If you’re like most homeowners, you’re not likely to have a smart sump pump in your basement yet. But you soon will. Because your smart sump pump could be a life-saver when the water level rises.
Your sump pump eliminates any water that creeps in during especially heavy rainfall. Perhaps you have a high water table and even reside in a flood basin so a sump pump is essential.
But here’s the problem – you do not think about your sump pump until it starts raining. Only then do you start to ponder. Will my basement flood? The sump pump will continue to work ok, am I right? How would I know if there is a problem?
Don’t be one of the numerous homeowners who learn their sump pump has a problem after it’s too late. A flooded basement leads to a home looking for repair, an immense cleanup project as well as perhaps thousands of dollars in a ruined or devastated home.
Several issues can lead to sump pump failure. Switch failure is really a pretty universal problem.
The float arm sometimes gets jammed even though swinging type seems to fail more regularly compared to the linear up and down style.
The motor almost never goes bad but when the motor does fail, it’s often because the switch was locked on or the impeller has been jammed with grime. A failed electric motor will draw more amps which will eventually trip your circuit breaker. Preferably, the pump ought to be on a dedicated circuit.
But be cautious. The breaker was initially tripped for a purpose. Don’t simply reset it and hope that it’s okay. Check out the sump pump to be sure it’s operating correctly.
The best practice is to verify the sump pump at least one time a year to make sure that it is operating effectively, and that the input is free of debris.
A smart sump pump is connected to the internet via your house’s Wi-fi. That enables threat alerts of potential flooding regardless of where you are.
WIFI sump pumps keep you informed of your pump condition as well as the water levels in the sump basin. In case a malfunction occurs with the pump or water rises above a predetermined degree, you’ll be notified immediately.
PumpSpy sends you detailed alerts so you can react beforeflooding can occur!
“Thanks to PumpSpy, I no longer have to trudge down into the basement to make sure that the pump is actually functioning.” – Peter
PumpSpy – Proactive Flood Prevention
Most homeowners discover that their sump pump has a problem when the basement has already flooded. At that time, it’s too late to prevent damage.
PumpSpy alerts homeowners about sump pump troubles before flooding arises. With PumpSpy, your sump pump connects to computer systems that watch over your system automatically, 24/7.
The PumpSpy Wi-fi Sump Pump Smart Outlet works together with your existing sump pump and house Wi-Fi network.
PumpSpy 24/7 Remote Monitoring
PumpSpy computers constantly collect and analyze incoming data from your own sump pumps, looking for potential concerns. When an issue is detected, PumpSpy automatically transmits alerts on your smartphone, tablet or computer, letting you do something before flooding can occur!
PumpSpy Smart Outlet
PumpSpy sends you detailed alerts so you can react beforeflooding can occur!
And if you have a backup pump set up, PumpSpy will automatically activate the battery back-up pump in the event of a main sump pump problem or electricity outage.
When you’re equipped with real-time knowledge, you can react quickly, get help if possible, and minimize the effects – even if you’re out of town.
PumpSpy identifies various categories of sump pump difficulties. It can let you know whether the pump has simply lost power (if that’s the case, go and take a look at your circuit breaker), or if it’s powered however, not running (the pump itself is destroyed). It can even inform you if the pump is working however, not removing water fast enough.
PumpSpy sends quick alerts on your phones along with other devices when a problem is detected.
The PumpSpy Solution
PumpSpy uses proprietary, technology to remotely observe your sump pump 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply down load the PumpSpy app (iOS and Android), connect the Smart Outlet to your Wi-Fi system and plug in your sump pump.
PumpSpy’s computer systems will automatically track incoming data from the pump and check that the pump is working correctly. If any concerns are detected, PumpSpy supplies you with detailed alerts promptly via push notifications, text or email. With this information, you can react before flooding can occur!
PumpSpy Smart Outlet
PumpSpy sends you detailed alerts so you can react beforeflooding can occur!
Which appliance do you have in your kitchen that can make your life not only easier but more environmentally friendly as well? If you guessed the garbage disposal, you are right on the money.
About Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals were invented in the late 1920s by John Hammes, an architect in Wisconsin. And just incase you weren’t aware, they are installed under your kitchen sink – their job is to take solid food waste and demolish it using rotating knife blades. In this way, the solid food is broken down and can be disposed easily through your plumbing system.
