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Learn how you can prevent and repair a leaky basement from the Gordon Energy & Drainage team.

Water Bubbling Up From The Floor?

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Water bubbling up from the seam where the wall meets the floor is almost always a symptom of hydraulic pressure from below the floor level.

The first thing to check is the sump pump.

Is it on, is it working, is it pumping out the water?

Is the pit full of water?

Is the drain tile pipe coming in to the sump pit full, is water over the top of that pipe, or is able to spill in to an empty sump pit and the pump is able to fully cycle.

Solving a problem inside of your sump pit is usually the right solution. Happy to talk about other solutions.

The builder I helped on this day had an older home, and we ended up installing 70’ of channel track with inside drain tile to the existing sump pit.

Sump Pump Line In Winter

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In the winter months most sump pumps are not that active.  There are cases where homeowners sump pumps run majority of all seasons.  One of the problems can be as the outside temperatures are below freezing, the sump pump line that runs outside can freeze.  This can cause all sorts of problems such as, sump pump inability to exit water, back pressure on the sump pump which can lead to causing pipe joints to leak or sump pump to quit working, ice build up around sump pump line that can cause crack pipes and/or water to recalculate back down the foundation wall and potentially flooded basements.  Depending on if your sump pump is active or not during winter months will help determine what may be needed.

Most sump pipe exit points are either buried underground or ran a few feet above ground.  The bigger the pipe becomes after exiting the home, the better the chance of the water not freezing to the point that water can not exit.  It is not a good idea to have your 1 1/2″ or 2″ sump pipe exit the home and the same pipe buried underground.  It is better to use a 4″ or bigger, smooth interior piping, underground.  When burying piping underground it is important that the far exit point can relieve the water for less chance of freezing.  Exit points could be a storm drain at the street, or a catch basin that has holes in the bottom with a foot or so of gravel.  This will allow over time for the water to drain below the catch basin and dry the line.

10WinterSumpSump pumps should generally be replaced every 5 years or so.  Most homeowners ignore or seldom ever check the sump pump.  It is important to have a professional look at and evaluate before problems happen.

What You Should Know About Maintaining Your Sump Pump

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05MaintainSumpIf your home has a sump pump, you should learn about it. Sump Pumps are like any other electronic
appliance. They are generally reliable and should last at least 5 years and in some cases a life time.

However, if your coffee pot decides to quit working the only downfall is that you have to go without coffee for a day or so.  If your sump pump quits working, what will that do to you?  In some cases, nothing.  But, in others it may mean a wet basement.

Here are some things to do if your home has a sump pump:

DOES YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY COVER YOU FOR SUMP PUMP FAILURE?

Not all policies automatically cover you for this.  But, generally speaking this coverage is not very expensive.  Ask your insurance agent if you are covered.   Knowing that you are covered or not before you have a problem is  worth it.

DURING RAIN EVENTS, GO WATCH TO SEE HOW OFTEN YOUR PUMP RUNS

Go down to your sump pit and watch during heavy rain events.  Your sump pump has a switch that automatically turns the pump on when the water gets to about 3″ – 5″ above the top of the pump.  Then, the pump will stop when that water is pumped down near the bottom.  See how long it takes for the water to rise in the sump pit before your pump turns on again.  There is no magic number on how long this should be.  If the sump pump is keeping up, then it is doing it’s job. If the time between cycles is 1 minute or more, then you have a normal water table.   But, if the time between cycles is less than 1 minute, then you have a pretty active water table.  You should consider a backup system regardless.

DURING RAIN EVENTS GO OUTSIDE & WATCH TO SEE THE SUMP PUMP DISCHARGE IN   YOUR YARD

05MaintainSump01Go outside to where your sump pump is discharging. Is the water getting away from your home?   How far should the water discharge away from the home?  This depends on the slope of your yard.  However, if  you have good slope, we suggest at least 5′ away.   If your  grade is flatter or with slight slope, then at least 10′ away.  However, the further away the better!  You do  not want the sump pump pumping the same water over and over again.

 CHECK YOUR SUMP PUMP & SUMP PIT ONCE EVERY 5 YEARS ON AVERAGE

You may opt to do this yourself, or hire it done.  You can expect to pay $ 75 – $ 125 to have a professional come out to look at and check your sump pump.  Here are some things that we do when we check a sump pump.

