Tag: spring

Sump Pumps: Preparing for Spring

Why Sump Pumps Are Important

Sump pumps are necessary to protect the home from flooding. Natural causes like rain and snow are known to cause severe water damage in San Antonio. Using a sump pump, water can be easily moved from the basement to the outdoors. This is especially important during the springtime.  

How Sump Pumps Work

A sump pump is a handy device that most homeowners need to keep mold and mildew from forming in the basement. The sump is essentially a carved hole below the basement floor. This pit is known as the sump pump basin. The pump inside the basin is designed to remove excess water. Several valves are inside the pump, and pressure measurements are used to sense how high the water is flowing.

Before flooding occurs, the pump automatically filters excess water from the basement to a separate location outside. This happens when water or battery power activates the sump pump float switch. Depending on the type of energy used, there are a few different types of sump pumps available. 

Which Sump Pump Is Best?

sump pumpsThe two main types of sump pumps are known as submersible and pedestal. Within these categories are separate brands that have varying life expectancies. Depending on where a homeowner lives, certain types work better than others.

Submersible sump pumps are ideal for rainy climates. They work hard to redirect water quickly in a major storm. Usually, these pumps are located in the basement or crawlspace and sit below ground. While they are considered much quieter than pedestal pumps, they are more difficult to maintain.

Pedestal sump pumps are easier to repair because they sit on the floor instead of inside the ground. Sump pump installation is relatively easy and can be done in under three hours. Although these pumps are less expensive, they do not provide as much power as submersible pumps, so a sump pump battery backup is recommended. 

Testing the Sump Pump Before Spring

sump pumpThe heaviest rainfall occurs during spring. Experts suggest testing the sump pump before March to ensure proper flood resistance. 

A float is a device that sits along the surface of the water. Once water from the sump pit reaches a designated level, the float switch is activated. Lifting the float will allow homeowners to test the pump motor before the beginning of a storm. 

To troubleshoot the sump pump, try rebooting. This involves unplugging the power source, waiting thirty seconds, and replugging it. The power source uses electricity from a ground fault circuit interrupter. This switch should be reset every so often. If the sump pump is running but water is not pumping fast enough, this may be due to a blockage in the discharge pipes. A certified technician can help unclog the pit before a storm.

Regular maintenance is recommended for both pedestal and submersible pumps. Professional inspections allow the home to stay dry during both average and severe storms. Without a working sump pump, homeowners face expensive home repairs and water damage that may cause symptoms such as headaches, allergies, and respiratory issues. 

About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling

A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is a family-owned business that was voted Titan of the Year. They always arrive on time, offering personalized solutions with upfront pricing on every service call. To learn more about their annual sump pump maintenance services in San Antonio, TX, call today. 

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How Plant Growth in the Spring Can Damage Plumbing

Spring Gardening Could Hurt Your Plumbing 

Many people look forward to new blooms of flowers each spring, but being careless with planting can lead to plumbing issues. Homeowners in an HOA may already know that their planting options are limited based on underground plumbing and electrical wiring. Homeowners should be aware of how the growth of plants on their property could lead to problems with plant roots growing into underground pipes. 

Tree Roots Intruding Pipes

roots

Tree roots are at least as long as the tree is tall, which means that they reach deep within the soil and can interrupt the path of underground pipes. When planting new trees, homeowners should plan their landscaping around the layout of their underground plumbing. Consulting with a trusted local plumbing contractor on new landscaping projects can help save homeowners a headache down the line from tree roots growing into the pipes. 

During the winter months, trees and other plants become dormant. Once the weather heats back up again, trees and roots can grow rapidly. These roots work their way into the plumbing system through any crack they can find. 

Eventually, the pipes can become blocked and result in a burst pipe. A pipe burst underground can be hard to detect, so it is best to take preventative measures with careful planting to prevent future issues. The plumber will need to repipe the plumbing to fix a burst pipe. Underground repiping is disruptive to the yard’s landscape and should be avoided. 

Warning Signs of Tree Roots Intruding

drainingUnderground plumbing issues can be hard to diagnose because they are hidden away from the eyes of the homeowners. Homeowners should be on the lookout for some warning signs of underground plumbing blockages caused by plant roots. Tree roots can affect both the main water line and the sewer line. 

When tree roots grow into the sewer line, it can cause slow draining as the water has to work its way past blockages of roots in the pipes. Slow draining can be frustrating and can even be a hazard to human health if dirty water containing waste remains stagnant in the home for a long time. On the other hand, when tree roots block the main water line, it can low water pressure. There are three signs of tree roots in the pipes: sudden spikes in utility bills, slow draining plumbing fixtures, and low water pressure. 

How Professionals Fix Tree Root Pipe Obstruction

Homeowners can help prevent tree root growth from affecting their plumbing systems by carefully planning their landscape around underground piping. When a blockage from tree roots does occur, homeowners should give a trusted local plumbing company a call. Professional plumbers have several professional tools to remove roots growing into the pipes. 

Plumbers use hydro-jetting to blast away roots that have grown into the waterline. Hydro-jetting involves using pressurized water at high speeds to dislodge blockages from tree roots. To find the source of the problem, the plumber may need to insert a camera into the pipes to find the tree roots visually. 

One can install a root barrier to prevent tree roots from growing into the home’s plumbing or foundation. Homeowners concerned about trees on their property expanding their roots into their plumbing systems should ask their local plumber how a root barrier can help. 

About A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling

A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is a trusted local plumbing company proud to serve San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding communities with high-quality services from professional plumbing contractors. They provide personalized service for every call. Homeowners can depend on A&A Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling for friendly, professional customer service and affordable, up-front pricing. Give them a call today to schedule an appointment for plumbing service! 

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