Month: October 2017

Spring Plumbing Tips

The onset of springtime is a reminder that it is time for spring cleaning, that yearly routine of washing walls, getting out the window screens, and freshening up our homes. You may not know that spring cleaning time is also a good time to do an annual check of the plumbing in your home. Here are some spring plumbing tips that can keep your home’s plumbing system in tip top shape.

Bathrooms and Kitchen

The bathrooms and kitchen are good places to start when you do your annual plumbing check. Here are some important items to look at:

    • Faucets. Make sure that your faucets aren’t dripping or leaking. Even a small drip can add up to a lot of wasted water when it drips continuously over a long period of time. Fixing a leaky faucet is often as simple as replacing the O-rings and washer.
    • Install strainers on all your drains to prevent the drains from being clogged by hair or soap.
    • Check your toilets to make sure there aren’t any undetected leaks. You can easily check your toilets for leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. Wait 30 minutes, and then look at the water in the toilet bowl. If you see any of the food coloring in the toilet bowl, that means that you have a leak.
    • Look closely at both the toilet bowl and the tank for any visible cracks.
    • To prevent water supply valves from sticking, rotate them back and forth a few times.
    • Check whether the toilets are flushing properly. You shouldn’t have to hold the handle down for a long time or jiggle the handle after flushing. If you notice either of these problems, it’s probably time to replace the parts inside the tank. You can get an inexpensive kit at the hardware store to make this simple repair. This small investment of time and money will have a nice effect on your water bill.
    • Clean your shower head and faucets to get rid of buildup. This is a very simple task. Fill a sandwich bag with vinegar, and hold it around the faucet or showerhead so that it is immersed in vinegar. Use a rubber band to attach the bag of vinegar, and leave it overnight. Remove it the next morning, and your faucets and showerheads are clean.

Appliances

A routine check of your appliances will save money on your utility bills and prevent bigger problems from developing. Follows these steps:

    • Adjust your water heater setting so that it is set to a maximum of 120 degrees for optimum energy use.
    • Examine the supply hoses on your washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker. If you see any leaks or bulges, the hoses should be replaced. It’s also a good idea to replace hoses that are more than 10 years old, regardless of wear.
    • Clean out the lint trap in your washer and dryer.
    • Check your sump pump by pouring several buckets of water into the sump pit. The sump pump should kick on right away, empty the water, and turn off.

These routine maintenance tips should keep your plumbing in good working order. If you need assistance in caring for your home’s plumbing or you encounter a problem, contact Scott English Plumbing. Scott English Plumbing offers 24 hour emergency service, so they can quickly respond to problems. They also provide routine service, including sewer and drain cleaning, plumbing inspections, backflow testing, and more. All of these services come from a company with 19 years of experience, so let Scott English Plumbing handle all of your plumbing concerns.

Spring Plumbing Maintenance

As spring approaches, many Americans are eager to open their windows, let in some fresh air, and begin the spring cleaning ritual. There is just something about that yearly routine of washing windows and wiping down walls that makes us feel like spring has finally arrived.

When you do your spring cleaning, what does that entail? For most people, spring cleaning means a thorough cleaning of the inside of the home, and perhaps cleaning out the garage or sweeping off the front porch. You may not realize, however, that spring cleaning time is also a great time to perform a thorough check of your home plumbing system.

Yes, your plumbing needs some maintenance, too. Taking a little bit of time to inspect and make minor repairs to your plumbing can prevent a much bigger more expensive problem in the future. Here are the steps you should take to maintain your home plumbing.

  1. 1. The springtime is the perfect time to check your plumbing to make sure that nothing has been damaged by freezing pipes over the winter. Frozen pipes are the biggest culprit of damage to the plumbing system. In the winter, when your pipes get very cold, they can freeze. Freezing causes the water inside the pipes to expand, which can cause pipes to burst. Now, if an indoor pipe bursts, it won’t take very long before you know it. However, there could be other damage that you aren’t aware of, particularly on outside faucets. You should go for a walk around the house and check all of your faucets and spigots for damage. Pay attention to any area where water might be collecting.