Types of Garbage Disposals
There are two basic types of garbage disposals. They are:
Continuous Feed: These are the most common type of garbage disposals and they are also the easiest to use. They have an open mouth and are operated by an on and off switch that is mounted on a wall, similarly to a light switch.
Batch Feed: To operate this model, you have to put the waste food into a hopper (grinding) chamber and top it with a stopper lid. This activates a grinder which pulverizes the food. This type is more expensive than its counterpart but it’s considered to be a safer option.
Garbage disposals also come in a variety of motor sizes that include 1 HP, ¾ HP, ½ HP, and 1/3 HP. 1/2 and 1/3 HP model types are perfect for soft foods but, due to their limited power, these models also come with smaller grinding chambers. That is to say, they are not able to handle large amounts of waste food in an efficient manner.
If you want smoother operation, fewer jams, and finer pulverization, the ¾ HP and 1 HP models are best. They cost a little more but they have larger grinding chambers and can handle higher volumes of waste food. They will also place less stress on your plumbing system.
Garbage Disposal Recommendations
When it’s time to buy a garbage disposal, there are many options available, especially because the newer models have updated features. For instance, the InSinkErator brand has a new model called the “Evolution Excel” that comes with an auto-reversing grind function. Other popular disposers include:
Whirlaway Model 291 with ½ HP
Waste King L-1001 Legend Food Waste Disposer with ½ HP
InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist Disposer with ¾ HP
InSinkErator Evolution Essential Food Waste Disposer with ¾ HP
Waste King L-8000 Legend Series with 1 HP
Additional Considerations
Disposals with food chambers made out of glass filled nylon or stainless steel are rust resistant and easier to clean
All disposals are a little noisy but those with insulated grinding chambers and a higher HP are less jarring on the ears
Buying a new garbage disposal is an important investment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The information listed above will give you an idea of what’s available and will help you narrow down your choices so that you can make a decision that benefits you. Happy Shopping!
…Watch for our next article on Garbage Disposal Installation
When your old hot water heater stops working, you will either need to repair or replace it. However, with hot water heater technology evolving at such a rapid rate, it can be hard to pinpoint which option is best for you. The information below discusses three of the most popular high tech hot water heaters to help you find the right balance between efficiency and performance for your particular home.
Tankless Hot Water Heater (see picture above left).
Like the name suggests, these water heaters do not contain a water storage tank. Instead of keeping 40 or 50 gallons of heated water in a reservoir 24 hours a day (which is a waste of energy and a drain on your utility bill) a tank-less unit heats the water as you need it.
Pros:
Never run out of hot water
Saves about 30-50% in energy costs, when compared to conventional gas heaters
Takes up less space
Cons:
Takes about 3-8 seconds to heat the water to the desired temperature
Not easy to install
Must be flushed with special chemicals every year to maintain energy efficiency and remove scale
Hybrid Electric Heat-pump Hot Water Heater
This type of hot water heater works by pulling heat out of the surrounding air and pumping it into the storage pump. It has conventional heating coils but, they only activate when the heat pump cannot sufficiently warm the water by itself.
Pros:
Lowest operating cost of any electric water heater on the market, especially if you live in a warm climate and it is installed in your hot garage or attic
Potential tax incentives and/or rebates (check with your state and electricity provider)
Cons:
Costly price tag
Takes up a lot of space
Air filter must be cleaned on a regular basis to maintain operating efficiency
Condensing Gas Hot Water Heater
Instead of wasting energy by sending hot exhaust gases out of the flue, a condensing gas hot water heater blows them through the coil at the bottom of the fan to heat the water to the desired temperatures.
Pros:
Most energy-efficient, gas powered water heater on the market
High first hour recovery rate virtually guarantees that you’ll never run out of hot water
Cons
Expensive price tag
Require venting and gas line reconfiguration
Important Considerations
Regardless of the model that you choose, there are a couple of ratings that you must check before you buy your new heater:
Energy factor (EF): Indicates how efficient the unit is; the higher the number the more efficient the heater.
First hour recovery: This is for storage tank heaters and indicates the amount of hot water that you will get within the first hour after opening the spigot.
Flow rate: This is for tank-less heaters, that use incoming winter water temperatures to provide the flow rate that you want.
Before you put down a ton of money for a new high tech hot water heater, it is important that you take some time to understand the pros and cons of each. To learn more about hot water heaters, see 5 Facts About Hot Water Heaters. The information above will help you narrow down your options so that you make the right investment for your needs. However, even though all the new models are more energy efficient, that doesn’t mean you’ll find them the most cost effective for your family. Plus, we are always ready to answer your questions and provide you with the facts you need to make an educated decision to meet your particular needs.
Without hot water heaters, we would all have to heat water on the stoves to have hot baths; a tedious and time consuming chore, and not a very pleasant thought.
Thankfully, in this day and age, there are appliances that provide us with readily available hot water with just the turn of a faucet. After a trying day, a hot bath may be all that you need to wash the stress away. While many of us appreciate the feeling we get when we take a hot shower, most of us hardly ever think of how this luxury is provided.
Do You Have Questions about Hot Water Heaters?
Call Us Today!
Types of Hot Water Heaters
Most hot water heaters consist of a drum-shaped tank with a stand on the end but, there are tankless versions as well. The tanks hold a reservoir of hot water so that when the faucet is turned on, the hot water is available to meet your needs. Because of their large size and general aesthetic reasons, the heater’s tank is usually kept out of sight, in the laundry, basement, or a special cupboard.
There are three main types of hot water heaters:
Electric Heaters: Electric heaters are powered by electricity and use a thermostat to help them maintain a comfortable temperature. If the water temperature happens to fall below the preset level, the electric current will raise it to the desired level. These tanks tend to be about 93% efficient; the highest among heater models. (See diagram above)
Gas heaters: Gas heaters operate under similar principles as their electric counterparts. The main difference being that, as the name suggests, they utilize gas for energy. Their level of energy efficiency is largely dependent on their age and size. For instance, models made before 1990 tend to be anywhere from 45% 61% energy efficient. Newer models tend to be at least 62% energy efficient.
Tankless water heaters: As the name suggests, these heaters work without the benefit of a water reservoir; instead they heat the water as needed. They are available in both electric and gas models and are typically about 82% energy efficient.
5 Little Known Facts About Hot Water Heaters
Hot water heaters are essential to your total home comfort. However, there is much that we don’t know about them. Take a look at the following 5 facts
Approximately 25% of the energy is used in your home is used to heat your water. Because they use such a large amount of energy, it is important that you purchase a unit that is energy efficient.
Most of your hot water usage comes from doing laundry and taking baths.
The typical hot water heater with a tank lasts anywhere from 10 to 13 years.
Tank water heaters should be drained and filled every 3 months so that they remain in optimum working condition.
Tankless water heaters don’t provide instant hot water when the faucet is turned on.
The Bottom Line on Hot Water Heaters
The hot water heater is an essential appliance for every home. Regardless if you are buying your first water heater or your fourth, knowing the facts about water heaters will help you make an informed decision.
A water powered sump pump back-up offers you a low cost solution to basement flooding problems.
A water powered sump pump is commonly used to supplement a primary, electric powered sump pump in your home. This article describes its many advantages.
It’s that time of year in Southern Maryland. Spring is coming and that means the frozen ground supporting our homes is going to thaw. And, when it thaws, that frozen water is going to become drain water. Depending on your home construction and drainage, a lot of that water is going to drain below your home and cause additional pressure or workload on your sump pump.
Here’s the problem! A lot of our customers have sump pumps. Obviously, that’s not the problem. The problem is that their primary sump pump works on electricity. So, without electricity, their sump pump simply fails to do that critical job of protecting their home against damaging water . Consequently, when their electricity stops, which is rather common during a major storm, their sump pump stops working and water just pours into their finished or unfinished basements.
This is when the hassle really begins. You can pump out or soak up the water yourself if you have the right equipment. You can file insurance claims and potentially face higher insurance costs. And, you can miss work to handle your misfortune that you could have avoided.
We have found a great way to solve these problems that our customers face in Southern Maryland and do it at a comparatively lost cost to other solutions.
If you already rely on a sump pump to protect your home against water damage, then consider installing a backup. There are two types of back up sump pumps; battery and water powered. Battery backup pumps require annual maintenance and have a limited battery capacity. And, if the water is persistent enough, the battery will eventually die. By the time you re-charge it, you could have a serious basement flood. On the other hand, a water powered sump pump will operate for as long as they need, provided you simply maintain your connection with your municipal water supply.
We highly recommend you consider a water powered sump pump as a back up for your electric powered sump. They do not require maintenance or a power source. All they need is a municipal water connection. However, they do not work well with wells. So, if you have a well and do not use municipal water, a water powered sump pump is probably not your best choice. If that’s the case, you are probably better off using a battery back-up sump pump. A water powered sump pump is only used as an emergency to back up to your existing electric powered sump pump. And, they do not use any water except in an emergency. Water powered backup pumps are much simpler than battery powered backup pumps, and since they require essentially no maintenance, there is less to go wrong.
7 Advantages of a Water Powered Sump Pump Back Up:
1. Takes over seamlessly when your primary sump system fails.
2. No electricity required.
3. Works during power failures
4. No battery to charge.
5. On guard 24 hours a day
6. Helps eliminate flooding in basements
7. Can be used with any existing brand of sump pump
So, if your home is threatened by water, now’s the perfect time to call us for help in shoring up your defenses with new or replacement sump pumps, expertly installed and repaired by the our plumbing professionals. In particular, a water powered sump pump provides an easy, cost-effective, no hassle and worry free back-up solution.
To learn more or to schedule installation,contact us.
The four major advantages of a geothermal heating and cooling system are: 1.) reduced heating and cooling costs; 2.) low life-cycle costs; 3.) positive environment impact; and 4.) potential Federal and State tax credits.
A geothermal heat pump functions like a conventional heat pump, by using high-pressure refrigerant to capture and move heat between indoors and out. The difference is that conventional systems gather their heat—and get rid of it—through the outside air. By comparison, a geothermal heating and cooling system transfers heat through long loops of liquid-filled pipe buried in the ground.
Reduced Heating and Cooling Costs
Homeowners should realize a reduction of 30 to 70 percent in their overall heating and cooling costs with a geothermal heating and cooling system. Geothermal systems have the capability of capturing reclaimed heat during heating and cooling modes and using it to heat domestic water. This application can reduce the water heating cost of a four-person household by 50 to 60 percent. In the winter, the geothermal heating and cooling system pulls heat from the earth into the house or building and in the summer, the system removes heat from the house or building by dumping it into the ground.
Low Life-Cycle Costs
A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed that geothermal systems have the lowest life-cycle cost of all heating and cooling systems currently on the market. Lower maintenance costs and longer life expectancy of geothermal units should certainly be taken into consideration when determining true savings. You can expect your geothermal system to provide an average of 20 to 24 years of reliable comfort and savings. In comparison, the average life cycle of a conventional system is 13 to 15 years.
Positive Environmental Impact
Furthermore, geothermal systems have a positive impact on the environment since they burn no fossil fuels and operate on a modest amount of electricity. According to the United States Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are the most environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home. They do not emit greenhouse gasses, which are known to contribute to environmental air pollution. Flammable fossil fuels are not used to operate geothermal units. Because there is no combustion, there is no chance of explosion, hazardous fumes or risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Tax Credits
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act adopted in October 2008 allows for a 30% tax credit for costs associated with ENERGY STAR qualified geothermal heat pumps, as noted in section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code. The credit applies to geothermal equipment placed in service through December 31, 2016. The credit is equal to 30% of the total system cost.
Furthermore, HB 1186 (May 22, 2012) allowed Maryland to become the first state in the country to make the energy generated by GHC technologies eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a Tier 1 renewable source. GHC system owners are also eligible for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). See more here: Geothermal Heating and Cooling (Maryland Energy Administration).
In summary, there are some very significant advantage to geothermal heating and cooling systems. Cost savings alone can help offset what can be a high price to install this type of system. If you are interested in learning more about geothermal heating and cooling, please use the source links we provide below.
Most homeowners discover that their sump pump has a problem when the basement has already flooded. At that time, it’s too late to prevent damage.
PumpSpy identifies various categories of sump pump difficulties. It can let you know whether the pump has simply lost power (if that’s the case, go and take a look at your circuit breaker), or if it’s powered however, not running (the pump itself is destroyed). It can even inform you if the pump is working however, not removing water fast enough.
