Choosing the Correct Basement Sump Pump for Your Home

Having the right sump pump can help you deter water damage or worse, allowing you to enjoy all parts of your home, including your basement. A sump pump is designed to pump water out of your home before it can get to destructive levels, guarding against not only flood waters, but also alleviates an insurance claim and the cost of water damage mitigation. With a task this vital, your sump pump needs to be up for the job! Here are a few factors to think about before choosing one.

Submersible or Pedestal

Pedestal sump pumps, which are elevated so they are out of the water, used to be the norm, but this was before the technology was up to the challenge of making them waterproof. Submersible sump pumps are waterproof and have become much more common, but there is still some debate on which is the better investment. Submersible pumps cost more but offer the convenience of being able to be installed in the pit, and they tend to be quieter since they're submerged. Pedestal pumps are less expensive and last longer than a submersible pump, but they prevent the pit from being sealed, so it won’t work with a radon mitigation system.

Horsepower

Not all sump pumps are created equal, and regardless of whether your pump is submersible or Pedestal, it'll need to be powerful enough to remove water from your home if it floods. How powerful you need depends on a different factors, such as your house size and the severity of flooding your home might experience. A common size for many homes is 1/3 horsepower, which is powerful enough to remove water from an average home with low to moderate flood risk. If your house is larger or your flood risk is higher, however, you may need a 1/2 horsepower pump or, in the most extreme instances, a 3/4 horsepower pump.

Type of Switch

Once you have chosen the correct type and size of pump, you'll need to determine how it'll turn on and off. For peace of mind, you'll want a switch to turn your pump on automatically if your home starts to flood, and off once your home is out of danger. A switch that will turn your pump on automatically as water levels rise will protect your home even when you're not there to operate the pump. In the same instance, it will turn itself off automatically which will prevent the pump from running dry and burning itself out. There are a couple different types of switches: a mechanical switch, that uses a float to measure the water level and turns the pump on and off as it rises and falls, and an electronic switch, also known as a pressure switch or a capacitive switch, that electronically detects the water level and turns it on when it gets too high.

Planning for Power Outages

Your power source is something to keep in mind also. Many of the same conditions that would create a flood situation in your home could also mean a loss of power, so it's important to be sure you're ready for such an event. The safest way to protect your home is not to rely on electricity, which can go out, or a battery backup system, which needs to be maintained and can fail if there is too much demand. Instead, consider installing a water-powered backup sump pump. These systems tie into the municipal water supply and use its water pressure to power the pump, ensuring that you'll never be left without a working sump pump in case of an emergency.

Navigating the Waters

There are a lot of decisions to make when shopping for a sump pump, so call your neighborhood plumber today. Greenwell Plumbing technicians are there for you from the moment you decide to shop for a sump pump until the day the installation is complete.

7 Signs of a Clogged Sewer Line

There is almost nothing more frustrating than a slow-running drain. Sometimes it's just a result of a buildup of hair, food, grease, and other organic or inorganic material in the drain, but other times it may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a clogged sewer line. Your sewer line carries wastewater away from your house, so a clog can cause lots of problems and require a plumber's help to clear it. Here are a few ways to tell the difference between a slow-moving drain and a clogged sewer line.

1. Multiple drains are running slow. If you have a clogged sewer line, most likely not just one drain but multiple drains throughout the house will be running slow. One drain running slow most likely means just that drain is clogged, but if you have more than one running slow, it's probably not a coincidence. Most likely you have a clogged sewer line. If you have one slow drain, pay close attention to the others, as some tend to be less noticeable when draining slowly.
2. Flushing the toilet causes backups in other drains. Your toilets deal with the most and the biggest waste, so they have the most direct link to your sewer line. As a result, the toilets are often the next place you'll see issues if you have a clogged sewer line. Flush one of your toilets, especially one on the main floor, and see what happens. If you see backups in other drains, such as the shower or a floor drain, it's likely you have a sewer line clog. The water has to go somewhere, so it's choosing the path of least resistance—usually the lowest drains in the house.
3. Your toilet makes gurgling sounds or fills with water. If your toilet is making strange sounds, such as gurgling or bubbling sounds when you run a nearby faucet, it's a sign that there is air in the lines from a sewer blockage. The air has to work its way out somewhere, and again, the toilets have the most direct link to the sewer line.
4. Toilet levels rise when you run the sink. Once again, the toilet can be a sign of a clogged sewer line, due to its direct connection to the sewer line. If you run water into a nearby drain and your toilet fills with water, it's because that water has nowhere else to go. Backing up into the toilet is the only option.
5. Other drains fill with water when you run nearby appliances. Washing machines and dishwashers drain a lot of water when in use. If your sewer line is backed up, that's a lot of water at once that has nowhere to go, and that water will be forced into another drain elsewhere, usually into a sink or shower drain nearby.
6. Water is backing up from your floor drains. Many newer homes have drains on the basement floor. These drains lead to the sewer line too, and because they're at the very lowest point in the system, they provide the path of least resistance if the blockage is so bad that the water has nowhere else to go. If you are seeing water back up in your floor drain, your sewer line is probably clogged.
7. The water is dirty and smells bad. Sometimes when the water backs directly up into another drain, it'll be relatively clean, or at least as clean as it was when it went down the other drain. When a sewer line clog is bad enough, however, it's not uncommon to get some real foul-smelling water backing up into your drains, especially drains that are lower in the system such as floor drains and basement shower or utility sink drains. If your drains smell like sewage, you know for a fact that you have a clogged sewer line.

