To avoid basement flooding, there is nothing more of a lifesaver than your sump pump.
Your sump pump works hard to pump excess water out of your home and keep things dry. Along with your sump pump, a critical piece of equipment to keep your sump pump working at optimal efficiency is a check valve.
Read on to learn how and why a sump pump check valve is such an important part of keeping your home safe and dry.
The Sump Pump Process
If you live in a home that is prone to frequent flooding, you probably have a sump pump to help capture the excess water and help with drainage. Sump pumps also help keep lower level surface areas free of excess dampness and moisture, which prevents the growth of mold.
If your property is situated on a crawlspace foundation that is susceptible to excessive moisture, humidity, standing water, poorly draining soil, or general water drainage issues, you definitely need a sump pump.
As excess water flows and gathers in the sump pit (also called a crock or basin), the sump pump kicks in to pump this excess water out of the pit through a drainage outlet. A sump pump check valve should be installed near the drainage outlet to prevent water from flowing back into the pump.
If water re-enters the pump and collects back in the sump crock, the risk of flooding your basement or crawlspace increases.
The Role of a Sump Pump Check Valve
By keeping the water in and flowing out through the discharge outlet/pipe, a sump pump check valve is a protective measure against flooding.
It works to prevent water from escaping the discharge pipe and returning through the pump once it shuts off. If that happens, water seeps back into the sump pit and ultimately overflows, potentially flooding your living space.
Check valves perform other important functions in the sump pump process:
Sump Pump Efficiency
Once the sump pump float is triggered by water levels in the sump pit, the sump pump kicks in, pumping out the water.
Check valves prevent backflow of remaining water left in the discharge pipe to flow back through the pump and refill the sump pit.
The water backflow prevention of a check valve makes the entire process more efficient by pumping only once, saving energy and wear and tear on your sump pump.
Sump Pump Protection
If a check valve is not in place to prevent water backflow from the drainage pipe, the sump pump has to pump out the water a second time.
Because the sump pump is doing twice the work, the motor will burn out faster. Without a check valve, the risk of sump pump failure is higher and more frequent.
Check Valve Maintenance
Make sure the check valve is in proper alignment with the sump pump.
Look for and clean out any dirt or debris blocking water flow to or through the discharge pipe.
Test the check valve once the sump pump shuts off by looking for water backflow into the sump pump and pit once the sump pump shuts off. If you see water backflow, it’s an indication of check valve failure. Look for cracks, leaks, or wet areas around the seals, connections, and check valve itself.
Conclusion
Should an inefficient or failing sump pump be the cause for flooding or mold growth in your home, reach out to the water damage cleanup and mold remediation experts at RCS in Santa Rosa.
It seems like everyone looks forward to summer when there’s plenty of sunshine, time to stop to smell the roses, and best of all, a fresh, breezy home.
Although a wonderful time, those steamy days and sultry nights of summer present an even greater risk of mold entering your home.
Breathe easier this season with our hot summer mold prevention tips.
Sources of Summer Mold
Mold thrives in summer because of the heat, high humidity levels, and moisture due to summer rain. All of these outdoor elements make the perfect environment for mold spores to spread by the gentle summer breeze, settle, and in no time, active mold growth begins.
Mold also loves to grow in shady, dark spaces under large trees and bushes. Mold takes root in areas filled with yard waste such as compost bins, branch piles, and dirty gutters.
Because mold spores are microscopic, it’s easy for them to land on lawn furniture and grass allowing you to carry unseen spores into your home without even trying.
Eliminating Sources of Summer Mold
A rule of thumb is that It’s better to tackle the source of mold before it gets a chance to settle in and spread.
Here are some places to start eliminating sources of mold:
Remove yard waste such as branches, dead leaves, and piles of moist grass clippings.
Avoid the temptation of throwing spoiled fruit or vegetables in the compost bin. Keep the compost bin dry and as far away from your home as possible.
Dry Up Sources of Water
Install a protective moisture barrier in crawl spaces which tend to be dark, humid, and wet.
Inspect your home for sources of standing water from pipe leaks, cracks, or drain pipes.
Run bath fans until all surfaces are completely dry.
Dry condensation on windows and windowsills.
Dry floors from water tracked in from swimming or running through the sprinkler.
Completely dry pool toys and surrounding areas of a deck or other areas of water after pool time.
Never leave wet towels or swimming suits lying on a deck, chair, or on the bathroom floor. Hang these items out to dry. Wash pool and shower towels frequently.
Don’t overwater gardens or potted plants as too much moisture increases the potential for fungus and mold.
Minimizing Mold Exposure
There’s no chance of getting away from mold completely because indoors or outside, it’s literally everywhere.
Avoid too much outdoor air from coming in through open doors and windows which make humidity levels rise, increasing your risk for the onset of active mold.
Keep humidity levels inside your home under control by using both the air conditioner and a dehumidifier.
Dispose of freshly cut flowers when they begin wilting and, in the meantime, change the water often. In a short period of time, dying flowers can produce bacteria, fungus, and the possibility of mold. Mold thrives on decaying vegetation, wet leaves, and unclean water.
