spring Archives - Annapolis Plumbing Contractor

Get the Sump Pump Ready for Spring Rainstorms

What Is a Sump Pump System?

With spring rains on the way, now it is more important than ever to make sure the home is protected from flooding. A sump pump is a key component in preventing water damage and flooding in basements and crawl spaces. It’s a device installed in the lowest part of a home, usually in a specially constructed sump pit or basin.

When water levels rise in the basin, the sump pump activates automatically, pumping excess water away from the home’s foundation to a designated drainage area. This blog post will discuss the advantages of a sump pump installation, the different types, and how to care for them to ensure they work when needed.

Advantages of Installing Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are an easy and convenient way to protect a home from flooding and water damage. They automatically activate when floodwater enters the sump pump basin, and the float switch triggers the pump to turn on. This ensures that the home continues to be protected even if nobody is home.

As the sump pump basin fills, the water is transported far enough away from the home so that it doesn’t find its way back inside. Removing water and transporting it safely away from the home not only protects against flooding and water damage but also helps to keep the basement dry, which protects the structural integrity of the home and helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are two main kinds of sump pumps, and each has pros and cons that can help homeowners determine which to install. Submersible sump pumps offer a significant advantage in power, capable of removing water more quickly and efficiently than the other option. However, this added power comes with a higher price tag, making them more expensive initially.

On the other hand, pedestal sump pumps have a lower initial cost and boast a longer lifespan. Though not as powerful as submersible pumps, they are a cost-effective option for homes with less intensive water removal needs. Homeowners can consult with plumbers to determine which would fit their needs best.

Maintaining and Testing the Sump Pump

Ensuring the proper operation of a sump pump is crucial for homeowners to prevent flooding and water damage. Homeowners can test their sump pumps by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pit until the pump turns on and removes the water automatically, thus verifying its functionality.

While this test can indicate if the pump is working, it’s imperative to undergo regular maintenance and professional inspections to address potential issues like clogged lines or faulty backup batteries. Professionals can also assess the pump’s capacity against the home’s needs, ensuring it can handle the volume of water during heavy rainfall and safeguard the home from water-related damages.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated business serving the Annapolis area. They offer flat rates, live assistance, and fast, efficient service. Call them for sump pump repair and installation services in Annapolis, MD.

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Spring Showers & Plumbing Problems

Prevention Tips for April Shower-Fueled Plumbing Troubles

Spring showers are a welcome reprieve from the cold weather of winter. The rain brings the gorgeous greenery of spring to life. Despite the beauty of spring, these showers can contribute to problems with a home’s plumbing. Preparing for the inevitable deluge of spring showers now can help prevent any plumbing problems later into spring and summer.

Keep reading to find out common plumbing problems brought on by spring rainstorms and how to effectively prevent them from harming a home.

Saturated Soil Struggles

Everyone knows that April showers bring May flowers, but seldom do homeowners think about the conditions underneath their colorful lawn. The truth is, a green lawn or even a muddy one can hide a treacherous problem lurking underground. Overly saturated soil is frequently indicated by standing water, or rushing water issues over topsoil, and even root rot or browning leaves on rooted plants.

But why is saturated soil an issue for a home’s plumbing system? The answer is pretty simple: erosion. As water seeps underground, it can lead to soil degradation, which can cause pipes to collapse underground. When this happens, plumbing is more likely to leak into the soil around the home or even flow back into the house. This can be an exceptional problem when it comes to sewer pipelines sinking or bowing underground.

Preventing saturated soil starts and ends with directing water away from the home. Ensuring proper drainage and keeping ground drains clear and flowing away from the house will help prevent bowing pipes.

Foundation & Slab Leaks

Water is a remarkable source of pressure on a home’s foundation. Oversaturated soil feeds foundation and slab leaks, turning them into a monster of a problem. As the soil surrounding a home becomes saturated, it begins to swell, building pressure and pushing up against the foundation of the house. Over time cracks develop as the water pushes into the foundation.

Signs of foundation leaks include flooding in the basement, excessive humidity, or mold in a home’s basement or lower level. Repairs to a foundation can be labor-intensive and require professional assistance to ensure that the cracks and holes are repaired correctly and effectively with cement, waterproofing, or other sealant materials.