  • Remove the sump pump from the sump pit basin & check the impellar for obstructions
  • Clean the debris out of the sump pit, like loose sediments and/or silt that may have snuck in through the holes or openings in the sump pit liner
  • Manually run the pump with water and visually watched the pump for it’s efficiency and turn on/off levels.
  • Check your back flow valve to make sure it is not letting water back into your sump pit basin and for loud noises.
  • Made sure the your sump pipe discharges properly in your yard and is free of obstacles.
  • Check the brackets that hold pipe to the wall to make sure no rattles. Added or replaced if necessary.
  • Checked the hole in siding from pipe discharge to make sure it is caulked. Caulked if necessary.
  • Make sure the sump pit  lid fits properly.  Adjusted the lid to fit if possible.

 OPTIONS THAT YOU CAN CONSIDER TO ADD TO YOUR HOME’S PUMPING POWER!

  1. Install a larger sump pump, capable of pumping more gallons of water per hour
  2. Install another sump pump (2 pumps are better than 1 in case one of them fails or can’t keep up)
  3. Install a battery back up system (This will give you peace of mind in case of a power outage)
  4. Install a generator (Depending on how big of a generator, you may be able to use it for other things)

Leaky Wall Crack Repair Options

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In this article, we’ll address leaks in foundation walls. We will not be addressing structural repairs in this blog. But, if you just want to learn about keeping those wall cracks from leaking into your basement, then read on!

There are 3 common options that you can consider if you have a crack in your foundation wall that is leaking.

    1. INJECTION — done from the inside of your basement
    2. EXTERIOR WATERPROOF – done from the outside of your basement
    3. INTERIOR WATER COLLECTION SYSTEM

We have listed the 3 options above in order from most commonly chosen to the least, based on our experience fixing over 100,000 cracks in the Kansas City metro area.

1. INJECTIONSCrack Injection

Not all foundation wall cracks are the same, so there are different types of materials that can be injected into the cracks. We can help you decide which product is best. The 2 most common materials used to inject cracks are:

Polyurethane Injection
Polyurethane is flexible liquid material that dries inside the crack in a rubber-like way. Urethanes will not provide any structural support for the foundation, but are good because the material can expand some if the crack continues to grow. It can be used on cracks that are actively leaking. Urethanes are the most common and preferred option for injecting cracks when keeping them from leaking is the primary concern.

Epoxy Injection
Epoxy injections are used when a crack has some structural concerns. Epoxy is injected as a liquid, but dries in the crack very hard. In fact, once it is dried, it will bond the crack together so well that it is actually stronger than a solid wall. The negative to this is that if the area where the crack is continuing to settle, a new crack could form in a different location because the epoxy is that strong.

COST TO PROFESSIONALLY INJECT : About $ 50 – $ 65 per lineal foot
Injections are not considered to be a permanent repair. They can be permanent, if the crack does not move too much more after the date of repair.

2. EXTERIOR WATERPROOFCrack Repair Waterproofing

Putting a waterproofing product on the outside of your foundation wall is a very good option to keeping a crack dry permanently. The process consists of:

    1. Digging away the dirt and exposing the entire crack top to bottom
    2. Clean the wall
    3.  Apply a high quality rubberized waterproofing membrane & drain board over the crack.
    4. Backfill

Because we use such a high quality waterproofing product, if the crack should continue to grow after it is repaired, the waterproofing will expand with it.

COST TO WATERPROOF 1 CRACK ON EXTERIOR: $ 500 – $ 1,400
(depending on height of crack & obstacles in the way on outside of home)

3. INTERIOR WATER COLLECTION SYSTEMInside Draintile

An interior water collection system is a defeatist approach to solving your leak issues, but it works to keep your floor dry. The concept here is to let the walls leak, but to capture the water at the base of the wall.

The process consists of:

    1. Break out and remove about 12″ of concrete floor (next to your wall)
    2. Install a collection system that takes water that runs down your wall into a drain tile under your basement floor.
    3. Install new concrete in the same area where it was removed

This method is typically chosen when there are numerous cracks or other significant leaks in a wall, or when it is too cost prohibitive to dig up the exterior of the home due to obstacles such as driveways, sidewalks, utilities, fences, or landscaping.

