plumbing leaks

The Importance of a Sump Pump in Preventing Foundation Damage

Mitchell S foundation repair, plumbing leaks ,
sump pump

How many of us know the importance of the sump pump to prevent water from entering the foundations and crawl spaces of our houses? When was the last time you checked on your sump pump to ensure it was working properly? Have you noticed any cracks in the foundation walls or floors of your home? Have you ever made the connection that your sump pump could be the cause of cracking?

Water is a home’s greatest enemy. As a homeowner, your maintenance checklist should include reviewing key points to make sure all surface and ground water is diverted from the house.

This includes surface water monitoring, groundwater monitoring, and a sump pump discharge system that is functioning the right way and maintained. The following components are a key part of a water control program for any homeowner.

Surface water control

Gutters and downspouts: Make sure there are no obstacles in the gutters and make sure the downspouts are away from the house

Lot evaluation: Make sure the landscape does not lean towards the house

Groundwater control

Perimeter drainage system: Surface water can move along the foundation wall. This water is collected by the perimeter drainage system and directed to the sump pump to be evacuated from outside the house.

Sump pump outlet system

In the sump, water is collected from the drains so that this water can flow from the foundation. When the level reaches a defined level, the sump starts up and drains the water from the house.

Sump pump problems

Blocked floats and pump failures are the main problems in the sump. If your float is blocked or the pump fails, the sump will not start and will not drain the water. In this case, water will be trapped against the home’s foundation walls.

Sump Pump Failure Results

The consequences of wetland failures can be dramatic and costly. They include: foundation wall and floor damage that requires professional repair, flooded basement, or mold growth.

Sump pump test

It is important to regularly check your sump pump to make sure it is in good working order. Remove the lid and pour water slowly into the drip tray. Make sure the “float” rises and activates the pump. As soon as the pump starts, the water level drops rapidly and the float stops the pump.

Only simple maintenance steps are needed to avoid costly issues. Inspect your sump pump after a heavy rain or heavy snowmelt. Periodically check the level and the operation of the pump.

When buying a house, carefully examine these areas or ask your home inspector to focus on these areas on a separate walk around the property. The cost of an inspection is worth having the peace of mind of knowing that these components are working and installed correctly. Using observational analysis and simple visual inspections can make the difference between solving a problem early on and making large, expensive repairs.

If you have any questions, contact the foundation repair contractors in Spokane, WA.

Do I really need a plumbing test after a foundation repair?

Mitchell S foundation repair, plumbing leaks
plumbing foundation damage

A stable base is the key to the structural integrity of any home or building. As such, it is important to frequently examine it for wear and tear. Typically, signs of a damaged foundation include:

  • Large cracks in the outside concrete
  • Gaps between the wall seams or around the top of the wall and the ceiling
  • Cracked drywall and nails popped out
  • Sloping floors or staircases
  • Windows that are jammed, difficult to open or which have cracks inside the glass

Foundation repair can be complicated in nature. It may involve installing reinforcing piers under your home or maybe replacing the whole foundation or a wall. For the entire process to be finished, it may take a few days or several weeks depending on the foundation’s condition.

One important step in the process is to investigate the plumbing. A special plumbing test is usually needed after the piers are established and the home’s basement is stabilized.

The plumbing test is necessary to protect you and your home from further damage. It is well known that one cause of structural failure is water and moisture from plumbing leaks.

Is a checking out your plumbing really that important?

It most certainly is.

A competent basement contractor will require one while foundation maintenance is completed.

In a few cases, a plumbing leak is the main cause of foundation issues. This oftentimes takes place in regions with expansive clay soil. Expanding soil tends to grow bigger when in contact with water. This expansion leads to soil pushing on the foundation exterior, causing cracking, bowing and shifting.

Left unaddressed, this can require a total rebuild of the basement. As with any home repair problem, acting speedy is key to saving you from more damage and more money needed for repairs.

Sometimes, the leak happens after a repair to the foundation is done. In most cases, it takes place after a residence is lifted. As the foundation is lifted, the plumbing stays solidly embedded inside the ground.

A slow leak may transform soil into dense mud. Mud, needless to say, cannot hold a foundation. If the leak is from a freshwater pipe, rapid soil erosion can take place.

Plumbing troubles and foundation restoration from time to time go hand-in-hand. Before the work begins, make sure you realize your contractor’s limitations and costs.

How does a hydrostatic plumbing check work?

A hydrostatic plumbing test works by way of putting pressure on your home and sanitary sewage systems.

An inflatable ball is located into the principle sewer line, either via the drain device underneath a first-floor toilet or via an outdoor cleanout. Old houses normally don’t have clean-outs. To solve this, a plumber may need to move inside your home to find a suitable toilet.

If the test reveals a leak, you’ll need a plumbing repair. Left unattended, leaks can cause pricey foundation harm. It’s for this reason that competent structure repair contractors insist on a plumbing check. This prevents the re-occurrence of a future foundation problems.

How does repairing a foundation have an effect on plumbing?

As you could imagine, lifting a foundation can also cause the plumbing to relocate. The work of a local foundation repair contractor, in a few cases, may correct plumbing issues from misaligned pipes.

However, lifting your property’s foundation or crawl space may also lead to plumbing harm. Because of this, having the plumbing system in your home tested is essential.

Can the plumbing breakdown when your foundation is being repaired?

Generally, it depends on a variety of factors. They include:

  • How far the plumbing is from the cracking or bowing
  • Age and condition of plumbing
  • How far the base has dropped
  • Soil density around the plumbing

All these factors are associated with the state of the pipes, the extent of foundation damage, and the soil beneath the foundation. All of these elements are beyond the scope of a  typical foundation repair company.

Because the contractor is generally not aware of a home’s plumbing design, a leak may occur when a basement structure shifts in the soil.. Sewage leaks are harder to detect, as they’re un-pressurized. Freshwater leaks, on the contrary, are clean to pick out as they’re pressurized.

Common Signs of Plumbing Leaks

Wet spots: This is a standared indicator of a plumbing problem. Have a plumbing check done you may notice moist spots or discolored regions in the flooring.

Foundation cracks: House settlement is commonplace even in more recent homes. However, if issues crop up suddenly, it may signal a foundation trouble.

Mold and mildew: Damp spots frequently cause the steady growth of mold and mildew. Water meter continuously ticking: If no water is being used and the water meter continues rolling along, it’s a signal that water is leaking somewhere.

A spike in the water bill: Keep track of your water bills if you suspect there’s a plumbing leak. If there is an unexpected spike, it means water is leaking.

How much does a plumbing check-up usually cost?

Depending upon how intense the plumbing checks are, the rate of plumbing tests can range from $250-$750.

As one can see, a plumbing check is necessary after basement restoration. It’s a simple way to safeguard your home against future water damage. As a homeowner, the last thing you want is to rectify a foundation issue today and have to address it once more in the future.