Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Sump Pumps

Posted on March 31, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

Springtime means rain; and even though April is not quite here yet, the showers are no less on their way. During the rainy season, the persistent moisture in the surrounding environments can cause excessive puddling and standing water, which can lead to more serious issues like flooding. For this reason, it is important to double check that your sump pump is in good condition and operating efficiently this time of year. This piece of plumbing equipment will protect your home from catastrophic water leaks and flooding disasters.

Not sure what you need to know about your sump pump? Continue below to review some frequently asked questions about residential sump pumps, and where you can get trusted service before the storms hit your neck of the woods.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Services 317-784-1870 — Indianapolis Indiana Sump Pump Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

Sump Pump FAQS You Want to Know

☔ What are Sump Pumps?

Sump pumps are conventional plumbing devices that are designed to mitigate indoor flooding by keeping water out of your basement, crawl space, or lower level of your home. In fact, they are installed at the lowest point of the home since water drains downhill. They collect rainwater and then transfer it to the nearest retention pond or storm drain, thus abating excessive water accumulation in and around your house.

☔ Do I Need a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are vital for all homes in regions with annual rainfall and properties located near bodies of water. Furthermore, if you have a patio, sloped driveway, clogged gutters, or surrounding sidewalks, your property is more prone to flooding problems than others. In Spring when excessive water accumulates around these areas, your home is subjected to increased rain buildup, which can lead to water leaks, seepage, flooding, and structural and foundational issues. They save homeowners thousands of dollars in invasive and time-consuming repairs, not to mention the hassle of it all to begin with.

☔ Is My Sump Pump Broken?

In order to determine if your sump pump is still working is to test it, manually. This means you will have to grab a 5 gallon bucket, fill it with water, and then dump it into the sump pit. The float trigger should activate as you pour water into your sump pump. Then after a few minutes, the pit should drain, and the sump pump should turn off automatically. If this all happens, your device is working. If your sump pump reacts any differently, such as not shutting off after the pit drains or making odd sounds, you might need sump pump repair or replacement.

☔ When Should I Replace a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are designed to last a long time. Generally, their average lifespan ranges between 8 and 10 years. However, this lifespan depends on several factors, including the quality of the make and model, the frequency at which it was used, and the annual rainfall in your region. Talk to your trusted plumbing company for advice on when you can expect to replace your sump pump. It is important to have your home’s plumbing inspected by a licensed plumber on an annual basis to ensure all systems are running efficiently.

☔ Can I Install a New Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are serious plumbing appliances that require serious expertise and resources. So, if you are thinking about installing your new sump pump on your own, please reconsider. It is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed and experienced plumber to advise you on which kind of sump pump your home requires, and to install it for you properly, and up to code. When it comes to mitigating flood and water damage to your house, you do not want to take any shortcuts or make a mistake.

Do you need to replace or repair a sump pump in your home? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 to get professional plumbing services for sump pumps in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve both residential and commercial clients and offer 24 hour emergency plumbing service.

You Should Also Read:

Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?
How to Determine Which Sump Pump Size You Need
The Dangers of In-Home Flooding

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Do I Need to Empty My Septic Tank?

Posted on June 12, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Your priority as a homeowner is to maintain the value, function, and safety of your house. One of the most important systems in your home to maintain is the plumbing, namely, the septic system. The problem is that many people are quite confused on what the proper maintenance is for a septic system. Furthermore, many people confuse sump pumps and septic systems. If you are having the same questions, such as, “what is the difference between a sump pump and septic tank?”, or “when should I empty my septic tank?”, you are in the right place.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about taking good care of your property’s septic system, including when septic tanks should be emptied.

Zoeller Sump Pump Installation **317-714-0759**

Septic System Basics

First let us discuss the basics of a septic system so that you understand the difference between a sump pump and a septic tank. You see, a septic tank is a component of plumbing that collects sewage and wastewater, and naturally decomposes them using a bacterial action. They are usually constructed of precast concrete, concrete blocks, or reinforced fiberglass, and buried in the ground somewhere on the property.

A sump pump is a device that is outfitted to a sump pit for the purpose of removing excess water and liquids from the pit. They are usually connected to a municipal sewer line or storm drain, and equipped with a flotation device that forces them to clink at particular levels of flooding. If the power is out, there is a manual lever that allows people to release excess water. If the water level reaches or exceeds a preset level in the pit, the pump initiates and sucks up enough liquid to remedy the risk of overflow.

Cesspools

Now where does the cesspool come into play? Well, not every property has a cesspool. Some homes are equipped with cesspools instead of septic systems. Although both collect organic waste and decompose them naturally, cesspools are a much older waste disposal technique compared to the modern-day septic tanks. The general rule of thumb is to have your septic tank inspected and serviced by a professional plumbing company every 1 to 3 years.

When and How to Empty the Septic Tank

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having your septic tank inspected every three years by a licensed Indianapolis master plumber. They further recommend adhering to the professional advice given by the plumbing contractor in regard to routine de-sludging and septic service. Basically, you need to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to perform all septic and cesspool work, no matter how inclined you feel on doing it yourself. These are important systems, and one wrong move or mistake can leave you with some very messy, and extremely unsanitary conditions.