  2. 2. You should also check inside your home for leaky faucets. Repairing a leaky faucet is really a simple fix, and it can save you money on your water bill. You would probably be surprised to learn how much water a leaky faucet actually uses. If your faucet is leaking, you most likely just need to replace the gasket. While you could hire a plumber to do it, you can probably handle this repair on your own.

  3. 3. An easy, yet important maintenance task is to remove the mineral buildup from your faucets. Hard water causes the accumulation of minerals on your faucet. You can get rid of this buildup simply by filling a plastic sandwich bag with vinegar and tying it around the faucet with a rubber band. The faucet should be submerged in the vinegar. Leave it like this overnight. When you get up in the morning, remove the bag and throw it out. Your faucets are now clean and free of mineral buildup.

  4. 4. Purchasing filters to go over your drains is a good idea. It can help you avoid clogged drains, which can be a major pain and much bigger expense.

  5. 5. Just like drains, you don’t want your gutters to clog. Emptying out your gutters, drains, and downspouts is a vital aspect of maintenance, and spring cleaning time is the perfect time to get this done and remove winter’s debris.

Let the experts at Scott English Plumbing take care of all your plumbing needs. With more than 19 years of experience, our goal is to offer quality service at affordable prices 24 hours a day and seven days a week. We offer 24 hour emergency service, electronic leak detection, slab leak detection and repair, sewer and drain cleaning, plumbing inspections, video inspections, backflow testing, and more. We can even handle installation and maintenance on most plumbing fixtures. Call Scott English Plumbing today for an inspection from one of the most trusted plumbers in the Orange County area.

Protecting Your Plumbing System during Winter

When winter arrives, it brings with it freezing temperatures, which can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. However, homeowners who prepare for the winter season will experience few, if any problems with their plumbing during the cold months. Here are several simple steps you can take to avoid winter-related plumbing problems.

    • • Keep an eye on the water pressure because the first sign of frozen pipes is reduced water pressure, which is caused by low water flow. If you notice that your water pressure is lower than normal, be sure to call a professional plumber right away.
    • • Overnight, let a small trickle of water drop from all of your faucets if the temperature is going to be especially cold. Moving water doesn’t freeze, so this will keep your pipes from freezing overnight.
    • • Remember to disconnect your garden hoses. If they remain connected to your house, ice will form on that faucet and cause water pressure to build up inside the home as well. The result is often a leak or break in the water line, which is especially disastrous.
    • • In addition to disconnecting your garden hoses, you should also put an insulated jacket on your faucet. This will keep the exterior faucets protected when the temperature drops especially low. It’s also helpful to turn off the shut-off valves so that water doesn’t run to the outside pipes. Usually you can find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space. Other possible locations include under sinks, close to the water heater, or someplace around your water meter.
    • • Keep warm air circulating through your house so that the pipes in the walls do not freeze. Even if you leave for an extended period of time, do not set your thermostat lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Also open the doors of cabinets so that warm air can more easily reach the pipes that are inside of them.
    • • Shut the vents near your crawl spaces and keep the garage door closed, especially if it houses your home’s water heater.
  • • Keep an eye on the snow level and check to see if it’s preventing water from draining out of your home. Monitor the discharge line for the sump pump so that you don’t experience indoor flooding. The discharge line connects the basement to the exterior of the home, so it’s a prime location for freezing temperatures to take over.

The plumbing system is one of the most important parts of your home, so it is important that you take steps to protect it at all times of the year. Of course the moment you notice anything starting to go wrong with your plumbing, you should call a plumber. It is much easier and cheaper to fix a problem when it starts than it is to wait until the issue has caused broken pipes or flooding inside your home. However, homeowners who play it safe with their plumbing system during the cold months will significantly lower their risk of having any serious problems.