A clogged sewer line, depending on how bad it is, can be a fairly high-priority situation. If you're unable to run water at all without drains backing up, or if your house is filling with foul odors, call your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing, today and we'll get a technician out to assess the situation as soon as possible.

Is Your Shut Off Valve In Good Working Order?

A shut-off valve is meant to save your neck in case of an emergency, such as if a pipe bursts or a fixture starts leaking. Water can pour pretty quickly into your home if that happens, so a shut-off valve, if used in time, can prevent a lot of water damage. If it doesn't work, however, everything can go wrong pretty quickly. Here's everything you need to know about shut off valves, and what to do if yours doesn't work.

What Is a Shut-Off Valve?

When most people hear the words shut-off valve, they think of the main one, which stops the water coming into your home. This is your go-to defense against pretty much any plumbing catastrophe and should always be kept in good working order. Whether you have a leaking pipe, a broken shower knob, a busted water heater, or almost any other emergency you can think of, your shut off valve is what will save you from endless water damage.

Besides the main shut off, you also typically have shut off valves at every toilet, faucet, and appliance in your home. These shut off valves are perfect for any situation involving very localized issues. If you have a leaking dishwasher, broken faucet knob, or a toilet that won't stop running, for instance, this small shut off valve will stop water flow to just that location while preserving water to the rest of the house.

Either way, any shut-off valve can mean the difference between a minor plumbing fix and major water damage, so it's important to check these regularly to make sure they work properly.

Types of Shut Off Valves

The smaller shut off valves are typically just a small metal handle you twist to close the valve and shut off water flow. You can easily find an example of one next to your toilet. The main shut off valve, on the other hand, is usually a ball valve, identifiable by a large lever or handle, often red in color, that runs perpendicular to the pipe when open. To close it, you'll turn it a quarter turn until it goes the same direction as the pipe. Some older homes will have a gate valve, which will have a small metal wheel, also usually red, which you turn to close the valve. If your home has a gate valve as the main shutoff, be careful, as these can break easily. It's best to have it replaced with a modern ball valve as soon as possible.

What to Do with a Non-Working Valve

But what should you do if your valve breaks? The answer depends upon what the valve is actually doing. If it's leaking, for instance, you could try grabbing a pair of pliers and tightening it up. If it's stuck, you can try spraying it with WD-40 and letting it sit for a while before trying again, in the hopes that the oil will loosen up whatever is stuck.

If the valve is only partially closing, or if you can't get it unstuck or to stop leaking, you'll need to call a plumber to determine whether the valve needs to be replaced. A shut off valve that doesn't close all way can't do its job in an emergency and is liable to leave you with a house full of water.

It can't be stressed enough how important it is to check your shut off valves occasionally! Finding out one isn't working in a non-emergency situation is much less stressful and gives you time to get it fixed during normal business hours. Finding out it doesn't work when you need it most is going to make a bigger problem out of something that could have been little more than an inconvenience.

Next Steps

If you've found a shut-off valve that isn't working, call Shane Elmore Plumbing ASAP to get it straightened out. Our experienced technicians can assess the valve and determine whether it needs to be replaced. And because we know life happens and you aren't always going to catch a problem during business hours, we also offer 24/7 emergency service.

