Most basements in the Washington DC-Baltimore, Maryland area have a sump pump. Our area generally gets a lot of rain in the spring and summer months and our fair share of winter snow and ice. Sump pumps are the first line of defense to keep water out of your basement and to protect your possessions from excessive water damage. That’s why we(Durance Plumbing) recommend that you check your sump pump at least once a year to be sure that all the components are intact and the pump doesn’t show any extraordinary wear. A basement sump pump should always be covered, not only to keep debris from falling into it, but to keep radon and bad odors from entering your home.
What You Should Look For When Inspecting Your Sump Pump?
First you want to determine if the well is dry, if not it may mean that your pump is not working properly.
Secondly you want to check for any debris that may have fallen into the well, it should be cleaned out.
You also want to test the pump by adding water to to the sump to make sure the float works properly and that the motor is not running abnormally.
You then want to make sure that the check valve is working and that the pump drains the well quickly.
You also may want to consider adding a water sensor to the sump pump to notify your security system if water starts to overflow the sump well. Contact your security sytem company to have one installed.
At times, we may recommend an increase in the horsepower rating of your current sump pump, particularly if it’s determined that the current model is not doing an efficient job of getting the water out and away from your home. If your sump pump failed during hurricane Sandy and you need it replaced, contact the Durance Plumbing professionals at (301) 270-6663. Our experts can evaluate, replace or repair your sump pump. If you haven’t checked your sump pump in a while, don’t hesitate any longer, because if there’s one thing you can be assured of is that’s it’s going to rain again!
HAVE YOU RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM THE WASHINGTON SUBURBAN COMMISSION TO TEST YOUR BACKFLOW DEVICES?
If so, this video explains the process to take to remain in compliance. DURANCE PLUMBING IS LICENSED BY THE WSSC TO TEST, REPAIR AND REPLACE ANY BACKFLOW DEVICE. WE ARE WSSC APPROVED TO REGISTER BACKFLOW TEST RESULTS ON THE WSSC WEBSITE.
For more information Contact WALTER DURANCE – Phone Number: 301-270-6663 MASTER PLUMBER AND CERTIFIED BACKFLOW TESTER WSSC #71643
Some plumbing problems you just can’t avoid, due to faulty materials, poor installation, or simple wear and tear over time. However, there are ways to prevent clogged drains in your home or business by being careful never to allow certain materials to enter into the system. Therefore Durance Plumbing believes certain plumbing problems can be avoided by taking proper precautionary measures. Following are some basic techniques to save yourself from unnecessary spending and unwanted plumbing headaches: One of the simplest plumbing problems – and easiest to prevent – is that of clogged drains. How do you keep from blocking up your plumbing in such a way?
Here are three ways to prevent clogged drains:
Use Drain screens. These are very simple little contraptions that can go a long way in protecting your drains from clogs. Drain screens are exactly what they sound like: screens that cover your drains. They are generally made of metal or plastic, and can be found in any chain retail, hardware, or home improvement store. Simply place the drain screen over the drain to block hair and soap scum from drains, and be sure to clean the screens frequently.
Boiling water. Even if your drains don’t become clogged with things like hair and other debris, you can bet that there is a collection of buildup from things like soap scum, water calcium, and other substances that grow on each other to form a nasty, mucky build up. One of the best, most simple, ways to clear out this buildup and keep drains free and clear of clogs is to pour boiling water down your drains once every week. Simply heat a pot of water on the stove to boiling, and then slowly pour it down each drain.
Be careful of what you allow into your drain. Even the smallest things, like hairs, sand, and food remnants, can work together over time to create some major drainage problems. Pay close attention to what you are allowing down your drain, and use a screen, stopper, and/or drain filter whenever necessary. Also, you should never pour hot grease down a drain. That grease may be in liquid form while it is hot, but it will harden when it cools and could very easily stick to your pipes and clog your drain. *And as an added warning for the fall season…We want to remind everyone to never ever dump pumpkin guts down your drains or you risk clogged pipes.The seeds are hard and we’ve seen them jam garbage disposals. It can also clog toilets and should not be flushed. Flushing could cause problems further down in the sewage system. The guts are also stringy and slimy and cause other stuff to attach and stop up the drain. Sometimes, there’s so much it won’t even make it around the turn of the trap.
Your home’s plumbing is a major investment, and one that you will need to last for many years to come. Don’t take any chances with faulty plumbing materials or installation. Put all of your plumbing needs in the hands of competent, locally owned, trustworthy professionals like us, Durance Plumbing.
We can be reached by telephone at 301-270-6663, or via email: Kirk@DurancePlumbing.com.
