Category Archives: sump pump services

Prevent Flooding: Sump and Ejector Pump Service Essentials

prevent flooding with a sump pump

Sump and ejector pumps are critical components in preventing basement flooding. These pumps are designed to remove water that accumulates in a sump basin, typically found in the basements of homes. Ejector pumps, in particular, are used to manage wastewater from plumbing fixtures. Understanding the essential service practices for these pumps can help homeowners avoid the costly damages associated with basement flooding.

Understanding the Function of Sump Pumps

Sump pumps are installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawlspace. Their primary function is to keep the area under the building dry and prevent it from flooding. When water enters the sump basin through drains or by natural water migration through the soil, the sump pump activates and pumps the water out of the basin and away from the building. This process helps to keep the basement dry and free from water damage.

Key Components of a Sump Pump System

A sump pump system typically includes several key components:

  • Sump Basin: A pit where water collects before being pumped out.
  • Primary Sump Pump: The main pump that removes water from the basin.
  • Check Valve: Prevents water from flowing back into the sump basin.
  • Discharge Pipe: Carries water away from the home.
  • Battery Backup System: Ensures the pump operates during power outages.

Understanding the Function of Ejector Pumps

Ejector pumps, also known as sewage pumps, are used to handle wastewater from basement plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and washing machines. These pumps are essential for homes with plumbing fixtures located below the main sewer or septic line. Ejector pumps grind and pump wastewater up to the level of the main sewer line, ensuring proper drainage and preventing sewage backups.

Key Components of an Ejector Pump System

An ejector pump system includes several critical components:

  • Ejector Basin: A sealed pit where wastewater collects before being pumped out.
  • Ejector Pump: The main pump that grinds and pumps wastewater out of the basin.
  • Check Valve: Prevents wastewater from flowing back into the ejector basin.
  • Discharge Pipe: Carries wastewater to the main sewer or septic line.
  • Vent Pipe: Allows gases to escape from the ejector basin.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of sump and ejector pumps. Without routine checks and maintenance, these pumps can fail, leading to basement flooding and costly repairs. Homeowners should schedule regular inspections and maintenance to keep their pumps in optimal condition.

Essential Maintenance Practices for Sump Pumps

To maintain a sump pump system, homeowners should follow these essential practices:

  • Test the Pump: Periodically test the pump by pouring water into the sump basin to ensure it activates and pumps water out properly.
  • Check the Power Source: Ensure the pump is connected to a reliable power source and that the power cord is in good condition.
  • Examine the Check Valve: Inspect the check valve to ensure it is functioning correctly and preventing backflow.
  • Clean the Discharge Pipe: Make sure the discharge pipe is clear of obstructions and directs water away from the home.
  • Maintain the Battery Backup System: Regularly check the battery backup system to ensure it is charged and ready to operate during power outages.
prevent flooding with an ejector pump

Professional plumbers have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix issues accurately.

Essential Maintenance Practices for Ejector Pumps

For ejector pump systems, homeowners should follow these maintenance practices:

  • Inspect the Ejector Basin: Regularly check the ejector basin for debris and clean it out to prevent clogs.
  • Test the Pump: Periodically test the pump by running water through the plumbing fixtures to ensure it activates and pumps wastewater out properly.
  • Check the Power Source: Ensure the pump is connected to a reliable power source and that the power cord is in good condition.
  • Examine the Check Valve: Inspect the check valve to ensure it is functioning correctly and preventing backflow.
  • Clean the Discharge Pipe: Make sure the discharge pipe is clear of obstructions and directs wastewater to the main sewer or septic line.
  • Maintain the Vent Pipe: Ensure the vent pipe is clear and allowing gases to escape from the ejector basin.

Importance of Installing Battery Backup Systems

Installing a battery backup system for sump pumps or ejector pumps is essential for ensuring their operation during power outages. Power outages can occur during severe storms, which is when the pumps are needed the most. A battery backup system provides peace of mind by ensuring the pumps continue to operate and prevent flooding even when the power is out.

Choosing the Right Battery Backup System

When selecting a battery backup system for sump and ejector pumps, homeowners should consider the following factors:

  • Battery Capacity: Choose a battery with sufficient capacity to run the pump for an extended period during power outages.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the battery backup system is compatible with the existing pump system.
  • Automatic Activation: Select a system that automatically activates when the power goes out.
  • Maintenance Requirements: Consider the maintenance needs of the battery backup system and choose one that is easy to maintain.
  • Warranty and Support: Look for a system with a good warranty and reliable customer support.

Professional Services for Sump and Ejector Pumps

While homeowners can perform basic maintenance on their sump and ejector pumps, professional services are recommended for more complex tasks and regular inspections. Professional plumbers have the expertise and tools to thoroughly inspect, maintain, and repair sump pump systems and ejector pump systems, ensuring they function efficiently and reliably.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Plumbers

Hiring professional plumbers for sump and ejector pump services offers several benefits:

  • Expertise: Professional plumbers have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and fix issues accurately.
  • Comprehensive Inspections: Professionals can perform thorough inspections to identify potential problems before they become major issues.
  • Proper Maintenance: Professionals can provide proper maintenance services, ensuring the pumps operate efficiently.
  • Peace of Mind: Hiring professionals gives homeowners peace of mind knowing their pump systems are in good hands.