COST TO INSTALL INTERIOR DRAINAGE SYSTEM: $ 50 – $ 70 PER FOOT

If you have any type of leaks in your wall, we have given you 3 viable options on how to create a repair plan that meets your needs.
All of the costs listed above are approximate and based on having a professional do the work. You can pay much less if you opt to do the work yourself as a do it yourself project.

What If Your Sump Pump Failed

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DID YOU EVER THINK WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO YOU IF YOUR SUMP PUMP FAILED?

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW SOME THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE THE CHANCES THAT THIS HAPPENS TO YOU?

 If your home has a sump pump, you may want to consider some options to create a back up plan in case your sump pump fails.  If you have a finished basement, you should consider what your options are to protect your investment.  Most homeowners take their sump pump for granted and only put thought into it after they get water in the basement.

Sump pumps can fail due to many reasons.  The main reasons are:

  1. It just quits working.  Like any appliance, coffee pot, hair dryer, etc… they can die at anytime.  They can last forever, or 1 day.  The automatic switch can burn out, or the main pump can burn up.  You never know.
  2. It can’t keep up with the water inflow.  If you get a rain event that is just too much for your sump pump to handle, it  may not keep up and overflow your sump pit.
  3. Clogs.  Sometimes little rocks or other debris washes into the sump pit basin and causes the sump pump to run at a lower capacity.
  4. Power Outage. 

There are many steps that you can take to INCREASE YOUR CHANCES of keeping your basement dry due to a sump pump issue.  You will just need to take action on 1 or more of these things if you desire extra piece of mind.

Here are some options to consider, in order from least expensive to most, with approximate costs to you if you were to hire a professional.  Of course, you can do them for less if you choose to do the work yourself:

MAINTAIN YOUR EXISTING SUMP PUMP ($ 100 per year)

Once a year, you can consider having your sump pump looked at.  During this inspection, have your sump pit cleaned out and remove the things that can be sucked up into the sump pump’s impeller.  If there is anything in the sump pump that may have been keeping it from operating at full capacity, you can have it removed before it does too much damage to the pump.   By simply providing a maintenance to this appliance, you can possibly keep it operating longer.

ADD A 2nd SUMP PUMP  just like the one you have  ($ 250 – $ 400)

Two pumps are better than 1!  This will double your chances in case you have a pump failure, but won’t help you in case of a power outage.  It will also give you double the pumping power in a heavy rain event.

ADD A BATTERY POWERED BACK UP ($ 500 – $ 1,200)

Two pumps are better than 1, plus this one will work in case of a power outage.
There are many types of back up pumps, and we will not get into the details of them in this article.  They also make a water back up pump, that does not operate on a battery but works on the water pressure of your home’s water service line.

ADD A POWER GENERATOR ($ 300 – $ 10,000)

A generator is more effective than a battery back up sump pump.  Generators come in many different sizes and capabilities which can vary in cost greatly.  You can spend $ 300 to get one that you will have to pull start, or you can spend upwards of $10,000 to get one that turns on automatically and runs your entire home.  There are plenty of options in between as well.

LASTLY, check to see if your home has insurance for a sump pump failure.  Typically, insurance companies do not automatically provide this to you unless you ask.  But, the costs are usually not that much to get it.  If you have a finished basement, this may provide much needed piece of mind in case all your efforts still don’t work.

Check Your Sump Pump To Keep Your Basement Dry

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Especially in the Greater Kansas City metro, area homeowners depend on a properly functioning drain tile and sump pump system to keep their basement dry. Unfortunately, sump pumps are often the last thing on a homeowner’s mind – until it it too late.  Just like any other machine, sump pumps should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure it is performing it’s job! Check Your Sump Pump Once Annually (or more!) We know home life can be crazy –  but make a commitment to yourself to check your sump pump at least once a year – or better, once at the beginning of each season – to avoid a bigger issue down the road.

Things To Check Annually

  • Is the power operational and safely running to the sump pump?
  • Is the sump pump standing upright in the center of the pit?
  • Is the pit free of debris?
  • Pour a bucket of water in the pit. Does the sump pump come on automatically?
  • Is the sump drain exit (exterior of home) clear and kicking water away from the home’s foundation?