What Water Should You Drink? Bottled or Tap

As Americans are becoming more environmentally conscious, many are questioning whether it's better to drink bottled water or tap water. The impact of using plastic bottles is part of the equation, but there are also concerns over the taste and quality of the water.

So, should you choose the bottle or the tap? Let's take a look.

Safety

If your water isn't safe to drink, nothing else matters. Luckily, there's rarely anything to worry about in the US. In fact, according to the nonprofit watchdog group Food & Water Watch, tap water is completely safe and most bottled water comes from a tap.

In the US, drinking water is regularly tested, monitored and treated to meet federal standards. Although there have been public water issues in the past, there are laws in place to deal with them. Installing a carbon water filter or a reverse-osmosis system will help remove contaminants that may be in the water.

Bottled water manufacturers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which ensures that the bottling conditions are sanitary and the water remains safe. Bottled water recall incidents are extremely rare.

There's also some concern about microplastics in bottled water and whether they pose any health risks. If you're concerned about this, you may want to opt for tap water.

Taste

Studies and blind taste-tests have found that most people tell bottled water brands apart or bottled water from tap water. While tap water sometimes has an "off" taste, that's usually due to problems like having a high mineral content or chlorine levels rather than a safety issue. A water filter can take care of these problems, leaving you with water that's virtually tasteless.

Some people truly do prefer the taste of bottled water. If you're going to purchase bottled water, however, check where it comes from to ensure that you're not just buying filtered tap water. Some of the FDA-approved classifications for water that comes from underground include "artisan well water," "mineral water," "spring water" and "well water."

Convenience and Cost

There's no arguing that tap water wins when it comes to both convenience and cost. Tap water is free at most establishments, and a simple turn of the tap provides you with water at home.

Tap water costs about $0.005 per gallon, while a single-serve bottle of water will set you back almost $9.50 per gallon. This is almost 2,000 times more expensive! It's also far more expensive than a gallon of gas or milk. When you think about it in these terms, it seems crazy to spend your hard-earned money on bottled water. This is especially true when there's a chance it might simply be filtered tap water.

That being said, if you're going someplace where tap water isn't readily available — such as hiking, a road trip or a boat ride — then bottled water is obviously the more convenient option.

Environmental Impact

You might not realize it but drinking bottled and tap water both have at least some environmental impact. To keep tap water safe for drinking, the water company adds chemicals such as chlorine. If you drink water out of a glass or reusable bottle, you'll also need to use water and energy to wash it.

However, this doesn't compare to the impact of single-use plastic bottles. Not only will each bottle eventually end up in a landfill or at a recycling center, but there's also the energy that goes into making the bottles and labels, bottling the water, transporting it and refrigerating it. It's estimated that in 2016 alone, US bottled water production used a whopping 4 billion pounds of plastic. This production also required the energy equivalent of 64 million barrels of oil!

So... Which Is Better?

Considering all the facts, it's safe to say that — in most cases — tap water is a better option. While bottled water has some benefits, it's expensive, bad for the environment, and often similar to tap water.

If you have any concerns about drinking water from your tap, a good water filter is a solution. For help with installation or any other plumbing concerns, contact your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing.

When TP is hard to find

With the COVID-19 pandemic still running rampant throughout the world, it may become rather difficult to find toilet paper anywhere. What happens if you run out? While there are plenty of TP alternatives being advertised all over the internet, we’re here to answer your questions and set the record straight. In the event that you run out of toilet paper, is it a good idea to use TP alternatives?

It Depends on the Alternative

Although you were probably hoping for something a bit more straightforward, the answer is: it depends. In general, it’s not a good idea to use a TP alternative, at least in the same way that you use regular toilet paper. If you completely run out of toilet paper and don’t have another choice, using a TP alternative is a great idea. Just be careful when it comes to disposing of your chosen alternative.

Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down in your sewage system. Since TP alternatives are just that—alternatives—they’re not meant to function the same way. If flushed, they can clog your plumbing system.

Don’t Flush TP Alternatives

If you absolutely have no other choice, you can repurpose other paper products like toilet seat covers, napkins, paper towels, tissues and baby wipes to function as toilet paper.

But whatever you do, don’t flush it!

Most alternatives—even some that claim to be flushable—can’t be flushed like regular toilet paper. If they are, they could clog your pipes and mess up your sewer lines, causing a messy and expensive problem. The best way to dispose of a TP alternative is to throw it in the trashcan. It might not be the most pleasant thing to do, but it certainly beats spending thousands of dollars and tearing up your home or yard to repair your sewer lines.

