Prevent Flooding with a Sump Pump
We’re all familiar with the torrential rainstorms we get here in the Midwest, and hopefully you’ve never had to deal with a flooded basement. If your basement is prone to flooding, though, a sump pump could be an excellent investment.
Sump Pump Basics
What is a sump pump?
A sump pump removes water that accumulates in a basin meant to collect water. They remedy flooding and dampness in homes where the water table (the level in the ground where materials are saturated with groundwater) is above the basement foundation.
Where does the water go?
Sump pumps send water out of your home’s sump basin, through pipes, and to a spot where it can drain away from your foundation. Some older homes direct water toward a city sewer system, but this may actually violate your city’s plumbing code or municipal bylaws because it can overwhelm the sewage treatment plant. You can have a plumber — like our certified professionals at Andy’s Pipe Dream — inspect your sump pump situation to determine if it is firstly effective and secondly operating according to municipal standards.
what powers a sump pump?
Sump pumps run on electricity, generally pulling power from your house’s electrical system. Now, if you’ve ever experienced one of those torrential thunderstorms we were talking about, you know there’s a decent enough chance that you could lose power. And if that happens, that means your sump pump can’t pump water out of your home. And that means your basement is primed for a flood — and even an inch or two of water can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. But the good news is this is a problem easily prevented with a battery backup. That way, if the power goes out during a storm — the most likely time you’re going to experience a flood — you’re covered.
Install a Sump Pump in Your Home Today
Right now is a great time to install a sump pump or make sure yours is running properly. We’ve got more than 20 years of experience, and our plumbers at Andy’s Pipe Dream are all licensed, bonded and insured. We also offer 24-hour emergency services, so you know we’ll be there for you no matter what time it is. Give us a call at 913-210-5598 or visit our website for more information.
Common Toilet Problems
Issues with your toilet can be very stressful. Before you panic, know that most common toilet problems are easy to fix and you do not need a professional plumber to come to fix it. No matter the toilet problem, remember to be careful and always have a professional in mind to call if things go awry. If the situation is something you do not think you can handle, you should call Andy’s Pipe Dream right away.
Here are some of the most common toilet repairs you can fix yourself:
1. Weak Flush
Hard water deposits can keep your toilet from having a strong flush. There are two ways you can fix this: port cleaning and acid cleaning. EHow.com has useful information on how to perform both of these fixes.
2. Partial Flush
If your toilet bowl does not completely empty when you flush, you could have an issue with it partialing flushing. Usually this means the toilet flapper is dropping too fast after you flush. To fix this, buy a new toilet player. They are relatively cheap and they are extremely easy to install.
3. Ghost Flushing
If your toilet flushes by itself all the time, this is again due to the toilet flapper. It is most likely losing its seal. Try moving the flapper so it properly seals. If the problem continues, replace the flapper.
4. Slow Flush
Does it take a long time for your toilet to flush? This could be due to a clog between the toilet tank and the toilet bowl. Try using a plunger to fix the clog. Otherwise, you will need a professional to clear the clogged pipe.
5. Toilet Tank Fills Slow
If your toilet tank fills too slow, you can easily fix this by adjust the valve that controls the water flow into the toilet tank. Adjust to your desired setting.
If you cannot seem to fix your toilet, you need to call a professional from Andy’s Pipe Dream today. Our licensed, bonded and insured technicians can safely fix your toilet guaranteed. We have more than 20 years of plumbing experience in the greater Kansas City area, and we cover all our parts and labor with both a warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Give us a call at (913) 210-5598 or visit our website for more information.
Best Toilet Cleaners
Cleaning the toilet is probably the least desirable chore to do around the house. However undesirable it is, it is necessary to do. A great toilet bowl cleaner is an item that will help reduce the frustration.
There are several different kinds of toilet bowl cleaners. Here are some of the best around:
- Toilet wands – Some toilet wands, such as one from Clorox Clorox, allow you to attach a cleaning pad which disinfects and cleans the toilet. The cleaning pads are disposable.
- Liquid toilet cleaner – Liquid cleaners, such as this one from Lysol, can provide heavy duty cleaning.
- Natural cleaners – most cleaners are full of unnatural ingredients and chemicals. Some natural cleaners work extremely well. Seventh Generation is a great product.
- Tablets/Self-cleaning & Some people just would rather drop a tablet into the toilet tank or attach a clip into the bowl and let it do the work for you. Scrubbing Bubbles provides a great product like this.
Note: It is a good idea to not mix different toilet bowl cleaners. These cleaners are full of chemicals and can cause toxic results. For example, mixing bleach teacher with a normal toilet bowl cleaner (which typically contains hydrochloric acid) can release toxic chloramine gas, which can cause vomiting, skin irritation and if enough is inhaled, death. It is a good idea to keep this in mind if you decide to use two or more different cleaning products back-to-back in the bathroom or kitchen.
If your toilet does not seem to be cleaning well enough, there could be a problem with your toilet or your water system. Andy’s Pipe Dream can help you with all of your plumbing needs. Give us a call at (913) 210-5598 or visit our website for more information.