Other Safe Measures To Consider To Protect Your Home

Battery Powered Back-Up

Consider adding a battery powered back-up sump pump system. This system is designed to run when your regular sump pump’s power is cut off or if the sump pump is overloaded. The float is set to a slightly higher level than the primary system and will turn on in the event of a power outage or primary system failure.

Check Your Home Insurance Coverage

Typical sump pump systems are covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty for parts and labor – however, this warranty does not cover you as a homeowner from damages that an overflowed system could cause. Unfortunately, the standard home insurance policy does not cover such damage either. In most cases, homeowners must opt into an endorsement clause to cover backed-up sewer and drain lines. Be sure to check with your provide to make sure you have the appropriate coverage.

 

What Will Insurance Cover When My Sump Pump Fails or Overflows?

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In the event your sump pump fails all together or can’t keep up – are you covered?

Many standard home insurance policies do not cover damages caused by overflowing from a sump pump or backing up through sewers and drains in your home’s basement.

Check to see if you have the right kind of coverage – especially if your basement is finished! 

We most frequently hear of such damaging losses during the peak storm and wet seasons. In some cases, homeowners lost power with no battery-powered back up sump pump installed or their sump pump was clogged because the regular recommended maintenance was not performed.

Regardless of the cause, the situation can be tragic and VERY frustrating.

We spoke with Matthew Meyer, a Kansas City Area Insurance Agent with Farmers to learn a little more detail about what homeowners should be asking for to ensure they are protected.

Most Common Claim Type

Claim wise, Matt shared with us that basement water claims are one of the most common types of claim in the Kansas City Area. By opting in to the appropriate endorsement coverage for your home, regarding your sump pump – you will be covered regardless of the cause for damage. Some of the most common scenarios are the sump pump lost power during a storm, being over-loaded because of other exterior drain issues or being clogged by debris.

Varying Coverage Options

Again, this is an optional endorsement coverage that many homeowners do not know to ask about. Since it is optional, homeowners may select the amount of coverage they wish to have. Depending on if your basement is finished and the type of  furnishings and types of belongings you store there, coverage may range from as low as $5,000 too upwards of $25,000+.  Additional premium cost could range from as low as $40 per year to $120+ per year – again, depending on the amount of coverage that is necessary for your home’s scenario.

Good Option To Consider For Unfinished Basements Too

It’s a clear decision why homeowners with finished basements should seriously consider this coverage – but what about a homeowner with an unfinished basement? Because homeowners can specify their desired amount of coverage, it is highly recommended to get the minimum endorsement coverage. In the event of a sump pump or drain back-up, this coverage will cover things like water removal, mold mitigation and not to mention damaged property that could have been stored there.

Battery Back-up Discounts

Matt also mentioned that many home insurance providers will offer a break or discount of sorts for homeowners who have taken the added precaution of installing a battery back-up sump pump!

Take action to protect your Kansas City home.

You have options now! Before you get in a more frustrating situation when water is flooding your basement, take these simple measures to make sure you are protected.

      • Perform regular sump pump maintenance – at least annually, preferably the change of each season.
      • Install a battery powered back-up sump pump in case your home’s power goes out during a storm.
      • Contact your home insurance to ensure your policy covers damages caused sump pump overflow and other drain & sewage backups in your home.

 

For more information regarding sewage and drain back-up endorsement coverage, please contact Matthew Meyer.

Matthew Meyer
Farmer’s Insurance
913-209-9442
http://www.farmersagent.com/mmeyer2

 

Salvage Water Damaged Valuables

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As we finally begin to see the spring showers us Midwesterns look forward to, water damage becomes a real threat. Winter only brought a few heavy snow storms, so the rain is falling on pretty dry ground. Because the soil can’t absorb the moisture quickly enough, be prepared in case your basement starts to take some of that wetness on.

In the event that your sump pump stops working, can’t work fast enough, or a freak flash flood hits, there are some things you can do to save all those precious memories.

