Tag: basement flooding

How To Stop Basement Flooding In Your Lake County Home

Mar 20, 2023

How To Stop Basement Flooding In Your Lake County Home

  • Plumbing
Stop Basement Flooding With a Sump Pump - Lake Cook Plumbing and Heating

Are you tired of dealing with basement flooding during heavy rains? It can be frustrating and costly to repair water damage. However, there is a simple solution that can prevent basement flooding: a sump pump. In this article, we’ll explore how a sump pump can stop basement flooding and provide you with practical tips to prevent future water damage.

Common Causes of Basement Flooding

Before we discuss the benefits of a sump pump, it’s essential to understand the common causes of basement flooding. These include:

  • poor drainage
  • cracks in the foundation
  • heavy rainstorms

How You Can Prevent It

To prevent basement flooding, you can take several measures, such as grading your yard away from the foundation, sealing foundation cracks, and installing gutters and downspouts.

Prevent Basement Flooding with a Sump Pump

One of the most effective ways to prevent basement flooding is by installing a sump pump. A sump pump is a device that removes water from the sump pit in your basement. It works by automatically detecting rising water levels and pumping the water away from your home’s foundation.

How to Ensure Your Sump Pump is Working Correctly to Prevent Basement Flooding

It’s essential to maintain your sump pump to ensure it’s working correctly. You should check the pump regularly for debris buildup, and test the float switch to ensure it’s triggering the pump to turn on. It’s also a good idea to have your sump pump inspected annually by a professional.

How to Minimize Water Damage if Your Basement Frequently Floods

If your basement frequently floods, there are steps you can take to minimize water damage. Move valuables and furniture to higher ground or out of the basement entirely. You can also install a backwater valve to prevent sewage backup and consider sealing your basement walls to prevent water from entering.

How Often You Should Check for Signs of Water Damage and Leaks

Even with a functioning sump pump, it’s essential to check for signs of water damage and leaks in your basement regularly. Look for wet spots on the walls and floor, musty odors, and mold growth. These could indicate a problem with your sump pump or other issues that need to be addressed.

Government Programs Available to Help Homeowners Prevent Basement Flooding

In the US, there are several government programs available to help homeowners prevent basement flooding.

Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA)

One of the most well-known is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program. This program provides funding to help homeowners make home improvements that reduce the risk of flooding, such as installing sump pumps, backwater valves, and elevating electrical and HVAC systems.

Basement Protection Program

Another program available in some states is the Basement Protection Program. This program provides financial assistance to homeowners who want to install a sump pump, backwater valve, or other flood-prevention measures. The program is often administered at the county or municipal level, so homeowners should check with their local government to see if they are eligible.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers resources to help homeowners prevent basement flooding, including a guide on how to properly maintain a sump pump and information on green infrastructure solutions such as rain gardens and bioswales.

By taking advantage of these government programs, homeowners can reduce the risk of basement flooding and protect their homes from water damage.

Stop Basement Flooding with a Sump Pump

Basement flooding can be a headache, but it doesn’t have to be a regular occurrence. By taking preventative measures such as installing a sump pump, regularly checking for water damage, and using government resources, you can protect your home from future water damage. Don’t wait until it’s too late, take action today to stop basement flooding.

Contact Lake Cook Plumbing to prevent basement flooding with a new sump pump system for your home.

Check out our Google Reviews!

By zachadmachinescom

10 Signs That Your Sump Pump is in Need of Repairs

Feb 12, 2021

10 Signs That Your Sump Pump is in Need of Repairs

  • Plumbing
sump pump service

The winter season is here in full swing and that means more snow, ice, and sleet. Your sump pump works to relocate excess water away and out of your basement, preventing flooding and other structural water damage. While battling to stay warm and keep your house intact, it’s easy to overlook one appliance, but a damaged sump pump could mean a literal ice rink in your basement. Sump pump repair and service from Lake Cook will keep your basement dry during the winter, and prepare your home for when the snow melts in the spring.