Conclusion
While fighting off summertime mold may seem like an uphill battle, it really helps to keep things clean, dry, and a watchful eye on high-risk areas for mold growth.
For more ways to eliminate the threat of mold exposure or clean up after mold has taken over, call the mold remediation specialists at RCS in Santa Rosa.
Sewer backups are one of the worst things a homeowner may have to contend with. Unfortunately, it happens.
It’s possible that even after you’ve thoroughly cleaned, dried, and deodorized the area, the horrible sewer back-up smells remains.
Here are possible reasons for the lingering smell and what to do about it.
Broken or Missing Cleanout Plug
The cleanout plug is important because it controls wastewater flow and directs it back down the sewer pipe.
If the plug is broken or missing, what you continue to smell is the sewer gas coming up through the sewer pipe.
By removing the sewer pipe grate, check the cleanout plug to make sure it’s in place and in good working condition. Installing or replacing a broken plug should eliminate the sewer smell.
Water Trap
The water trap may be the source of a continued sewer smell because a) there’s still sewage or other waste missed or left behind during the cleanup process or b) there’s no water in the trap. A dry water trap can release a strong, foul odor.
If this is the issue, remove whatever is stuck inside the water trap and rinse with mild soap and hot water. Once clean water is back in the water trap, the smell will disappear.
Another Round of Cleaning
It’s possible to have missed something during the first round of cleaning. It’s also possible that you used a cleaning product that while intended for deep cleaning, didn’t quite do the job.
A simple solution of bleach or vinegar in hot water may be the answer for getting rid of that lingering sewer smell.
You might also try a flushing cleanse by pouring an approximate quarter cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain. Cover the drain and after 30 minutes, flush with hot water.
Call a Local Cleanup Company
If the odor continues to be a problem, there may be something more going on that needs the expertise of professionals who know how to identify the source of the odor and get rid of it for good.
There’s always a chance that mold has set in, which is one of the biggest concerns after a sewer backup.
Conclusion
If you experience a minor sewer backup, you can follow the very important steps of cleaning, disinfecting, and drying yourself.
However, if the job is too overwhelming, there is toxic bacteria left behind, or a foul sewer smell that won’t go away, don’t hesitate to call a professional clean up and restoration service.
In Santa Rosa, RCS is here to help with emergency sewer backups, flooding, clean up, eliminating odors, and mold remediation.
In the war against keeping mold out of your home, an overlooked yet helpful tool is to fill your home with everyday houseplants.
There are more than a few good varieties of plants that do a great job of absorbing extra humidity and moisture inside your home. In doing so, they help eliminate the conditions mold needs to grow.
Read on to find out which common houseplants help purify and filter indoor air to help reduce the risk of mold.
How Houseplants Help Reduce Mold
There are several houseplants that are excellent at absorbing moisture through their leaves. Once absorbed, the excess moisture and humidity moves through the leaves and down to the roots, supplying extra hydration for the plant.
The best choices for houseplants to control mold are the ones best able to absorb moisture and humidity, which is needed for mold to thrive.
Peace Lily
A highly recommended plant for mold prevention, peace lilies can help reduce toxins and mold spores by as much as 50-60%.
Other benefits include the ability to break down and remove formaldehyde, classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC) found in smoke generated from cooking, pressed wood, and adhesives.
Peace lilies grow well in humid conditions, so are great for placement in kitchens or bathrooms for purification and improved air quality.
Because they are toxic to children and pets, these are hanging plants meant to be kept out of reach.
English Ivy
According to a study by Allergy & Air, this houseplant was found to reduce airborne toxins in mold-polluted air by 78% in approximately 12 hours.
Anyone suffering from allergies or asthma may find relief from distressing respiratory symptoms with this houseplant. English Ivy is able to reduce airborne mold spores and in turn, the overall levels of active mold.
This plant also thrives in humid conditions, so bathrooms are an excellent location. As is the case with peace lilies, this plant is also highly toxic to small children and pets so should be hung in high, out of reach places.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are a popular and pretty plant that does an excellent job of reducing airborne toxins and mold spores by absorption through the leaves.
These plants also help remove another common household VOC known as toluene, which is found in things like nail polish, stain removers and glue.
Boston ferns thrive in humidity, shade and are easy to maintain, making them a great choice for reducing the potential for mold and mildew in your home anywhere you put them.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are another winner for knocking out allergens and toxins in the prevention of mold in your home. They work by absorbing humidity and mold spores through their leaves, making it a wonderful air purifier.
Another bonus of the spider plant is its ability to control dust and remove carbon monoxide from the air. Spider plants have been found to remove up to 90% of these toxins and mold spores from indoor air in just a few days.
Place several spider plants around your home for a whole-home way to freshen and purify air.
These easy-to-care-for plants are safe for children and pets so can be placed freely on tables and shelves. Since they release oxygen at night, placing them in bedrooms will make breathing better and easier.
Conclusion
For a healthy, green way to purify the air in your home and improve air quality, stock up on some mold-busting houseplants.
To professionally clean and rid your house of mold, call the remediation specialists at RCS in Santa Rosa.
