MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2014
This video from Central Mutual on sump pump maintenance reminds me that even the best of us get stuck with problems related to sump pumps. I am a little embarrassed to say that I had four inches of water in my basement the other day. Why am I embarrassed you may ask. Because I consider myself somewhat of a remodeling and home maintenance guru. I was a carpenter for 10 years back in the day and still to this day undertake many home renovation projects. The latest one is a remodel of my kitchen, not for the faint of heart mind you. I woke up one morning last week to find that one of my sump pumps, I have two, was not working and the other was clogged. The long, cold winter has made the ground very wet as the snow has been melting very slowly. A perfect recipe for water in an older basement. I went out and bought a new sump pump. Its always risky to have to buy a new sumo pump when everyone else wants one to, the first big box store was out of stock. After taking a morning of from the office and running around like a nutcase I got the pump working. Its still working now and dutifully pumping water from my basement.
An easier option would have been to check the sump pump in September and to make sure it was working properly and the drain pipes were not clogged. Alas though that was not the case. Lesson learned again!
Other maintenance tips for you:
1-Clean gutters and inspect for replacement. Many times water in the basement is the end result of bad gutter placement or lack thereof.
2-If you have a pool and its still standing after this winter. Mine is questionable. Do some maintenance to keep it that way.
3-Clean and inspect your deck for damage from the winter. You want to enjoy your outdoor space this summer not work around issues.
4-Pressure wash the exterior of your house to remove mold and mildew. If you have vinyl siding its easy. If not it can still be done but use a professional.
You want to enjoy your summer not work on the house and yard because you delayed the maintenance items. They typically only get worse if not attended to. Do some maintenance this Spring and enjoy your Summer. I know I will try!
Posted 8:56 AM