Let the experts at Scott English Plumbing help you prepare your plumbing system for the winter season. They offer 24-hour emergency service, electronic leak detection, water heater installation and maintenance, toilet and faucet installation and maintenance, backflow testing, inspections, sewer and drain cleaning, and more. The plumbers at Scott English Plumbing always aim to offer fast, clean, and reliable service at fair and reasonable rates. They always work on a flat rate so that you don’t have to worry about paying too much for plumbing service. Call Scott English Plumbing today to learn what great plumbing service is all about.

Fall Plumbing Tips

Brisk autumn air can provide homeowners with a gentle nudge, reminding them that it’s time to start getting their homes ready for winter. A lack of preparation can mean big trouble come winter, so consider these fall plumbing tips and take these easy steps to get your home ready now and avoid expensive problems when the mercury drops.

  • • Be sure to uncouple any outdoor hoses.  Leaving hoses hooked up can lead to trouble; if water remains in the hoses, when it freezes it will expand and can damage pipes on the inside of your home.
  • • Turn off any outdoor faucets completely.  If there are any leaks, have them repaired promptly, before the weather gets any colder. It’s important to remember that when your pipes freeze, they can crack, regardless of what type material they are made of.  It only takes a small crack to cause serious damage to your home.
  • • Turn off any shut-off valves that connect to exterior faucets and be sure to drain those exterior lines completely.
  • • Wrap exterior faucets with an insulation kit.  You can find these kits at home improvement stores.
  • • Protect pipes that are located in cold places like your crawl space or garage.  Wrap the pipes with heat tape or thermal cables to prevent freezing.
  • • Reinforce the insulation around your windows and doors with sealer to prevent cold air leaking through.
  • • To reduce wear and tear on your water heater, drain and rinse it out to remove gunky buildup. This will improve its efficiency and save you money. It’s an easy process, but you can consult your manual for instructions.
  • • Check the pressure relief valve on your water heater.  To do so, you pull the lever up and let it jerk downward.  Proceed with caution, because the water is extremely hot. If working correctly, the valve will send a gush of hot water into the drainpipe. If it doesn’t, you need a new pressure relief valve. If your pressure relief valve is older, it’s possible to create a leak when testing it.  In this situation, it’s best to rely on a professional plumber.
  • • Adjust the temperature on your water heater to 120°F for maximum efficiency.
  • • Clean your gutters and downspouts so they don’t get clogged and blocked up with water and freeze over the winter.
  • • Check your sump pump and clean the pit if necessary.  If the pump freezes, it will stop working, which can mean a big mess.
  • • If you’re going out of town for a long time, turn off the water main.  You can empty the system by turning on faucets at the highest and lowest parts of your home. Be sure that the furnace is on and set at least to 55°F or above.

Warning! These recommendations are made for houses that will be lived in over the course of the winter. If a house will sit empty over the winter, there are significant other precautions that must be taken to protect the home. Consult an expert for advice on preparing a vacant home for winter.

Scott English Plumbing can help you get your home’s plumbing system ready for fall.  Contact them for fall plumbing maintenance. They offer 24 hour emergency service, electronic leak detection, plumbing inspections, backflow testing, sewer and drain cleaning, and much more.  Scott English Plumbing operates on a flat rate system rather than an hourly system, so you know that you’re getting fair service at a price you can afford.  You’ll never worry about dishonest plumbers again!  With more than 19 years in the business, Scott English Plumbing strives to offer quality service at affordable prices 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Visit our blog for more fall plumbing tips and other plumbing advices.

