Tag: basement waterproofing

The Dangers of Basement Flooding

Posted on by Larry & Sons

Is there water in your basement after a heavy rain? Obviously a major basement flood is a catastrophe that requires your immediate attention, but you may not realize that even the most seemingly insignificant flooding is a major problem.

The dangers of water damage aren’t always visible, and the hidden dangers of basement flooding, like structural damage, are often more devastating than the water itself.

If your basement is wet after it rains, it’s time to consider waterproofing your basement. 

Issues That Arise From Basement Flooding

Basement flooding can have devastating consequences, and it’s important to note that many homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover water or flood damage. Immediate damage to your possessions is a top concern when it comes to flooding, but it’s not the only thing you should be worried about. Remember these issues that can arise because of flooding:

  • Excess moisture in your basement: This can lead to cracks in your foundation and seriously compromise the structural integrity of your home. It can also cause wood beams and supports to rot.
  • Appliance System Failure: If you’re like most people, your HVAC system and water heater are located in your basement. If your basement is damp, the moisture can cause serious damage and even lead to system failure. If your washer and dryer are located in your basement, they’re at risk, too.
  • A wet basement is a serious health hazard: Damp areas are the perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungus, and these things are all known to cause respiratory problems.
  • Electrical Shock: If you have standing water in your basement, it may also put you at risk for electrical shock should wires or electrical components come in contact with the water.

Signs of Moisture in Your BasementBasement Waterproofing Hagerstown

Finding your basement full of water is the most obvious sign that you have a problem, but there are several subtle signs that you shouldn’t ignore. If you’ve noticed any of these things in your basement, you have a problem that needs to be dealt with promptly to avoid further damage.

  • Damp, humid air
  • Respiratory problems
  • Visible mildew, mold or fungus
  • Standing water
  • Spots or cracks on walls

What Is a Sump Pump and How Does It Work?

Posted on by Larry & Sons

A sump pump in the floor of a homeHave you ever gone into a basement, found a hole in the ground with a pipe coming out, and weren’t sure exactly what it was? It’s likely this was the home’s sump pump. Often tucked away out of sight, these devices play a pivotal role in safeguarding your home from potential flooding disasters. Simply put, a sump pump is a mechanical device installed in a basement or crawl space that prevents flooding by pumping excess water away from the foundation of the home.

How a Sump Pump Works:

Sump pumps are normally installed in a sump pit in the lowest part of your basement. It collects water through a drainage system in the soil. The sump pump gathers the water from the surrounding soil and pumps it far away from the home.

How a Sump Pump Works

There are two main types of sump pumps:

Submersible sump pump: This type of sump pump is displayed above. They sit at the bottom of the sump pump pit and have waterproof protective housing to avoid water damage.

Pedestal sump pump: As you may have guessed, these sump pump models sit on a pedestal at about the top of the sump pump pit. This prevents the motor from getting wet.

While pedestal models are cheaper and last longer, submersible units tend to have greater efficiency and are less susceptible to clogging. Both types use a ball float to tell when to turn on or not. Once the ball float rises up to a certain level, the pump turns on and begins to pump water away from the home. As the water level recedes, the sump pump will turn off.

You will also want to consider if you want a backup system for your sump pump in case of a power outage. Since sump pumps run on electricity, they won’t work during a power outage, when you might need it most.

Even if it was just one flood, it could end up costing you all of your savings. As with many things, preventative maintenance is essential. If you could avoid $30,000 worth of damage with $1,000 in preventative care, wouldn’t you do it?

It can be hard to find the right sump pump for your needs, but the highly trained technicians at Larry & Sons can help you determine the correct brand and model for your home.

Larry & Sons sump pump installations, maintenance, and repairs are backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you ever have a problem with you sump pump, we will come back and make the necessary repairs.

If you have a sump pump already, it’s recommended that you schedule professional maintenance once a year to ensure the whole sump pump system is working properly.

If you have a moldy or musty basement, have the professional at Larry & Sons install a sump pump system in your home. We will walk you through all of your sump pump options to choose the best solution for your needs.

Call at 301-733-5428 for choosing, installing, repairing, and maintaining your sump pump. For over 65 years, we have been providing Hagerstown and the surrounding areas with quality plumbing services. Make us your first call!