What If You Run Out?

Completely running out of toilet paper is becoming a real concern for many families, especially the longer the pandemic rages on. If your stash is looking a bit light, here are some things you can do to replenish and some plumbing-friendly tips to stay clean.

Try Different Outlets

Different stores have different supply chains. Check stores that might not immediately come to mind. Think about convenience stores, gas stations, dollar stores or even outdoor gear retailers.

Ask Your Network

Your friends, family and neighbors might know where you can find some toilet paper. Ask around and see if they either have some to spare or if they can point you in the right direction.

Get a Bidet

It might not be a popular choice for Americans, but bidets are popular in many countries around the world. For those who don’t want to add another fixture in their bathroom, there are companies that make a bidet-like product you can attach directly to your toilet. With a good bidet, you’ll never have to worry about toilet paper again.

Take a Shower

If you end up running out of toilet paper completely, you can always just jump in the shower afterwards. It might take more time, but you’ll be even cleaner than you would be if you had all the TP in the world.

Take Care of Your Sewage System

If you absolutely can’t find toilet paper in the stores and are forced to use an alternative, it’s not necessarily a bad idea, but it’s very important to keep your sewage system in mind. TP alternatives aren’t meant to break down like regular toilet paper and can cause extensive damage and blockages if flushed. Instead, just throw them in the trash.

With more people home all the time, keeping your sewage system in good shape might seem difficult. If you’re having trouble with your sewer lines, call your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing. We have decades of experience working with Bowling Green, Kentucky homeowners performing line cleanings, replacements and services. Contact us for a quote or to schedule today.

Instant Hot Water With A Water Circulation Pump

If you've dreamed of getting instant hot water to any faucet in your home, you might have considered installing a water circulation pump. Not only do these circulation pumps deliver instant hot water throughout your home, but they can save thousands of gallons of water per year. In a plumbing system without a pump, hot water can't arrive at the faucet until the cold water in the pipes escapes, meaning lots of wasted water down the drain. A circulating pump keeps hot water flowing through the system so that its immediately accessible.

Types of Circulation Pumps and How They Work

There are three types of circulation pumps that are most commonly used in modern homes. The most simple form is the basic circulation pump. This device is continuously on and constantly circulate water through the water heater and pipes. When the hot water faucet is on, the hot water is pumped out of the faucet. Otherwise, water is returned to the heater. Due to its inefficiency and wear and tear, we do not recommend homeowners install a simple pump.

On-Demand Circulation Pumps

As the name suggests, on-demand circulation pumps only operate when someone turns on the hot water in a sink, bathtub or other location. This system is equipped with either a switch or a motion detector that activates the pump when water begins to move in the hot water line. The pump will continue to circulate hot water from the water heater until the desired temperature is reached or until the water flow is switched off by the user. While this system can save a lot of energy and water, it may not be as instantaneous as other types of circulation pumps.

Time and Temperature Circulation Pumps

This type of circulation pump turns on at a programmed time and pumps water into a loop until it reaches a designated temperature. This is usually when a family uses hot water the most: in the morning during showers or in the evening when washing dishes or doing laundry. The aquastat can be changed at any time to fit changing household needs. Since the pump only operates when it's needed, it can save a lot of money while still providing immediate hot water. There is a possibility that families can overuse this type of pump and expend excess energy, but this is an avoidable situation.

Possible Disadvantages of Circulation Pumps

Having instant access to hot water can be a blessing, but the convenience can come with some side effects. One is that cold water will likely be lukewarm when first turning on the faucet rather than cold if there is no dedicated return line in the home. For pumps that need power, it's possible the homeowner will need to install a new outlet, and that can add to the initial costs. There's also some evidence that pumps can shorten the lifespan of pipes since they will be dealing with more heat and pressure than normal.

Installing a Circulating Pump

It's always a good idea for homeowners to hire professional plumbers to install any new components in their plumbing system. Circulation pumps are not incredibly complicated, but an expert installation will ensure that the system works correctly the first time. It's also the best chance of avoiding problems down the line that could cost a lot of time and money.

Your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing, has successfully installed countless water circulation pumps for property owners throughout the Bowling Green area. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you have about this technology and whether or not its right for your home. Request a quote or schedule an appointment today by calling or sending us a message.

A Sewer Line Replacement May Be Needed

Putting off calling a plumber? You may be turning a minor hassle into a major headache. Especially if you need a major repair done, such as a sewer line replacement. But how do you know the difference? Here are six clues that your sewer line might be the culprit.