Summer Plumbing Tips from a Plumber in Tustin

Looking for a plumber in the Tustin area is something most people don’t want to do, but it is one that must be done. Everyone needs a plumber sometimes, so it is far better to have a list of quality possibilities before the need actually arises. In addition, there are several things you can be doing regularly in order to put off the need for a plumber for as long as possible. Regular maintenance on your plumbing system can be done in each season of the year. Here are some summer plumbing tips to help you keep your system in good working order:

    • • In the bathroom, look at the base of the toilet and make sure there are no signs of water damage. Rock back and forth around the toilet to see if the floor is getting soft underneath it. A soft floor around the toilet indicates a leak that you can’t see.
    • • Inspect all of the exposed pipes in the basement. Leaks will be apparent in these areas.
    • • Keep the main line cleanout accessible so that you (or a plumber) can access it at a moment’s notice. This is one of the most important parts of the plumbing system, so you want it to be easily accessible.
    • • Look at the date on the water heater. The serial number of the appliance will give you clues about how old it is. The first four numbers of it indicate the month and then the year of the appliance. If it’s more than 15 years old, then it isn’t a bad idea to replace it. Not only will you be able to dodge the bullet of the appliance going out completely, but you will also be able to start saving money on your electric bill. Newer appliances made with more modern technology run much more efficiently than the appliances that were made 15 or more years ago.
    • • Look for rust on the water heater because this can be another sign that it needs to be replaced.
    • • Do a quick check on some of the most important connections in your home, like those for the dishwasher and the garbage disposal.
    • • Use a flashlight to look inside lower cabinets for signs of leakage or mold or mildew problems, which indicate moisture problems with the pipes, even if they aren’t actually leaking.
  • • Look for ruptures in the hoses for the washing machine. Also check the valves by turning them on and off so that you can see leaks if they are there.

You may find it helpful to have a professional help you create a maintenance plan so that you can keep all of these chores in mind on an annual basis. If you let regular maintenance slide by for too long, you could find yourself with a serious problem on your hands. So check out the services provided by each plumber in Tustinand decide who you would like to help with your regular maintenance.

The services provided by Scott English Plumbing include:

So the next time you are in need of a quality plumber in Tustin, give Scott English Plumbing a call!

Avoiding Sump Pump Troubles

Any property that has a basement must have a sump pump. This is more of a necessity than a luxury.

The sump pump will ensure that the water will not back up into the basement and flood it unnecessarily. In other words, it is your best choice in keeping your basement clean and dry. However, if you have never had a sump pump before, you must be aware of potential troubles you can run into. What are these?

Frozen Sump Pump Pipes

The thing with sump pumps is that many property owners believe that installing these critical devices are just do-it-yourself projects. In many instances, this can be true, but, are you prepared to face the possible problems that will come your way?

Many property owners would have a system that discharges the water outside using an extension hose that usually sticks out of the home like a sore thumb. The common solution for do-it-yourself adventurers is that they would bury the pipe that discharges water to preserve the outer beauty of the home. Sounds easy enough right?

Before you go digging into the ground and bury that pipe, have you asked yourself what would happen once the buried pipe freezes over during winter? A flooded basement should eventually come to mind at this point. The water will have nowhere to go once the sump pump pipes are frozen. The best thing to do in this instance is to leave a gap between the pipes to give the water a place to drain to even as it freezes.

Sounds too simple to be true? You can call trained professional sump pump installers and they will tell you that without the gap, the frozen sump pump pipe would eventually break apart at the point of the check valve connection, or worse, you can end up with a burned out sump pump. The simplest thing of forgetting to remove the extension hose as winter comes along will bring a lot of headaches that can eventually become costly.

Failure Due to Electrical Problems

Another potential source of problem when it comes to sump pumps is failure due to electrical problems. Some property owners are not really aware or do not take the time to read through the manuals or ask professionals.

It is important to understand that the sump pump itself must be plugged directly into an electric outlet. This means that extension cords should not be used. To protect the sump pump and your property from potential disaster, it is vital that the outlet used by the sump pump must have a dedicated circuit breaker to help prevent spikes or current fluctuations.

Many plumbing professionals can attest to the fact that reported problems with sump pumps can be traced to the use of extension cords, lack of circuit protection, or faulty installation. Considering that the sump pump must be constantly plugged in to allow it to function properly and automatically, the slightest problem with the electrical supply can be devastating.