Wrapping It Up

Preventing basement flooding requires a combination of regular maintenance, proper installation, and the use of battery backup systems for sump and ejector pumps. Homeowners should understand the essential service practices for these pumps and consider hiring professional plumbers for comprehensive inspections and maintenance. By taking these steps, homeowners can protect their basements from flooding and avoid costly repairs.

A Professional Perspective on the Safety of Hydro Jetting for Old Pipes

Perspective on the Safety of Hydro Jetting for Old Pipes

Hydro-jetting is currently one of the most-effective methods for clearing clogs from drainpipes. This process uses a high-pressure water blast to dislodge and wash away clogs inside a drainpipe. But is this method safe for cleaning old pipes?

In this post, we will explain how hydro-jetting works, what you should consider before you hydro-jet your old sewer lines and the alternatives to hydro-jetting.

How hydro-jetting works

Hydro-jetting is a non-invasive method for unblocking and cleaning pipes. The plumber does not have to dig a trench to access the pipe that is being cleaned. Instead of digging a hole in the ground, a powerful jet of water is shot into the pipe to remove all blockages inside it.

The hydro-jetting machine, also known as a ‘jetter,’ is made up of the following components:

  • A tank which holds the water to be used during the operation
  • A flexible steel hose that is mounted on a drum or comes in sections which can be joined to make them as long as desired
  • A range of stainless steel nozzles; the type of pipe and severity of the clog determines the proper nozzle to use
  • The mechanism for pressuring the water

To hydro-jet a line, the flexible steel hose is passed into the pipe with the nozzle attached to its end. The drainpipe is accessed through a cleanout or one of the drains in the home, explains the Peak Residential Management team. The drum is used to unroll and push the hose into the drainpipe while it is guided by the plumber’s hand.

a hydro jetting taking place in chicago.

While this is going on, a stream of water is shot into the drain via the hose and nozzle. The nozzle can direct the water forward, backwards, and against the pipe surface. It not only clears the clogs inside the pipes, the pipes are washed clean, as the debris inside them is carried away.

To do this, a hydro-jetting machine uses pressures of 1,500 to 5,000 psi (pounds per sq. inch). That is enough pressure to shear away any tree roots inside the pipes. For reference, when pressure-washing a brick wall, you are advised never to exceed 1,500 psi. 

That is why before hydro-jetting a drain line, it is essential to conduct a visual assessment of the line first. That is typically done via a sewer camera inspection. Through this inspection, the plumber can check the condition of the pipes and determine if they can withstand hydro-jetting.

Should you hydro-jet old pipes?

Older pipes are more likely to have cracks and weak spots in them. The pressure of the water used in hydro-jetting can compound the existing issues with such pipes. For this reason, hydro-jetting is not always safe for old pipes. If pipes are fragile, do not hydro-jet them.

Old sewer pipes can be made from a range of materials, and as these pipe materials age, they may start to change in the following ways:

  • Cast iron: Despite its durability, the big issue with cast iron is its vulnerability to rust. A rusty cast iron pipe will not only slow your drain, it will become fragile.
  • Copper: Due to oxidation, copper pipes form pinholes over time and become vulnerable to corrosion.
  • ABS: Although similar to PVC, ABS is a polymer. It will become brittle if it is constantly exposed to low temperatures.
  • PVC: With frequent exposure to low temperatures, PVC will become brittle. This process does not depend on age; it can happen to PVC pipes of any age.
  • Clay:  Clay pipes are particularly susceptible to root invasion. Tree roots can undermine the stability of the pipe.

Hydro-jetting old pipes will damage them if they are showing any of these signs. Before hydro-jetting a sewer line with old pipes, you should get a professional plumber to do a sewer camera inspection to determine if hydro-jetting is the best drain-cleaning option for you.

older pipes.

Alternatives to hydro-jetting

The best alternative to hydro-jetting is sewer rodding. That is a way to manually push or pull clogs out of the drain. Although no drain-cleaning method is 100%-safe, sewer rodding offers more control than hydro-jetting. A rodding machine can be maneuvered such that it doesn’t touch the pipe walls.

Sewer rodding is similar to hydro-jetting in some ways. When rodding a pipe, a long flexible tube (known as a ‘plumber’s snake’ or ‘drain snake’) is inserted into the drain. This tube contains a cable, the end of which is attached to a corkscrew auger that resembles a coiled spring or drill bit.

The tube is then hand-cranked to spin the corkscrew. A combination of twisting, pulling and pushing movements are used to snag any clog inside the drain and pull it out. Although it takes more time than hydro-jetting, a sewer rodding service is decidedly the better option when working with fragile pipes.

In Conclusion

Is hydro-jetting acceptable for old pipes? It depends on the condition of the old pipes. Before hydro-jetting old pipes, do a camera sewer inspection to determine their ability to withstand high water pressure. Depending on the inspection result, you may use or reject hydro-jetting.

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