Sump Pump Backup Systems

It's raining outside and a strong wind blows a tree down and takes out power in your neighborhood. The ground water is rising in your sump and with no power to operate the pump a flooded basement is inevitable. What can you do to prevent a flooded basement during a power outage? A sump pump backup system can save the day. I'm going to cover two options that a do it yourself (diy) homeowner can tackle.

FIRST OPTION: Buy a backup generator. You can purchase a small unit for under $200 which can be brought out of storage to run the pump. If you wanted to go more elaborate a large generator can be permanently installed. This generator can be operated by an automatic switch. When the power goes off this switch turns on the generator. When the power comes on again the switch turns off the generator. This type of installation will cost approximately $4000. This type of installation would require a professional electrician.

SECOND OPTION: Install a water powered sump pump. This is a very low cost effective solution. This option uses no electricity but the water pressure from your water pipes. When this pump comes on the water pressure runs the pump and discharges the water and the sump water out the drainage hose. When installed the float switch on this system will have to be set higher than the float on your main pump. Otherwise this backup system will come on before the main electrical pump. If your water line is broken during a storm this system obviously won't work. But then a flooded basement may be the least of your worries.

Sump Pump Maintenance

Does your home have a sump pump? Most are located in the basement close to the laundry room. A float switch on the sump pump senses the level of the ground water as it rises and activates the pump. The pump discharges the water to keep the basement from flooding. It's a good idea to check the operation of the sump pump annually, especially before the rainy season. Take the lid off the sump and do a visual inspection. Scoop out any floating debris. Make sure the discharge hose or pipe is securely fastened to the pump. Move the float switch up to activate the pump. See how high the switch has to be lifted to activate the pump. The switch should turn the pump on when the sump is approximately two thirds full of water. Check the electrical connection to make sure it is not frayed. If everything seems OK replace the lid. Your sump pump should be ready for another season. A flooded basement could be a disastrous situation so keep an eye on your sump. When it is raining heavily listen to see if it comes on automatically. If you have concerns or doubts about your sump pump call in a qualified plumber to check it.

Your Crawl Space

If your home doesn't have an in ground basement then it may have a crawl space. Have you ever taken a look in there? Today's new homes with crawl spaces will have the floor of the crawl space skim coated with concrete over plastic to keep the moisture down. If your home is older you may only have gravel on the floor of the crawl space and nothing else. With only gravel, the moisture coming up from the ground could be quite high and this moisture will eventually penetrate the rest of your home. Mold could also develop and cause serious health problems. An inexpensive fix would be to cover the gravel with thick construction plastic. Make sure that the plastic is well taped on any overlaps, joints and against the concrete foundation. Doing this will dramatically reduce moisture and give you a healthier home to live in. If you already have concrete in your crawl space it is wise to inspect it yearly. Look for signs of pests and find out how they got there. Check for pooling water which may be a sign of a clogged perimeter drainage system. Remember it's often the hidden places of your home that bring the most headaches. Keep a yearly check on it and you'll be ahead of the game.

HRV - Heat Recovery Ventilation

Heat Recovery Ventilation systems are an excellent way of bringing in fresh air and removing stale humid air. HRV systems rated for 1500 square feet cost about $700 - $1000 (not installed). HRV systems operate by replacing the exhausted air with fresh outside air. The outside air is warmed up by going through an heat exchanger which is heated by the warm air being exhausted. HRV's can be installed in any home.

Save Energy - Use a Programmable Thermostat

Have you ever had your furnace run longer than it needed and thus waisted energy and precisous dollars out of your pocket? When you come home from work is your house cold? Does it take and hour or so to bring your home temperature up to a comfortable level when you get home? Well I think you're a candidate for an Electronic Programmable Thermostat.  In the Metro-Vancouver area you can pick one of these up at a local home improvement store or hardware store for  $30 to $120. The one I use at home is a Rona brand programmable thermostat, $35. This thing was a God send. On those cold winter nights the thermostat comes on half hour before I get up, it turns down during the day and comes on in the evening before I get home. I have a more comfortable home and save money along the way. You can't beat that!

Save Energy - Use your Humidistat

Do you find your heating bills are quite a bit higher during the winter months? One way of keeping heating costs down is to limit the amount of humidity in your homes air. If you have a humidistat control (often located close to a central bathroom) make sure it is set to 50% during the winter months. What will happen is that the bathroom fan will run until the switch senses 50% humidity and then turn off. Drier air takes less energy to heat thus your furnace will run less often. If you don't have a humidistat control you can choose to have one installed by a licenced electrician, or run your bathroom and or kitchen exhaust fans for an hour a day. When cooking (which can add lots of humidity) make sure you run your kitchen fan. When showering or bathing make sure you run the bathroom fan for at least half an hour afterwards. The small cost of running the fans will be more than compensated by the savings in heating.

Happy New Year

I would like to wish you a Happy New year. This blog contains information on home improvement and home maintenance. Check back often for helpful home improvement and home maintenance information.