Are you prepared to deal with all of these potential sump pump problems? Do you have the technical skills to ensure that your sump pump is properly installed to allow it to function efficiently? If you answered NO to any of these questions, then the best way to avoid sump pump troubles is to call on the experts.

Do you need more information about sump pumps or need help in choosing the right one for your basement? No matter what your needs are, when it comes to sump pumps, contact Scott English Plumbing today at (714) 987-9801 or (949) 293-2037 and you will never go wrong!

North Orange County
(714) 987-9801(714) 987-9801
South Orange County
(949) 293-2037 (949) 293-2037

Sump Pump Disaster: Floods Can Happen

Sump Pumps are necessary plumbing fixtures in many homes. In most cases, the sump pump will do its job of keeping water out of your basement. Unfortunately, there are a few instances where the sump pump might not be able to keep up with the water demand. Without a backup power device, you could have problems resulting from power outages during major storms. If you do have a basement flood, it is important to know what to do. Instead of frantically trying to recover, having a plan will help you stay calm and get the clean up done properly. Here are some tips:

  1. 1. Disconnect power. If the flood in your basement is close to the outlets or wires, the power needs to be shut off. If it is already off due to a power outage, then unplug everything and get the cords off of the floor. Learn how to turn off the power to certain areas of your home and mark the location of the breakers on the box. With preparation, you can better manage emergencies like basement floods.
  2. 2. Move items. Anything that you can move, move. Move electronics and memorabilia first, because they are damaged by water the most. Carpets, furniture, and other items should be moved next.
  3. 3. Inform your insurance company. While you might not need to file an official claim, it can be helpful to let them know what has happened. Insurance companies also have tips on preventing more damage. Their knowledge can be helpful during the emergency and can help you better prepare for the next possible problem.
  4. 4. Get rid of the water. As soon as you can, move the water. You might be able to use a large broom to sweep the water into the sump pump drain (if there is room). Otherwise, a shop vac, bucket and mop, water pump, or collection of towels can be useful. You might become overwhelmed with the idea of moving that much water, but just take it slow and steady. You will be amazed how quickly the water will move.
  5. 5. Dry it out. Lingering water can create damage like mold and mildew. In order to prevent these problems, you need to dry out your basement. If the weather allows, it is helpful to open the windows to circulate the air. Place fans around the basement and get a dehumidifier, too. The best way to remove the remaining moisture is to attach a hose to the dehumidifier and have it empty into your sump pump drain. It is also helpful to change the towels repeatedly if there is any remaining visible moisture seeping into our basement.
  6. 6. Disinfect and deodorize. After you have removed the moisture from your basement, there still could be lingering bacteria and mold. It is vital that you disinfect your basement floors and walls before the bacteria make your family members ill and before the mold can grow. Your insurance company can recommend a good cleaning product. Otherwise, simple household bleach is a good option; especially if you have floors and wall that can handle a tough cleaning product, but remember that bleach can also create damage. Clean around the sump pump and the drain, too.
  7. 7. Watch for further mold growth. Since we are human, we are prone to making mistakes. It is important that you continue to watch your basement for further mold growth and mildew smells. If you find that the cleaning requirements are more than you can handle, contact your insurance company and ask them for recommendations. You might need to file claim. Most communities have cleaning companies that specialize in cleaning up after floods and other disasters.

If you need service for your sump pump, call Scott English Plumbing.  We have been providing plumbing service to Orange County residents for over 19 years, and we can take care of your sump pump needs.

Sump Pump Maintenance Tips

A sump pump is an important piece of equipment that can prevent your basement from flooding. However, if the sump pump fails, you are vulnerable to flooding and damage. On the whole, sump pumps are quite reliable, and mechanical failure isn’t a common problem. Sump pumps do run on electricity, though, so if the power goes out, the sump pump won’t work. Many sump pumps have a battery-powered alarm that will sound in the event that the pump is not working properly and the water level is rising. Newer, more advanced sump pump systems will even notify you via your cell phone or notify your home security system in the event that the water level rises.

