Sump Pump Services in Chapel Hill, NC by Bud Matthews Services
Flooding is not an uncommon occurrence here in North Carolina. If you have ever had a basement or crawl space flood before, you know what an absolute nightmare it is to repair the water damage. The trouble is doubled if you have to replace any appliances that might have been in the area, like water heaters. Fortunately, you don’t have to hope that your basement or crawl space won’t flood next time a massive storm rolls in. You can protect your home from flooding using a device called a “sump pump.” If you need a sump pump installed somewhere in your home, call us today. We offer comprehensive sump pump services throughout Chapel Hill, NC.
WHAT IS A SUMP PUMP?
A sump pump is a system designed to prevent an area from flooding by pumping out any water that flows into it. First, a pit is dug at the lowest point of the area that needs protection. All water that flows into the area will naturally flow into the pit. This pit is called the “sump.” Once the sump is dug, the pump is either installed inside or just above it. A pipe runs from the sump pump out of the house, to provide somewhere for the water to go. After that, the pump is hooked up the home’s electrical grid, and it’s ready to go.
HOW A SUMP PUMP BENEFITS YOU
Repairing water damage isn’t just a hassle; it’s expensive as well. Most of the time, the only way to “repair” flooding damage is to throw out anything and everything that’s become waterlogged, which can amount to quite a lot. A sump pump protects against this by removing the water before it has a chance to build up. It won’t protect against very heavy floods; however, if you do experience a major flood that can overwhelm the sump pump, you will have more significant problems than just your basement/crawl space flooding. The point of a sump pump is to prevent parts of your home from flooding from small to moderate water flow, and in that regard, it does exceptionally well.
4 Signs You Need Sump Pump Repair or Replacement
You should always heed the warnings your sump pump is about to fail. But even with the most diligent sump pump maintenance, emergencies happen.
Signs you have sump pump problems include:
- Age – If it’s older than seven years, you’re probably looking at repair or replacement soon.
- Continuous/long-running – There may be a problem with the switch or the float. If it seems to run too long before it shuts off, you might have a pump problem. If your sump pump is running on and off when it shouldn’t, it needs service as soon as possible. This could indicate a wiring problem, and the issue could be the sump pump or your home’s electrical system.
- Noise – Sump pumps shouldn’t make loud or odd noises. When they do, it’s because parts are breaking or worn.
- Motor noise – Bearings
- Rattling/grinding – Impeller/fan
- Rust – Have you heard of “iron bacteria”? It’s a ferrous oxide produced by iron that can become a gel-like substance. It won’t harm humans but it clogs drains and sump pumps. If you see rust, it may not be corrosion as much as it is iron bacteria. It’s a problem, either way.
If you don’t think your sump pump is working correctly, it’s much better to be safe than sorry. When you need sump pump repair, you need it fast! You can avoid an emergency and save money when you contact Bud Matthews Services or call 919-929-0203 to schedule an inspection.
Types of Sump Pumps
A sump pump increases your property value. It’s a good investment. There are several types of sump pumps available, and one of them is right for your residential or commercial property.
The main types of sump pumps are:
- Battery-backup
- Combination
- Effluent
- Pedestal
- Primary
- Sewage
- Submersible
- Water-powered backup
When your sump pump fails, we’ll make an honest appraisal and tell you if you need repair or replacement. If a repair will solve the problem, we’ll also tell you how much “mileage” you can get out of your current unit before investing in a new sump pump. Call 919-929-0203 or contact Bud Matthews Services to learn more.
CALL US FOR ALL YOUR SUMP PUMP NEEDS
Installing a sump pump is obviously not something that should be handled by anyone but a professional. Professional knowledge and experience are required to place the sump properly, install the pump, rig the pipe, and connect the electrical wiring. Doing some of those steps improperly will just give you a sump pump that doesn’t work. That’s why you want to let us handle all your sump pump installation procedures.
Sump pumps can also develop problems, just like any other system. If your sump pump isn’t working correctly, call us, and we’ll repair it for you. We can also conduct sump pump maintenance procedures so that your sump pump continues to serve you well. Call Bud Matthews Services today to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians.