Did you know 98 percent of basements will experience some sort of water damage during their lifetimes, according to industry estimates?

Be it flooding from rain, an appliance malfunction, faulty plumbing, or burst frozen pipe, a sump pump can be the difference between a dry basement and expensive home water damage.

Sump Pump to the Rescue

A sump pump is often installed in the lowest level of the house to keep a crawlspace or basement dry. A pit is dug out beneath the foundation flooring, going down at least two feet deep, to house the sump pump. As the pit fills–either from water seeping in through the foundation or from drains directed into the pit–the pump turns on to redirect the water out of your home. While there are variations on how sump pumps work and how sump pumps are installed, the main goal is for it to act as a safeguard to collect water entering the home and remove it to eliminate flooding and water damage.

When a Good Sump Pump Goes Bad

A sump pump is only good at removing incoming water if it’s in proper working order. Routine maintenance can help you avoid sump pump failure. However, if you’re stumped by why your sump pump isn’t working, here are a few culprits that could be causing the problem.

1. No juice: If the power goes out during a storm, your sump pump won’t be able to drain the water. Have a backup generator on hand specifically for your sump pump in order to avoid water from pooling in your home.
2. Wrong size: Too small a sump pump for your home’s size can mean too big a job for it to handle. On the flip side, running too large a sump pump can shorten its lifespan. Work with a professional to make sure you install the right size sump pump for your home’s needs.
3. Old age: Just like any appliance, the years can reduce the efficiency and working order of your sump pump. The average lifespan of a sump pump is roughly 10 years. If yours is creeping up in age, consider replacing it with a more current model.
4. Clogged pipe: Debris can enter your discharge pipe and create a backup. With nowhere for water to flow, your sump pump will come to a stop. Consider installing a protective cover or mesh grate to keep the pipe free and clear.
5. No maintenance: Your home and the appliances that make it run require regular maintenance. Clean your sump pump three to four times a year to avoid blockages in your discharge line, vents, and floats.
6. Switch issues: When the sump pump shifts in the basin, the float that administers the switch can cause it to become jammed. When cleaning the sump pump, check the its position and adjust it as necessary to avoid a future stuck switch.
7. Product or installation problem: In addition to product defects, which are out of your control, improper installation can also cause sump pump failure. Always follow manufacturer instructions when installing a sump pump or bring in a skilled professional if sump pumps are new to you.

A&J Property Restoration’s Water Damage Restoration Service

When you suffer from damage caused by a rain, storm damage, sump pump failure, or flooded basement, call A&J for 24/7 water damage clean up service and water damage restoration service immediately.

24/7 Emergency Water and  Sewage Restoration Response
800-727-8990

A&J Property Restoration DKI provides 24/7 emergency water restoration and sewage clean up for homes, businesses, and commercial buildings around Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, Waunakee, Milwaukee, Brookfield, WI Dells, Fort Atkinson, Watertown, Oconomowoc, Waukesha, West Allis, and surrounding Dane County Wisconsin areas.

Recent rainstorms doused parts of the Midwest, including our service area of Madison, Milwaukee, Burlington, and all of southern WI. Leaving many areas flooded and some counties declaring states of emergency. While the rain has stopped for now, basements, homes, schools, and commercial buildings are left with such extensive flooding that the remaining mess isn’t quite so easy to clean. Complicating matters even more are rising river and lake levels that may cause more near-future flooding and water damage.

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If you’ve never touched a wrench and have no idea where your home’s maze of pipes begins and ends, your chances of filling the shoes of a skilled, qualified plumber are next to nil. The good news is you don’t need to know the difference from a ball valve and hose bib to stay ahead of costly water damages caused by leaky pipes and faulty plumbing problems in your home. You just need your eyes to lead you to potential plumbing problems.

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In One Word: Yes.

When a fire, flood, or storm wreaks havoc on your home or commercial building, the damage is not always limited to just a water or fire cleanup job. Your residence may require replacement of drywall, windows, or roofing. And on larger scale projects, repairs or replacement of a weakened structure could be necessary to your home or building. Instead of just tending to a mess made, more often the process of returning to normal life progresses from assessment to restoration to reconstruction.

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Whether you’re celebrating America’s Independence by celebrating with family and friends,  grilling out, splashing in the pool or going to the beach, or getting out of town, making safety first priority is the best way to avoid accidents and losses from ruining your well-intentioned plans.

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Watch an episode of reality TV hoarding shows, and it may seem like some individuals are simply too stubborn to let things go. But the truth is hoarding is a serious mental disease that can cause those afflicted to become addicted to their possessions. The disease often requires psychological treatment in order for the person to part with possessions, many of which have no value.

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Warmer weather often means grilling out. In fact, while July is considered peak grilling month, for many, barbecues are most often fired up between May and August. Whether you’re a barbecue master year round or you just get grilling when Mother Nature turns up the mercury, fire safety should always come first. (more…)

A&J Property Restoration Expands into Milwaukee

(GLENDALE, Wis. June 5, 2017) – A&J Property Restoration, a member company of DKI, North America’s largest disaster restoration contracting organization, is excited to announce they are expanding with a new, full-service location in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, starting June 15, 2017.

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Damaging floors, walls, furniture, appliances, electrical systems, and other home possessions, sewage back ups can be a serious problem. Making it even worse are the costs associated with such destruction, which often aren’t covered by average homeowners insurance policies without the addition of a specific rider.

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Mold, also known as fungi, can grow indoors and outdoors all year round. While there is no precise number of how many species exist, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates ranges between tens of thousands to more than 300,000. Despite how easy it can be to come in contact with mold spores in everyday life, it’s not something that should be overlooked, especially if mold is suspected in your commercial building.

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