  1. Rinse wet items with clean water and gently remove any debris with soft-bristled brushes or damp cloths.
  2. Air dry possessions, indoors if you can. Sunlight and heat can cause even more damage, such as cracking or warpin
  3. Do your best to prevent mold, in/on items as well as the basement. Clean baseboards, walls, and floors with disinfectants. If objects were stored in a file cabinet or box, remove them for drying. Should they need transported elsewhere, plastic bags can be used just make sure they’re left open to allow air to circulate.
  4. Paper items will be fragile; handle with care! If pictures or diplomas are framed, remove loose edges. Books and paper can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
  5. Metal items can be rinsed to remove small deposits of silt or mud, then dried with a soft cloth. If the deposits of mud are thick, allow it to dry before removing later.

No one wants to have to deal with the hassles and stress of water damage. Store valuables in waterproof safes, airtight storage containers, in the attic, or away from home in storage units in order to help prevent future instances of damage. Installing a second sump pump is also an option. Gordon Energy and Drainage offers a battery back-up pump for basements that are at high risk of leaking. Contact us today at (913) 764-6229 for more information.

Waterproof Central: How To Waterproof Anything And Everything

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At Gordon Energy & Drainage we essentially deal in waterproofing basements, so the idea of waterproofing everyday items really makes sense to us! We don’t think about “waterproofing” very often, but water resistance is important to keep your things in good condition. So, we decided to investigate. Check these tips out to learn how to make several items waterproof.

Waterproof Outdoor Furniture

Even water resistant fabric outdoor furniture can take in water. To keep your outdoor furniture lasting through many seasons, you can do this simple project. Make sure that rain is not in the forecast, and then clean off all cushions with warm soapy water. Let the furniture dry completely before using a waterproofing spray that you can find at any hardware store. Spray outside and cover corners and seams thoroughly. When it dries, you’re ready to use your newly waterproofed furniture!

Waterproof Shoes

Waterproofing can help your shoes survive even the rainiest season. You’ll need to find the right type of waterproofing product depending on the material of your shoe. Spray waterproofers work well for silk, snakeskin, or suede. A lotion or oil will work for soft leather. Follow the instructions for the product you buy and always test on a small area to make sure it doesn’t affect the color.

Waterproof Book Covers

We know it isn’t beach weather yet, but if you are planning a vacation to a sunny spot, a waterproof book cover is the perfect way to protect your must-read from water damage. You can use oilcloth or vinyl. Mark around the open book adding ½ inch on top and bottom and 3 inches on each side. Cut out the shape and stitch ¼ inch hem on top and bottom edges. you can then fold the side flaps in and stitch in place.

Do you have any other waterproofing questions or tips? At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we know the power of water to damage items. When water makes way into our basements, there are many consequences. We will keep working hard to waterproof homes to prevent drainage and leaks from damaging homes. You can follow Gordon Energy & Drainage on Twitter and on our blog. Check out the blog for more projects and tips!

History Of The Basement

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Here at Gordon Energy & Drainage, we know basements. We go into all kinds of them for our job to repair cracks, waterproof basements, and install sump pumps. Since basements are our area of expertise, we decided to jump into the history of the basement and share it with you.

History of the Basement

In ancient times, the space in a home below ground was used for water, wine, or food storage. In the Renaissance, the basement space provided wealthy families with a place for their kitchen, servant’s quarters, and laundry rooms.

Before basements were comfortable living spaces with walk-out patios and windows, the space under homes was utilized in a different way. The crawlspace or cellar under a home was used for storage in a mostly agrarian society. Most were not much more than small spaces surrounded by dirt walls and floor. When the increased presence of mold and mildew was realized, inventors began experimenting with vapor barriers and drainage systems. Eventually, the need for storage was replaced by a need for living space in an industrialized nation.

The geography and weather affect the presence or lack of basements. In wet climates, basements are rare because flooding is a huge threat. In colder areas the foundation must below the frost line, so that the building does not shift in the freeze-thaw cycle. Basements are necessary in those areas. There are also some areas in the United States that have a high risk of earthquake, unique soil strata, or high water table which make basements not feasible.

Basements: Your Home’s Forgotten Valuable

As you can see, the basement has a unique history and today its use varies widely. We don’t use our basements to store the harvest anymore, but we do house our furnaces, store food in a freezer, and host guests. Our basements are still essentially used in the same way that they have been for years- as a way to create room, store extra valuables, and keep our home heated and running efficiently. We love basements. We know them from the ground up, and we are always ready to help make sure your basement stays dry and stable. Contact Gordon Energy & Drainage today with questions!