Multiple or Chronically Clogged Drains

If you have just one clogged drain, most likely the problem is with just that drain. But if you have seen two or more slow or clogged drains popping up throughout the house, chances are you have a problem with the sewer line that serves the entire house. It's fairly common for roots from large neighboring trees to find their way into sewer lines, and tree roots can go farther than you think, compromising your entire sewer line.

Water Backs Up Into Other Drains

If, say, you flush your toilet and find water backing up into your shower, or if you run the washing machine only to find water backing up into the utility sink, you likely have a problem with the sewer line. A severely clogged sewer line will cause water to back up into other fixtures, simply because there is nowhere else for it to go quickly enough to make room for the draining water.

Changing Toilet Bowl Levels

On a related note, if you see the levels in your toilet bowl changing, chances are you have an issue with the sewer line. For instance, the toilet bowl might be full now, but next time you look, the level has gone down. This happens because blockages in the sewer line cause the water to drain slowly.

Gurgling Noises

Sometimes you will also hear gurgling noises coming from the drainpipes, such as when you flush the toilet or drain the bathtub. These noises are also associated with problems in the sewer line and are likely accompanied by bubbling in the water as it drains. If you see and hear this, call your plumber, as these are signs that the water is being forced back up by a slowly draining line.

Odor

If your sewer line starts not just draining slowly but backing up badly, you'll start getting sewer gasses escaping into the house. If there's a break in the line under the ground, you may also smell sewer gasses around the property, and not only inside.

Green or Soggy Patch in the Lawn

If you notice an exceptionally lush, green patch of grass on your lawn, or worse, if you notice the ground is soggy in certain areas, you may have a broken sewer line under the ground. Because of the danger of spreading bacteria and disease, it is important to call a plumber as soon as possible to locate and fix the problem.

Repair or Replacement?

Some of these symptoms, such as swampy areas in your yard or a foul odor around the property, are an easy call for full sewer line replacement, but what about problems that could just as easily be fixed by repairing or snaking the sewer line? In general, it's time to replace the line if:

You're having chronic problems. One blockage isn't a big deal, but if it's happening over and over again, most likely the line is compromised and needs to be replaced.
You have lots of big trees on the property or on neighboring properties. If you have noticed an increase in problems, look to the trees for the reason why. Most likely their roots have found so many openings that it's just going to keep happening until you replace the line.
The camera shows damage to the line. This is when modern technology can really take the guesswork out of plumbing and repair. Have your plumber send a camera down the line to see how serious the situation is.

The Sooner You Call, the Better

If you think you may have a problem with your sewer line, you could avoid some of the nastier problems listed above if you get it taken care of right away. Call your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing, today and we'll schedule your repair with one of our experienced technicians.

When Do You Know You Need a Garbage Disposal Repair?

The garbage disposal is one of the most underappreciated kitchen appliances we use. A good garbage disposal makes it easy to get rid of food scraps, saving you the hassle of wiping them into the trash. It will also shred those food scraps, thereby preventing them from clogging your pipes. Considering just how useful it is, you'll want to get your garbage disposal repaired as quickly as possible should anything go wrong with it.

Signs You Need Garbage Disposal Repair

The following are some of the common signs that indicate that there's an issue with your garbage disposal that you'll want to have repaired:

It won't turn on - If the garbage disposal won't even turn on, then you know that there's an issue. Try resetting the unit first. If this doesn't work, check the circuit breaker. If your garbage disposal still won't turn on, you'll need a plumber to come to inspect it for issues.
It's making strange sounds - A garbage disposal has a lot of moving parts. If you hear strange or loud noises, there's a chance there's something wrong with these parts. It could be because something that can't be shred has jammed the disposal. It could also be because one of its moving parts is damaged or has broken down.
It's producing foul odors - If you rinse your garbage disposal, any odors that were lingering should go away. If they don't, it means that old food particles have latched on to the disposal and it requires cleaning.
It constantly needs to be reset - Hitting the reset button can help bring a garbage disposal back to life if it was having trouble turning on. However, if you're constantly hitting the reset button, it means that there's an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.
It's leaking water - If your garbage disposal is leaking water, then it may be cracked. Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to have it replaced.
It's taking too long - If it's taking way longer than usual to break down food scraps, it may be because the blades are dull. You may have to have the blades sharpened or replaced.