Where to Get Professional Sump Pump Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable master plumber about sump pump service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are happy to answer any questions you have about septic tank and sump pump installation, maintenance, replacement, repair, problems, and more. We even offer 24 hour emergency services for water leaks, floods, and more. Owner and Master Plumber, Mark Weilhammer, recommends installing the Aquanot ll® Battery Backup Sump Pump in your sump pit along with your main sump pump. The Aquanot ll® is the most reliable back up system on the market today. Call 317-714-0759 for professional sump pump services in Indianapolis you can trust!

Why Won’t My Sump Pump Turn Off After it Rains a Lot?

Posted on April 23, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

It is still April, and the forecast is showing a lot of rain ahead. So, if you notice that your sump pump seems to run continuously after your area experiences a heavy rainfall, you might be a little concerned right about now. Many often think their sump pump is malfunctioning when this happens. But the truth is, there is a very good reason why a sump pump does this.

Continue reading to find out what you need to know about sump pumps and heavy rains.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Service 317-784-1870

What Your Sump Pump Does

It is okay if you are not entirely sure what your sump pump does, exactly. You are not alone. Many homeowners simply rely on the assumption that their sump pump is operating properly and at full efficiency. However, when you really learn how these units work, you can better diagnose issues when they occur. It can also help you put your mind at ease when your sump pump begins to demonstrate some unfamiliar behaviors, such as the constant running you hear after a heavy rain. See our blog, “What You Need to Know About Your Sump Pump” to get this type of knowledge.

Effects of Heavy Rainfalls

After a heavy storm or long period of steady rainfall, the ground is full with a lot more water than normal. Since sump pumps activate when the pit fills with water to a certain level, the pump will continue to activate itself and pump water out, so long as the ground is still saturated with water from a heavy rain. Basically, it takes longer for large amounts of water to drain from the soul in the ground, which in turn, causes sump pumps to continue working until the water inside the pit is below the trigger line.

Some areas have more permeable soil conditions, so their sump pumps are not overwhelmed with this type of onset of groundwater after a rain. So, if this is something you experience often, it could have something to do with the soil conditions and geography of your area.

Sump Pump Inspection and Maintenance

Your sump pump is a mechanical device, which means it vitally requires regular maintenance and care. In order to ensure your sump pump is working properly and efficiently, have it inspected and serviced by a professional plumber once a year. In addition to professional sump pump service, you also need to keep in mind that if your sump pump is not the proper size or capacity for your particular property, you will need to address that issues as soon as possible, or risk flooding issues eventually. Talk to your trusted plumber for sump pump advice and installation.

Got Sump Pump Problems?

When your sump pump needs service, you need a state-licensed master plumber. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including sump pump repair and replacement. We even sell top-of-the-line Aquanot ll® Battery Backup Sump Pumps and Zoeller sump pumps below market price! Request a free estimate, today.

Recommended Zoeller Sump Pumps

Posted on June 3, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Zoeller Sump Pumps 317-784-1870

Sump pumps are a vital component for every home, and offer a wide range of benefits. Not only do they protect your valuable assets from flooding waters, they reduce water pressure strain on your home’s foundation. Overall, sump pumps protect you from an endless list of possible disasters and subsequent repairs. One of the highest-rated sump pump brands available in the United States is Zoeller. Zoeller sump pumps are well-established, and have proven to be a dependable and economical choice for residential sump pump systems. They manufacture all of their products nationally, using the highest standards of excellence for materials and technology. You can trust a Zoeller sump pump system to protect you for years to come. Below you will find four top-rated and recommended Zoeller sump pumps on the market today.

Zoeller 53-0001 M53 Mighty-Mate – $135.00

• Automatic Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 43 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/3 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Zoeller 98-0001 M98 Mighty-Mate – $190.00

• Automatic Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 72 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/2 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Zoeller 137-0010 M137 Sump Pump- $445.00

• Submersible Pump
• Flow Rate of 48 Gallons per Minute (5 ft. of head)
• 1/2 Horse Power
• 115 Volt
• Cast-Iron
• Corrosion-Resistant
• 3 Year Warranty

Choosing the right sump pump for your home is easy to do when you have a trusted plumbing company on your side. Factors can include the size of your house, the number of occupants, annual rainfall, your average water consumption, and more. Consult an experienced master plumber for help deciding which residential sump pump system is right for you.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Indianapolis Indiana

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for sump pump installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is here to answer your sump pump repair questions in a language you can clearly understand. We don’t use confusing industry jargon, and instead, empower our clients with knowledge! We offer residential and commercial plumbing services, including sump pump repair and more. With more than 100 years as a family owned and operated business, you can trust you are getting the best in plumbing service and repair. Call 317-784-1870 to discuss Indianapolis sump pump repair services, today.