Don’t Let A Flooded Basement Give You The Winter Blues

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The weather in Kansas City is often unpredictable. We can expect the unexpected here, with rain and thunderstorms happening during the cold winter months. When rain and snow come down this winter, some homeowners find that their drainage system is not prepared. Basements can flood as a result of insufficient soil drainage or other problems.

If a leaky basement catches you off guard this winter, here are some tips for understanding why basements flood and how to respond if you find yourself with a flooded basement.

What Can Cause Basement Flooding?

A basement flood this winter is most likely to happen as a result of heavy rainfall or melting snow and improper yard drainage. In these cases, water has entered your home because of the following factors:

  • poor lot drainage
  • failure of weeping tiles
  • plugged or leaking downspouts
  • cracks in your basement walls

There are other potential flooding causes:

  • wastewater backed-up in the sewer system
  • sump pump not functioning
  • blocked connection between your home and main sewer

Risks of Winter Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is a serious problem for homeowners. In addition to the the inconvenience and mess, there are potential health and financial consequences of a basement flood. When water enters your home, you and your family are more likely to suffer from respiratory problems. If leaks and floods happen regularly, your home may suffer long term damage. Also, insurance rates may rise and property value may depreciate if your basement is prone to flooding.

How to Prevent and Recover From Winter Basement Flooding

Because of the negative consequences associated with basement flooding, it is important for all homeowners to know how to respond to a basement flood. If a burst pipe is actually the problem, turn off the main water line. The best thing you can do is call for help. At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we are proud of our ability to find the root problem and quickly and efficiently address the issue. We will handle the problem as quickly as possible- as the moisture in your basement immediately affects your flooring, walls, and items. We know that a flood in your home this winter is not a welcome event- we are here to help you prevent a puddle downstairs by checking your yard drainage, sump pump, and foundation. Contact Gordon Energy & Drainage for help this winter!

Should You Refinish Your Basement?

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If your basement is currently a cold concrete space filled with out of season items and spider webs, you are not alone. Likewise, you are not alone if your family needs more room to spread out. Your basement has potential to become a comfortable living space. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a basement remodel is right for you.

What are your goals for a basement remodel?

Be honest with yourself about what purpose your finished basement will serve. Will you really use a pool table? How many movies will you watch on a new giant screen with theater seating? Finishing your basement can add significant value to your home, but it does require money and work. To make the work worth the energy required, think about the needs of your family. Plan a basement remodel that makes sense for you and your family.

Finishing a basement is a major project.

Basement remodels are appealing in many ways. They add value to your home and add living space. The process is a major task and requires a plan, significant work, and funds. Consider your current financial situation and whether or not now is the time to invest in finishing your basement.

Preparation is necessary.

Building codes need to be met and permits granted before refinishing your basement. You may need to test for radon, mold, and excess moisture. If there are water drainage issues, you may need to fix those first. Heating this cold and moist space can be hard, so you may need to invest in more than insulation. Not all basements are good candidates for refinishing. Have a professional come in to check out your space. The height of your basement is important- it will be reduced by the addition of insulation, flooring, and drop ceiling.

Transforming your basement can be a worthwhile investment. Refinishing your basement requires a plan and some work, but it might be the perfect solution for your home. If you do decide to tackle a basement remodel, the professionals at Gordon Energy & Drainage are ready to help you check out your foundation and basement to make sure everything is in good condition before you get to work. We will help make your project a success.

Keep Your Home Dry This Winter: Prevent Basement Water Leaks

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We know that the rainy season isn’t good for basements. Rain and floods make it difficult to keep water out of your home. Few people know that the risk of basement water leaks in the winter can be just as high as the rainy season.

If your home is not waterproofed, the wintry conditions could make your home vulnerable to water leaks in the basement. How can winter be just as dangerous as the rainy season? When the ground temperature is below freezing, snow can accumulate around your house, waiting for the ground temperature to rise. When it does warm up enough, the melted snow can seep into your house, causing water damage and leaks in your basement.

