As we start a new year, it’s time to consider maintenance on an important – but often forgotten – system in your home; the sump pump.
What is a sump pump, and what does it do?
According to Workhouse Plumbing owner David Dickens, sump pumps are systems typically found in a home’s basement, that helps to remove any water that could be accumulating on your property.
“All of this water that collects under your foundation…so when it rains, this water is making its way underneath the foundation of your house, and this sump pump is tied in to the basement, and it takes that water outside and gets rid of it, so it’s not eroding the ground underneath your house,” said Dickens.
What can happen if a sump pump goes bad?
Some homes even have two sump pumps depending on the land and the water table, and the pump systems need to be replaced when they go bad – or it could cause significant damage to your home.
“If it didn’t work, and stuff came floating out of the sump pump pit, it could definitely destroy your basement,” said Dickens, “If it’s flooding in your house, typical homeowner’s insurance will not cover it in these cases. Individuals should have sump pumps checked at least annually, to make sure they’re working.”
Most homeowners don’t think to check their sump pumps, or don’t know how, but Dickens’ company offers an easy solution – an annual maintenance inspection.
“What we can offer is an annual maintenance – we can look at the function of the pump, see if it’s actually working, and then we can use a camera to inspect the inlet pipes coming to it, and check the discharge lines so that water is coming in and out properly,” said Dickens.
In addition to inspecting and replacing a broken sump pump system, Workhouse Plumbing can also check the pump’s lid to ensure that it is secure, so that children or animals don’t accidentally fall into the system, replacing it with a custom lid if needed.
Want extra protection? Workhouse can also install a battery backup for the sump pump, which can come in handy if you’re in areas like western Prince William that are prone to power outages. Another backup that can be added to a sump pump is a water powered backup, where the pump is powered by potable water pressure. Again, these aren’t items you’ll likely be able to DIY, so it’s important to seek out the professionals for a full assessment on your home or business.
Along with sump pumps, there’s another thing homeowners need to be conscious of when planning maintenance for their home – radon gas.
What is radon gas?
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can be tricky for homeowners to detect, as it’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
And while it may be difficult to detect, it’s very dangerous if found in a home.
According to Dickens, radon gas can cause cancer, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. And it’s a prevalent problem in Prince William as 23% of Prince William County is above the allowable levels of radon gas, said Dickens.
What can be done to detect radon gas?
If you’re buying a new home, or suspect something is wrong or radon gas may be present, it’s important to have a professional like Workhouse Plumbing come in to test for radon. If radon is found, Dickens can recommend reputable radon mediation companies in the area.
“It’s very important to not wait if you suspect there’s radon gas in the home,” said Dickens.
Workhouse Plumbing was started in Prince William County in 2015. The veteran-owned business does a range of plumbing and gas services for residential and commercial clients from Washington, D.C. to Loudoun County, and down to Stafford County. Dickens served in the Navy, and has been working as a plumber since 1994. He holds Master Plumber and Master Gas Fitter certifications. You can reach them at 703-477-9756 or workhouseplumbing@gmail.com.
This promoted content was written in partnership between Workhouse Plumbing and What’s Up Prince William.
