Ah, springtime in Franklin! It’s the time when we can put our coats away and start
wearing jackets. When the crocuses and daffodils colorfully pop out of the yard.
And when those familiar severe weather warnings return. It’s not unusual for our
area to get drenched by heavy spring thunderstorms, causing problems like
flooded basements. Is your basement ready for spring rains? If you have a sump
pump, are you 100 percent sure it will protect your home?
wearing jackets. When the crocuses and daffodils colorfully pop out of the yard.
And when those familiar severe weather warnings return. It’s not unusual for our
area to get drenched by heavy spring thunderstorms, causing problems like
flooded basements. Is your basement ready for spring rains? If you have a sump
pump, are you 100 percent sure it will protect your home?
Just what exactly is a sump pump?
Sump pumps are designed to prevent groundwater and runoff from entering your
home and accumulating in your basement or crawlspace. They’re a special kind of
water pump that’s placed in what’s known as a sump pit, which is usually located
in your Franklin home’s lowest point. Sump pumps are normally off. If water
begins to flow into the sump pit, the pump kicks on and pipes the water to a safe
drainage area, such as a storm sewer or dry well.
home and accumulating in your basement or crawlspace. They’re a special kind of
water pump that’s placed in what’s known as a sump pit, which is usually located
in your Franklin home’s lowest point. Sump pumps are normally off. If water
begins to flow into the sump pit, the pump kicks on and pipes the water to a safe
drainage area, such as a storm sewer or dry well.
Where does that water come from?
The water that flows into the basements and crawlspaces in Franklin homes
generally comes from one of two sources. The first is groundwater. In most areas,
you only need to dig down a few feet to find groundwater, which is a kind of
reservoir that stores rainwater. The level of water is known as the water table, and
its distance from your home’s foundation varies based upon the amount of water in
nearby streams and other drainages. The other source is the water that comes off
your roof and paved areas during rain or snow melt. If the ground slopes toward
your home, that water may collect along your foundation and begin to seep
through gaps in the concrete.
generally comes from one of two sources. The first is groundwater. In most areas,
you only need to dig down a few feet to find groundwater, which is a kind of
reservoir that stores rainwater. The level of water is known as the water table, and
its distance from your home’s foundation varies based upon the amount of water in
nearby streams and other drainages. The other source is the water that comes off
your roof and paved areas during rain or snow melt. If the ground slopes toward
your home, that water may collect along your foundation and begin to seep
through gaps in the concrete.
Is your sump pump ready?
Franklin homeowners count on their sump pumps to protect their homes from
damage caused by water where it shouldn’t be. In fact, most sump pumps are so
reliable that homeowners don’t even think about them until they start running and
discharging water. Unfortunately, like every other appliance in a Franklin home,
sump pumps can and do break down occasionally. You may not even realize your
sump pump isn’t working until the sump pit overflows.
damage caused by water where it shouldn’t be. In fact, most sump pumps are so
reliable that homeowners don’t even think about them until they start running and
discharging water. Unfortunately, like every other appliance in a Franklin home,
sump pumps can and do break down occasionally. You may not even realize your
sump pump isn’t working until the sump pit overflows.
Can a homeowner spot signs of sump pump problems?
No Franklin homeowner wants their sump pump to fail. Fortunately, paying a little
attention to yours can spot problems that need to be addressed. The most obvious
sign is that overflowing sump pit, but long before that happens, you may notice
some things that suggest your sump pump isn’t behaving as it should. One sign is a
pump that runs constantly, even when there’s no water in the pit. Another is a
pump that makes strange sounds like grinding or rattling when it’s operating.
Unpleasant odors coming out of the sump pump also hint at problems. Finally,
there may be visible damage to your sump pump.
attention to yours can spot problems that need to be addressed. The most obvious
sign is that overflowing sump pit, but long before that happens, you may notice
some things that suggest your sump pump isn’t behaving as it should. One sign is a
pump that runs constantly, even when there’s no water in the pit. Another is a
pump that makes strange sounds like grinding or rattling when it’s operating.
Unpleasant odors coming out of the sump pump also hint at problems. Finally,
there may be visible damage to your sump pump.
Is there an easy way to test a sump pump?
Absolutely! Start by checking to make sure the pump is connected to a reliable
power source (preferably a GFCI-protected outlet) and that there’s no visible
damage to the cord or any other electrical components. Sump pumps use what’s
power source (preferably a GFCI-protected outlet) and that there’s no visible
damage to the cord or any other electrical components. Sump pumps use what’s
known as a float switch. When you pour water into the sump pit, the float should
rise, which will start the pump. When the pit is empty, the float will drop and stop
the pump. Also make sure the water is draining to the proper location.
the pump. Also make sure the water is draining to the proper location.
Can I improve the reliability?
One of the best things a Franklin homeowner can do to improve the reliability of
their sump pump is to have a backup power source in case there’s a power outage.
Battery backups are the most common way to keep your pump flowing even when
the lights are out. You may also be able to use a home generator to power the
sump pump but remember not to use any device that burns fuel indoors because of
the potential for deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
their sump pump is to have a backup power source in case there’s a power outage.
Battery backups are the most common way to keep your pump flowing even when
the lights are out. You may also be able to use a home generator to power the
sump pump but remember not to use any device that burns fuel indoors because of
the potential for deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
What are common sump pump problems?
Sump pumps are generally reliable with regular preventive maintenance. When
Franklin homeowners encounter problems with their sump pumps, it’s usually
caused by one of several issues. A discharge line that’s become clogged or frozen
is one of the most common, which is why testing the pump is such a wise idea. Dirt
and sediment can accumulate in the sump pit, interfering with efficient operation.
Sometimes, whoever installed the pump chose the wrong size for your Franklin
home. A pump that’s too small may become overwhelmed, while a too-large pump
can run too many short cycles, leading to premature wear.
Franklin homeowners encounter problems with their sump pumps, it’s usually
caused by one of several issues. A discharge line that’s become clogged or frozen
is one of the most common, which is why testing the pump is such a wise idea. Dirt
and sediment can accumulate in the sump pit, interfering with efficient operation.
Sometimes, whoever installed the pump chose the wrong size for your Franklin
home. A pump that’s too small may become overwhelmed, while a too-large pump
can run too many short cycles, leading to premature wear.
We’re your local sump pump experts
When it comes to installing the ideal sump pump for your Franklin home’s needs …
or making sure your current sump pump is up to the task through inspections,
maintenance, and repairs, you’ll find great help and advice from the sump pump
experts at Johnson Comfort. Our experts are happy to answer your questions and
provide any information you need to make a confident decision. Don’t lose sleep
wondering whether your sump pump will do what it should … call us today and
rest easy!
or making sure your current sump pump is up to the task through inspections,
maintenance, and repairs, you’ll find great help and advice from the sump pump
experts at Johnson Comfort. Our experts are happy to answer your questions and
provide any information you need to make a confident decision. Don’t lose sleep
wondering whether your sump pump will do what it should … call us today and
rest easy!