Just a few minutes of routine sump pump maintenance a few times each year will help to ensure that your sump pump works properly all the time. Plan to do these basic checks each spring and fall and again if there are heavy rains or flooding in the weather forecast. Check out these sump pump maintenance tips.

  1. 1. Check the electrical outlet. The sump pump should be plugged into a GFCI outlet. Make sure that the cord itself is in good condition. GFCI outlets have a tendency to get tripped when they are located in damp areas (such as near a sump pump), so check the outlet periodically to see whether it needs to be reset.
  2. 2. Check the position of the pump. It should be standing upright at all times. The pump tends to vibrate as it operates, which can cause it to shift to the side. If the pump is tilted, it can jam the float arm, which prevents the pump from kicking on when it should.
  3. 3. Test the pump by pouring a bucket of water into the sump pump pit. The pump should automatically kick on and pump the water out of the pit. If it doesn’t, the pump should be serviced right away.
  4. 4. If you have a submersible sump pump, remove it from the pit. Clean the grate in the bottom of the pit. When the pump operates, it can pull small pieces of debris into the grate, which can block the inlet or damage the pump.
  5. 5. Check the outlet pipes for the sump pump. They should be joined together securely and should empty at least 20 feet away from the house.
  6. 6. Inspect the discharge pipe for the sump pump. Make sure that there isn’t anything blocking the vent hole.

Sump pumps do rely on electricity for operation, which makes them inoperable in the event that the electricity goes out. Therefore, you may want to consider having a backup sump pump involved to protect your home during a power outage. There are several options for backup pumps. One type of backup pump is a water injection pump that does not use electricity. This type of pump relies on water pressure to pump water out of the sump pump pit. It uses water from the municipal water supply to force water out of the pit. Since it uses so much water, it’s not a good choice for a main sump pump, it is a good backup option. Another option is a pump that uses backup battery power. The system would charge the battery while the power is on, and the battery would kick on in the event that the electricity goes out.

If you need service for your sump pump, call Scott English Plumbing. We have been providing plumbing service to Orange County residents for over 15 years, and we can take care of your sump pump needs.

Sump Pumps: What You Need to Know

If you’re unsure what a sump pump is, chances are your home doesn’t have a basement. For homeowners with a basement, a sump pump is a good idea. This device sits in the basement, either submersed beneath the foundation or above the floor. It pumps out any excess water that collects in the sump basin to keep your basement from flooding. Unfortunately, many homeowners find out that they need a new sump pump when it’s too late, and their basement floor is a flooded, watery mess. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are looking to purchase or maintain a sump pump.

Do You Need a Sump Pump?

Many homeowners wonder if they even need a sump pump for their basement. If you are fortunate enough to have a house that never floods, then a sump pump for the basement is not an essential item. However, if your home is prone to flooding, has a water problem, or is located in a region that experiences flooding, a sump pump is an excellent investment. As you probably know, a wet basement causes all sorts of problems, including mold, rot, rust and unhealthy indoor air quality.

Purchasing a Sump Pump

If you find that you need to purchase a sump pump, here are a few tips:

If you have the space available, choose a submersible pump instead of a pedestal pump. A submersible pump comes with a lid, which helps reduce pump noise and keeps debris from clogging the basin.

Look for a pump that has a metal or cast iron core instead of plastic. It will last longer.

Look for a pump with a mechanical switch as opposed to a pressure switch. Also make sure the float is solid, so there’s no chance of it becoming waterlogged and failing to switch off (and burn out) the pump.

Secondary or Backup Sump Pumps

If you’ve determined that a sump pump is needed in your home, you may also want to consider installing a secondary or backup sump pump as well. It sits next to your primary pump and takes over if your first pump fails or can’t handle an excess of water. You can also look into a battery backup pump for those times when the power goes out. That way the pump can keep working for an extra day or two. If you have living quarters in your basement or keep valuables there, a secondary or backup pump is definitely a good idea.