How to Catch the Problem Early

Catching the problem early, especially when it comes to your home’s plumbing, can be tricky. The good news is that there are plenty of warning signs from a sump pump in need of repair. A little excess water in your basement might be tempting to overlook, but even the smallest of problems eventually become large and expensive repairs. A flooded basement is easy to avoid, and you can do so by watching for the following warning signs.

  • Strange noises. Normally the only sound a sump pump makes is a low continuous hum, but if it starts making loud and unusual noises, then it’s time for a sump pump repair. A rattling or grinding noise can indicate something wrong with the impeller or fan.
  • Failure to turn on. If your sump pump won’t turn on, it could be a number of things. Make sure you first check to see if the float switch is stuck, as it may have simply got itself tangled in the sump basin. Some sump pumps have brackets that hold the float switch, that can break and be the culprit. If neither seems to solve the problem, then it’s time for a replacement.
  • Pump runs continuously. If you start to notice your sump pump is cycling constantly, it could indicate a number of problems. It might simply not be powerful enough to handle all the water that’s accumulated, or there could be a faulty switch. A switch problem is usually the common culprit for a sump pump that runs continuously and can be solved with a simple sump pump repair. If your sump pump is too small however, then you’ll need to replace it.
  • Constant vibrating. The impeller, which is what draws water into the sump pump, can also draw in debris. A sump pump that vibrates excessively could be a sign of a damaged impeller. A bent impeller unfortunately can’t be repaired. If your sump pump impeller is bent, it will need to be replaced.
  • Infrequent usage. While limited use of a sump pump is usually a good thing, it can also drastically shorten the pump’s shelf life. Frequently testing your sump pump between heavy rains is a good way to detect any potential problems.
  • Visible rust. Your sump pump works with water and naturally that means it can deal with some rust. If you find rust on your sump pump, it could be caused by a corroded battery or bacteria, which in some cases if left untreated can eventually clog your plumbing. If you see rust, your sump pump needs a repair immediately.
  • Old age. Unlike other major appliances like your furnace or water heater, your sump pump isn’t built to last long. No matter how well maintained your sump pump is, it will break down over time. If your sump pump is over seven years old, it’s time to replace it.
  • Motor problems. If the sump pump stops working entirely, it could be an issue with the motor. A motor that doesn’t work can be an issue with damaged wiring, the device somehow got itself unplugged, or it tripped the circuit breaker. A failed motor could also be a sign of a damaged filter or an extension hose that can’t properly drain the water.
  • No water in the sump pump pit. If your sump pump appears to be working normally, but you notice there is no water in the pit, you’re in need of a sump pump repair. A running sump pump with a dry pit usually means there was improper installation or the sump pump isn’t hooked up to the drainage system.
  • Tripped circuits. Your sump pump runs on electricity, but it should never trip your circuit breaker unless there was a problem. A sump pump that constantly trips the circuit breaker could be caused by a damaged switch, damaged wiring, or an insufficient power source. Only a licensed plumber, however, can determine the exact cause of the problem.

Don’t Forget Your Sump Pump this Winter Before Spring Hits

It’s easy to forget about the super handy and important appliance in your basement when you’re concerned about your plumbing freezing or your roof leaking, but proper sump pump maintenance is crucial for a warm and happy winter. If your sump pump is in need of repair, you’ll need professional help. Lake Cook Plumbing will not only detect the problem, but ensure your sump pump works as it should. As spring gets closer, the snow will melt and all of that water will have to go somewhere. Keep your home dry this winter and schedule a sump pump inspection today.

Lake Cook is offering a limited time sump pump service for a $149! Schedule a sump pump check-up and be ready for when the snow melts. Additional money may be credited to other services performed during job!

Call Lake Cook Plumbing and Schedule Sump Pump Service Today!

By zachadmachinescom