Busted Buried Pipes

Spring may bring warmer days, but the nights can still be pretty cold. In fact, burst pipes are surprisingly common during spring weather. There are two main reasons for burst pipes occurring in the summer, and they work in tandem with each other to create a broken underground mess.

First and foremost, springtime means more moisture for the pipes to deal with. Soil saturates, spring rains bring water flooding through pipes, and overall the outdoor drains, indoor sump pumps, and underground pipes undergo more work. Combining the increased presence of water with the deep chill that spring nights can still bring spells trouble for pipes.

Burst pipes can wreak havoc inside and outside a home. Underground pipes can flood the basement and lower levels of a house with water and sewage, creating a hazardous living environment and thousands of dollars in damages. Repairing outdoor pipes can require excavation, heavy equipment, and a lot of hours working with plumbers. It’s best just to avoid the whole situation with the proper prevention.

If there’s a freeze warning or if frost is still collecting on the grass overnight, there is a chance pipes can burst. It’s important to keep hoses and water fixtures outside unplugged until the last freeze date has passed. Additionally, keeping water moving through the home with a dripping faucet will help prevent any surprise freezes at night.

Keeping the water of spring showers away from the home can help prevent these unenjoyable springtime plumbing problems, leaving homeowners free to smell the spring flowers and enjoy those April showers!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has proudly been providing their Annapolis neighbors for over 65 years with the best plumbing and heating service around. Heidler, Inc. provides honest, affordable solutions tailored to their client’s individual needs. From gas fireplaces to plumbing installation, their technicians get it done right the first time. Give the ma call today for Annapolis slab lear repair.

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How to Avoid Broken Pipes in the Spring

Preventing Burst Pipes in the Rainy Season

Many people love spring. It’s the time of year when everything starts to come alive again. It’s the time of year the weather starts to warm up again, but it’s also the time of year for an increase in rainstorms. Heavy rain isn’t good for plumbing systems. It can cause all kinds of problems, especially to plumbing systems that don’t receive regular maintenance.

Plumbers get called all the time in the spring, but there are ways you can prevent expensive damages to your plumbing system and home. Continue reading to learn more about ways to prevent pipes from bursting due to heavy rainfall.

The Dangers of High Water Pressure

Rain can cause all sorts of problems in your home, but one thing no one ever wants is for their house to flood. Your house is supposed to keep the rain out, so when it doesn’t do its job, your life gets frustrating.

You may think you just have a house that is prone to flooding when in reality, it’s your plumbing system causing all the grief and it can easily be prevented. Excess rainwater causes water pressure to build up within the plumbing systems.

This water pressure is too much for plumbing and can lead to the pipes bursting or cracking. Once this happens, it’s only a matter of time before the water is entering your home. A few ways to avoid this from happening are:

Making sure your gutters are cleaned out before the rainy season hits.
Getting your plumbing maintenance done yearly before the spring.
Having a sump pump installed in your home.

How to Avoid Burst Pipes

As mentioned above, the best way to avoid burst pipes is to have a yearly camera inspection done for preventative maintenance. These inspections give you an inside look of the state of your piping system so you can stay on top of the problem before it occurs. There’s nothing better for your plumbing system than taking care of it.

While your plumbing is getting inspected, it’s also a good idea to have the outdoor drainage maintenance done. This will ensure that any rainfall the spring brings will not pool up around your home’s foundation. This will alleviate any added stress from water weight.

Professional Burst Pipe Services

A professional will arrive on the scene to first assess and locate the problem. Once the problem has been properly assessed, the professional plumber can decide the best course of action for repairs.

They will most likely choose one of these options:

Cured-In Place
Pulled-In Place
Pipe Bursting Method
Repiping

Cured-in place and pulled-in place are both trenchless methods for repairing pipes, but they can only be done if the damages aren’t extensive. Sometimes, if the plumbing hasn’t been taken care of for many years or your plumbing system is just old, the problem may require repiping. This can get expensive, but sometimes it’s the only option. That is why maintenance is so important.

Heidler, Inc. Gets Plumbing Work Done Right

The experts at Heidler, Inc. have been leaders when it comes to plumbing solutions in Annapolis since 1947. They are a trusted part of the community because they care. Head over to their website for coupons on your next appointment.