Plumbing Tips for the Basement

Posted on January 22, 2016 by weilhammerplumbing

Water Hammer Repair 317-784-1870

The most common consequence of basement plumbing problems are basement floods. Flooded basements happen as a result of a number of reasons, most of which can be prevented. This is why regular plumbing maintenance for basements is so important. It will not only protect and preserve your basement plumbing systems, it will also reduce the chances of costly plumbing repairs down the line.

Common plumbing systems in basements include water heaters, water softeners, boilers, sump pumps, septic tanks, sprinkler line valves, washing machines, bathrooms or kitchens, and more. All home plumbing systems are different, but they will all have one thing in common in terms of basement plumbing: the need for regular maintenance. Continue reading to learn some tips for proper basement plumbing care, and who to call when you need a master plumber in your neighborhood.

Where to Start…

It is important to first consider safety when you are inspecting and servicing your basement plumbing appliances and systems. Never store flammable liquids or chemicals near water heaters, gas furnaces, or any other type of fuel-powered appliance. This includes gasoline, propane tanks, liquid adhesives, solvents, and anything else that has a flammable warning. On the topic of natural gas, it is important to make sure sewer gases are not building up too much within household drains, mostly drains that are not used as often like basement floor drains. To prevent sewer gases from backing up, simply pour a bucket of clean water down the drain every other month to keep the trap seal full.

Moving on, you should always inspect and pump your home’s sump pump periodically to prevent costly repairs like filter field replacement. Do this every three to five years, depending on the size of the home and the age of the sump pump. Another area of concern for basement flooding is your washing machine. Be sure to regularly inspect the machine and the connective hoses to check for bulges, leaks, and kinks. Catching a washing machine problem early on will not only save money on potential flooding repairs and renovations, it will also avoid having to buy a new washing machine.

If you like to save energy, be sure to also maintain a moderate water heater temperature setting. Not only does this reduce energy consumption, it also prevents dangerous scalding accidents. A good temperature setting for water heaters is anywhere between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If your water heater temperature is set above 120, consider lowering it a bit for safety and energy efficiency.

If you have water hammering problems, or loud noises from water usage, consider installing shock absorbers. These absorb vibrations in the water lines, muffling the obnoxious sounds made from water hammering. And for water leaks, there is an easy way to test for them that should be done every month or so. During a time that water is not being used in the house, simply read your water meter, taking notes on what you see, then check the meter again 12 hours later to see if anything has changed. If there has been a radical change in the past 12 hours that water was not used, it could be an indication of a leak. In this case, you would need to call a master plumber for professional water leak diagnostics and repair.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber Mark Weilhammer is happy to answer your questions about basement flooding, sump pump repair, water heater repair, water softener repair, and all other plumbing problems! We offer a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties. Just call 317-784-1870 to speak with a licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, IN today.

Sump Pump Failures and Foes

Posted on August 29, 2014 by weilhammerplumbing

Sump Pump Repair Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

Over the past several decades of being a state licensed master plumber, I have seen my fair share of disturbing sump pump failures and foes. Many people, unfortunately, put too much trust in old sump pump equipment. People that own a 15 year old sump pump can surely expect to have a messy situation on their hands sooner than later. And if you are one of these people, and happen to have a finished basement, you might want to consider a sump pump and battery pack replacement before the “overflow” fairy comes to town. Failed sump pumps lead to costly basement flooding and property damages. Trust me when I say it is cheaper to replace or repair a sump pump rather than pay for basement and foundation renovations!

It’s not just the old and ugly sump pumps that can cause massive flooding and property damage. This is why the same warning goes for cheap, poor quality sump pumps and battery backup systems as well. Some cheap units are known to fail within the FIRST YEAR of ownership solely if the battery water level is not checked once every month! It is vital to invest in a high-quality and reputable sump pump back up system in order to evade messy situations and back up accidents. Water-operated brands are not recommended. They tend to malfunction a lot and flood basements.

Recommended Sump Pumps and Battery Backup Systems

The best way to avoid a sump pump accident and flood situation is to buy the very best brands of backup systems on the market. Take for instance:

The Zoeller Aquanot II

Zoeller Sump Pumps Indianapolis Indiana 317-784-1870

This heavy duty, highly recommended, battery-powered sump pump comes with a 1 year labor warranty, a 3 year parts warranty, and a maintenance-free marine battery. It can be installed in residential properties, as well as, small commercial office buildings and spaces. Check out the customer reviews.

NON-RECOMMENDED BRANDS:

Sump Pro Sump Pumps, Ace in the Hole Sump Pumps, & Wayne Sump Pumps

If you have a low-end sump pump that hasn’t been serviced in years, you are in DIRE NEED of some healthy sump pump education. Contact a licensed Indianapolis Plumber as soon as possible for information about sump pump replacement and purchasing. The longer you wait, the higher your chances for a sump pump accident are. The next time it downpours, is your sump pump capable of handling the water intake? Ask yourself this question when deicing if your sump pump is in good condition or not.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for the most accurate and honest sump pump information and advice in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience working with sump pump repairs and replacements. We carry the Zoeller Aquanot sump pump and can install it for you at the most competitive price in town! Call 317-784-1870 and receive a free estimate for sump pump repair and service in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.