So, how can you make sure you don’t step into a puddle of water when you head to the basement this winter? To prevent water leaks in your basement, the best thing you can do is check your basement walls and have a professional address any potential issues you see. A professional will be able to connect any problems to foundation issues. Clogged gutters can contribute to water being able to seep into your basement. Before winter hits too hard, check your gutters for cracks and clean out any leaves and debris. Also, check your downspouts and ensure that they send the water away from your home.

It is best to spend a little time preparing now to prevent time and money lost because of water leaks or flooding in the basement (not to mention the health hazards, damage, and losing items due to a flooded basement). Hoping that your home won’t be affected by winter water damage is not enough preparation.

Sump Pump Break-Down

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It’s a nightmare for any homeowner: You come home after a weekend at your in-laws’ and find a basement full of water. Apparently the sump pump chose that moment to stop working, and now there you are, standing in a pool of soaking wet boxes and furniture with no idea what to do or where to begin.

Obviously, you’ll need to clean up, but before you do, you’ll need to make sure the area is safe. Prior to entering the area, make sure there is no chance that you will receive an electric shock. Turn off the electrical power to the basement if possible, and make sure that no one is at risk from water and electricity. Also look for major structural damage in the walls or ceiling that could collapse or cause harm to those in the area. If you are unsure of the basement’s stability, contact Gordon Energy & Drainage. We are experts in dealing with wet basement situations and can help you restore your property and fix the damaged areas in a safe manner.

The next thing to do will be to call your insurance company. Find out what is covered and how they suggest you file your claim. Also, take pictures of the area and damaged items so that you can show the results to the company.

Now comes the hard part: cleaning up.

Before you head down to the basement, put on protective clothing including gloves, disposable overalls, protective eyewear and a facemask (if necessary). Again, if possible, shut off the electrical power to the area and resist the temptation to plug anything in to what may appear to be a clear outlet. Open windows if you have them, and get as much ventilation going to the area as possible.

Start by salvaging whatever belongings you can. The quicker they are removed, the less likely they will be to rot, warp or accumulate mold and mildew. While filtering through the items keep a list of what you pull out and separate what can be salvaged from what should be thrown out.

Obviously, excess water will need to be removed. Depending on the amount accumulated, you can either contact a water-removal/cleaning company or use a wet/dry vacuum in the area. Most rugs will need to be discarded, so remove them from the area and put them in the pile of items to be thrown away. Whether or not carpet and furniture can be salvaged will depend on the amount of water and damage accumulated.

Once personal possessions and excess water have been removed, it’s time to completely dry and disinfect the area. Spray all surfaces with lukewarm water, starting with the floor and working up. Scrub the surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner, and then rinse it off using a brush moistened with a solution of two tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of water.

After the area is cleaned and dried, you’ll want to replace your sump pump. And, this time, in order to prevent the unexpected from happening again, we suggest equipping your home with a back-up sump pump as well, especially if you frequently use the basement or use it to store valuable items.

At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we are proud to be Kansas City’s top sump pump installation company and can provide you with a reliable replacement to protect your home. It’s just a fact that basement floods and broken sump pumps are part of life’s unfortunate accidents. There’s no way to prevent the situation outside of doing your part to replace old pumps occasionally. That’s why we at Gordon Energy & Drainage encourage you to examine the quality of your sump pump and determine whether or not it needs to be replaced. After all, you don’t want to “wade” through the situation we described above. Instead, protect your home and your possessions by maintaining a working sump pump and knowing your property is secure.

So, whether you are the victim of a wet basement or would just like more information about sump pump replacements, contact Gordon Energy & Drainage today!

 

Sump Pump Lifespan: How Long Will It Last?

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The sound of thunder in the area has been music to our ears—and to everyone else in the area who is tired of the drought. We’re excited that the rain is back, and we hope it continues until the ground is healthy and saturated once more.

When it comes to homeownership and rain, one of the most common topics outside of lawn care is basement water and how to avoid it. Home leaks cause property owners thousands of dollars in damage every year, and much of it could be prevented either by checking the property for signs of damage or installing a quality sump pump—or both!

At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we are proud to be Kansas City’s top sump-pump installation company. And we’d love to help you care for your home and prevent it from damage by outfitting you with a quality pump that will last for years. But if you make the investment, you want to know it’s going to last. And when it comes to the lifespan of a sump pump, there are two main factors that need to be considered.

First, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap sump pump, you’ll likely