Which Sump Pump Repair Related Mistakes You Should Avoid to Make Your Sump Pump Repair Much More Effective
Sump Pump Repair in Bucks County PA
Having the right sump pump system in your home can help prevent flooding and water damage. However, like any plumbing system, your sump pump can experience a breakdown. Fortunately, catching a malfunction in its early stages can save you time and money in the long run. It’s important to perform regular inspections of your sump pump and understand the warning signs to look out for so that you can schedule a professional plumber in Bucks County PA quickly. Below are some of the most common sump pump repair mistakes homeowners make that can lead to serious problems down the line.
The first thing you should do when your sump pump stops working is to check for a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker. If there’s no problem with these, try resetting the circuit breaker and ensuring that the sump pump is plugged in properly. After that, listen to the motor and check the discharge pipe for clogs or a stuck switch. If you can’t find anything wrong with these, then it could be a problem with the float switch, which needs to have ample room to float freely in order to work properly.
You should also inspect your discharge pipe regularly to see if there’s any visible buildup. This can clog the pump and cause it to overflow. A reputable plumbing company can help you avoid this by using gravel and large rocks instead of loose silt to keep the pump from getting clogged with debris. They can also install the sump pump on a solid brick surface to ensure it stays stable and doesn’t get damaged by heavy vehicles driving over it.
Lastly, your sump pump discharge pipe must have a check valve that prevents the water from back-flowing into your basement once it’s been pumped out. If this valve isn’t working, the sump pump will constantly run and eventually burn out. It’s easy to check the integrity of this valve by removing the cover from your sump pump and pouring water into it until you hear a loud, hissing sound.
Another common mistake homeowners make is hiring a non-experienced plumber to install their sump pump system. This can lead to a number of problems, including constructing the pit too small or leaving it without a vent hole. The best way to avoid this mistake is to hire a experienced and certified plumbing company in Bucks County PA that provides services in your area.
It is also important to regularly clean your sump pump. Debris such as dirt, silt and leaves can build up in the pump, causing it to overflow. This can also clog the discharge line, and if the pump’s motor is too powerful for the drainage pipe, it may overheat and break down. By regularly cleaning and inspecting the sump pump, you can catch these problems before they become major issues that threaten your basement. It is also important to hire a reputable plumber in Bucks County PA for regular sump pump maintenance service in Bucks County PA so that they can fix any problems before they turn into big disasters.
Some Information on Plumbing Repairs for Faucet Spouts
Plumbing Repairs for Faucets in Bucks County PA
Faucet spouts are a very common source of water leaks in the home, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. These leaks are not only annoying but can also be quite expensive and cause significant water waste in the home. This is why many homeowners choose to hire a professional plumbing repair company in Bucks County PA to perform faucet repairs in Bucks County PA for them.
Plumbers can perform a variety of different repairs for faucet spouts, including replacing leaking O-rings and fixing the spring and seat washer. The good news is that if you know what to do and have the right tools, a faucet spout repair can be very simple to complete.
Depending on the model of your faucet, you may need to remove the handle and valve stem assembly to get at the faulty part. The faucet handle is usually secured to the valve stem assembly with an Allen screw, which you can unscrew using a Phillips-head screwdriver or an Allen key.
Once the handle and the valve stem are removed, take a close look at the valve for any damage. If you see rust, corrosion, or any other sign of damage, you might need to replace the entire valve or even the whole faucet. If you can’t find any damage, then your faucet probably isn’t broken and may be a symptom of a more serious problem, such as a leaky pipe.
In some cases, a dripping faucet can be fixed by removing the handle and tightening the adjusting ring. In other situations, the dripping will require the removal of the entire faucet and replacement of the handle and/or stem assembly. If you’re not comfortable attempting to replace the entire faucet, a reputable plumber in Bucks County PA can perform the job for you, as long as you have the appropriate tools and experience.
If the dripping is coming from the base of the spout, it will usually be caused by a worn out O-ring that’s located under the spout. Fortunately, these O-rings are fairly simple to replace. Just wiggle the spout enough to access them, and then remove the O-ring.
O-ring kits are available for most faucets, or you can try to find the exact-replacement O-rings at a hardware store or plumbing supply specialist in Bucks County PA. You should also pick up a small tube of plumber’s grease before you begin work to coat the new O-rings.
Changing the O-rings is a relatively easy process, though some models are very difficult to remove. Some older faucets require special wrenches to loosen the O-rings.
After you’ve replaced the O-rings, be sure to coat the stem of the spout lightly with plumber’s grease. You should also be careful not to overtighten the nut on the end of the spindle, as this can damage it.
Then, carefully reinstall the spout by putting it through its opening and installing the locknut. Make sure you use the correct size nut for your particular faucet. If the nut isn’t right, you’ll need to purchase an adapter and attach it to your spout before reinstalling.