How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems

Nobody wants to deal with a broken or malfunctioning garbage disposal. Fortunately, if you know how to use it properly, you can prevent some of the more common issues. The following are a few tips that can help you avoid the need for garbage disposal repairs:

Use ice once in a while - Putting a small amount of ice down your garbage disposal will help clean the blades and prevent foul odors.
Avoid putting too much down the drain - Your garbage disposal is going to have a tough time breaking down a lot of things at once. This is especially true for tougher items, such as vegetable peels.
Don't pour chemical cleaning agents down the drain - If you have a clog or you're just trying to keep your lines clear, don't use a store-bought drain cleaner full of chemicals. These chemicals can damage your garbage disposal over time, thereby shortening its expected lifespan.
Avoid putting certain items down the disposal - First of all, only food scraps should be going down the garbage disposal. Don't put actual trash down there. Secondly, avoid fat, grease, hard bones, and materials that are very fibrous, such as cornhusk silks. These can clog up your drain and cause unnecessary wear and tear on your garbage disposal.
Run cold water while using your disposal - This will help clear particles from the blades and help flush shredded materials down your pipes. Do not use warm water while running your garbage disposal.

Schedule Garbage Disposal Repair Today

If you're having problems with your garbage disposal, inspecting it on your own can be dangerous. You're dealing with sharp blades that could potentially injure you, after all. Instead, contact a professional plumber who can safely inspect and repair your garbage disposal.

If you are in need of garbage disposal repair, be sure to contact us at your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing to schedule an appointment in the Louisville area today. We have over four decades of experience and have built a reputation as one of the most dependable and trustworthy plumbing services in the area.

A Sump Pump Backup Can Save Your Home in an Emergency

Flooding in your home can have a devastating aftermath. You not only have to get rid of the water, you have to replace what's been irreparably damaged by the water. It means a loss of time and money, not to mention dealing with your insurance company to get your claim covered.

A sump pump can actively prevent a situation like this one, where you end up with water damage in your home. Here is everything you need to know about a sump pump and how it could save your home and your possessions from disaster.

Your #1 Protection in a Disaster

During a hurricane, flood, or a plumbing emergency such as a broken pipe, water can accumulate rapidly, quickly drowning out everything you've worked hard for. The only way to prevent flooding in your home is to start getting rid of the water the minute it starts coming in. That's essentially the job of the sump pump. It sits in the lowest place in your house, the first place water is likely to accumulate in the event of a disaster, and as soon as water begins to pool around it, it will start pumping the water out of your home.

There are two major kinds of sump pumps: submersible, and pedastal. Submersibles are exactly what they sound like, sump pumps designed to operate under water. They are submerged into a pit in your basement, where they can start working early to prevent your basement from filling up. Pedastal sump pumps sit above the water and work to prevent water levels from getting any higher. Either way, a sump pump is a powerful emergency plan for protecting your family, your home, and your memories in a disaster.

Do You Need a Sump Pump?

Having a sump pump is a little like having insurance: You hope you'll never need it, but if you do, you'll be glad it's there. Sump pumps are highly recommended in certain situations, such as:

In areas prone to flooding. If you live in a wet climate, on a flood plain, or somewhere prone to natural disasters such as flash floods and hurricanes, you're more likely to encounter flooding than someone in a dry climate or on high ground.
You have concerns that your basement could flood. If you can see signs of moisture in your basement, if you know it has flooded before, or if you suspect your foundation leaks, a sump pump is good insurance against inevitability.
Your home already has an older sump pump installed. If your home already has a sump pump, installed by previous owners at some point over the years, there's probably good reason for it. If you're not sure whether it works or if it needs replaced, have a technician check it out.

Covering All Your Bases

If your sump pump runs off of the household electricity, what'll happen if the power goes off, such as during a bad storm? Your backup plan will fail, of course, as the sump pump will no longer be able to remove the water from your home.

The solution is a backup system that runs on something other than the house's power. It may sound counterintuitive since you're trying to get rid of water coming into your home, but the most reliable source of power is actually your water lines themselves. A water-powered sump pump actually uses the pressure in your home's water pipes to run the pump, ensuring it'll continue to operate even if the power goes out.

Put a Backup Plan in Place Today!

No one wants to have to deal with the fallout from a flood or major water leak, but the thing about emergencies is that you never know when they're coming. Call your neighborhood plumber, Shane Elmore Plumbing, today and we'll help you put a plan in place before such an emergency ever happens.