whether or not the pump needs replacing in the future.

It’s essential to ensure your sump pump is in good working condition at all times, so it’s ready to work correctly in case of an emergency. The certified staff at Putman & Son’s Plumbing know what to look for on all types of sump pumps and can recommend replacement or back up units if necessary. Our team offers service for the life of your pump, from installation to maintenance, repair, and replacement. Contact us today to have your pump inspected.

Putman & Son’s Plumbing is Rochester Hills’ and the surrounding areas preferred plumber for sump pump installation and maintenance.

 

Do You Need a Sump Pump?

Putman and Sons Plumbing Sump Pump

A sump pump is used to remove water from basements and crawl spaces. It helps to keep these areas dry to prevent flooding, mold growth, and water damage. A sump pit is constructed that connects to the pump. The pump provides the motion that carries water out of the pit and away from the foundation to a place where it can safely drain without causing structural issues.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Most units function using a pressure sensor or float activator. These will tell the pump when it’s time to turn on. The float activator works like a toilet tank, with a floating ball that rises to a certain point before switching the unit on. Pressure sensors are more common because they are convenient. This device activates when it detects water pressure. Automatic sump pumps are equipped with a manual turn-on function that lets the homeowner switch it on by hand in case the sensor or activator fails.

When the motor turns on, it rotates an impeller. Centrifugal force is created that forces water to the sides of the pipe. This pushes liquid in the pit out through a pipe. Residential sump pumps are powered using standard current electricity, so no specialized wiring is required. We recommend having a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) on the outlet powering the pump for safety.

Contact Putman & Son’s Plumbing certified plumbers in Southeast Michigan for a recommendation and installation of the best sump pump for your home.

The Sump Pump Switch

Putman and Son’s Plumbing now offers a new and much improved sump pump switch! The failure rate is much lower than the standard switch. The switch functions like a washing machine switch; incredible! It is set outside of the water, so it’s not in the harsh environment and therefore, lasts a lot longer.

Contact Putman and Son’s Plumbing to learn more.

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