Sump Pump Maintenance

Whether you’ve purchased a new pump or moved into a home with an existing pump, maintenance is crucial to keeping your pump in good working order.Sump pumps sit a long time without use. Don’t get caught unprepared when you really need it to work. Here are some maintenance tips:

About 2 or 3 times a year, clean your pump’s inlet screen. Also check to make sure it is connected to a power source. Finally, test your pump by dumping a bucket of water into the basin and making sure the pump turns on.

About once a year, thoroughly clean the pump by removing it from the sump basin. If the pump bearings require oiling, do that as well. Double-check the power cords and hookup. Then clean out the basin. Reassemble the pump and then test it by dumping a bucket of water into the sump. It should turn on. Finally, adjust the float if needed.

When to Hire a Pro

You can save yourself a lot of problems by working with a professional from the start. Hiring a licensed plumber to install your pump can ensure its life and proper functioning.

You should also consider hiring a pro do an annual inspection of your sump pump. Not only does it save you the aggravation of doing it yourself, a plumber knows exactly what to look for and can easily remedy any problems.

If you test your sump pump and notice it doesn’t turn on, it makes odd sounds, or fails to empty the pit efficiently, it could mean damage or a blockage. Immediately call a professional to check it out.

If you would like to know more about sump pump installation and maintenance, or need assistance with your pump, contact Scott English Plumbing. We would be happy to assist you with any of your plumbing needs.

Sump Pump FAQs

Q. What type of sump pump should I choose?
A. There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal (column) pumps. Both are good options. Pedestal pumps tend to be more economical to run because they have less amp draw. The area in which your sump pump will be installed may impact your options. Submersible pumps are cooled by sitting in ground water, while pedestal pumps are cooled by the air that flows around them. In a very small area, there may be insufficient air flow to cool a pedestal pump.

Q. What type of float switch is best?
A. There are three main types of float switches – tethered, vertical, and electronic. A tethered float switch is a good choice for a sump pit that is deep and large in diameter. A tethered switch lets the pump shut off for longer periods of time between cycles so that the pump can cool down more. This helps to reduce your electricity charges and also extends the life of the pump. A vertical switch is a good choice for a narrower, shallower sump pit. The pump will run more often, but the water won’t get too deep. An electronic float switch is a good choice for a small pump pit because it doesn’t have any moving parts and takes up very little space. Electronic float switches often have extra features, like a water depth alarm. If water from your laundry empties into your sump pit, you should not use an electronic float switch. The soapy water could cause corrosion on the electrodes.

Q. How much horsepower should my sump pump have?
A. The amount of horsepower offered by a sump pump affects how quickly the water moves out of the pit and how much electricity is used by the pump. If your sump pit fills up quickly, then you are better off to get a higher horsepower sump pump that will empty the pit quickly and prevent an overflow.

Q. How large should the sump pit be?
A. If you take in a lot of water, it is better to have a larger sump pit. This will require the pump to run less often. Ideally, your pit should be large enough that you can use a tethered float switch so that there is more time between pump cycles. This will reduce the amount of electricity that the pump uses and extend the life of the pump.

Q. Is a cast iron sump pump or thermoplastic sump pump a better choice?
A. Both types are good options. A cast iron pump is stronger physically, but both options will work well for a long period of time.

Q. What makes sump pumps fail?
A. Sump pump failure is usually caused by an electrical problem. The sump pump should always be plugged directly into an outlet without an extension cord. The outlet that powers the sump pump should be on its own, separate circuit breaker.

Q. Can I empty my laundry water or water softener into my sump pit?
A. This isn’t a good idea. The chemicals in laundry water can damage the seals of the sump pump. The salt in the water softener discharge can corrode the seals, screws, and motor shaft of the sump pump.

If you need a new sump pump, call the experts at Scott English Plumbing for advice. We can help you choose the best pump and install it in your basement efficiently. Get in touch with Scott English Plumbing for more information on choosing a sump pump today.

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