Sump Pump Aurora CO prevents basement flooding by channeling water away from your foundation. It’s powered by electricity and typically runs on a standard household outlet.

Installing a sump pump requires digging a hole for the basin and filling it with gravel. Then you connect a discharge pipe to the pump.

The float switch is the part of your sump pump that controls its on and off operation. Its job is to rise and fall with the water level, sending a signal that activates the pump when it reaches a certain height.

There are several different types of float switches on the market, each with its own unique advantages and drawbacks. Tethered float switches are the classic: A buoyant float attached to the pump by a tether rises with the water level, eventually pulling or activating a lever that turns on the pump. They are simple and reliable but prone to snags and require enough space for the tether to move.

A tethered switch can become snagged within your sump pit and prevent it from rising, or it may simply be stuck in the “on” position, which will eventually burn out the motor. These problems are often caused by improper installation, exposure to moisture, or electrical issues.

An alternative to a free-floating tethered switch is a guided vertical action switch, which uses a guide rod that limits the amount of floating material that can snag in the pit. While these switches can be more expensive than other options, they are also notably more reliable.

Another option is an electronic float switch, which has minimal to no moving parts and thus tends to be the most reliable of all float switch technologies. These switches can have probes at the level you want them to turn on, which are then activated by a sensor that reads an electrical current in the water to detect presence. This technology is particularly useful for areas where tethered or free-floating switches aren’t suitable.

All float switches will have to deal with wear and tear, so it is important to take steps to minimize their chances of failing. One way to do this is to install protective shields or guards around the float switch to keep it from being damaged by debris, large objects, or accidental impact. You can also prevent the float switch from becoming tangled or trapped by using a piggyback plug, which connects to the float switch and a standard power outlet to bypass it.

Electronic Switches

A sump pump’s effectiveness depends on functional switches that activate the device when water levels rise, eliminating the risk of expensive damage and mitigating potential health hazards. While there are many different types of pumps and switch mechanisms, the most efficient and durable are electronic ones that use sensors or solid-state components to discern water levels. These advanced designs are a popular alternative to traditional mechanical switches that can wear out or become stuck, causing inaccurate water detection and pump activation.

Tethered float switches utilize a tether that connects the float to the pump via a cable or cord, allowing it to rise and trigger the switch once it reaches a predetermined height. This type of switch can competently manage significant water level fluctuations and is well-suited for basins with narrow dimensions. Its tether also prevents the float from moving around excessively, allowing it to operate with great accuracy.

Vertical switches are similar to tethered switches but utilize a rod that travels up and down on the shaft of the pump. As the float rises, it pulls the rod up with it. Once the rod reaches a certain height, it triggers the switch and activates the pump. Once the float falls, it pulls the rod back down and the switch is deactivated. This type of switch is best suited for smaller diameter pits and can manage significant water levels changes with little to no variation in cycle length.

Diaphragm switches are similar to vertical switches in that they both rely on pressure to detect water levels. As the water level rises, the diaphragm expands and activates the switch, triggering the pump to begin operation. When the water level drops, the diaphragm re-expands and signals the pump to turn off. This type of switch is suitable for basins with limited space, but can become unresponsive to high water pressure and susceptible to debris build-up over time.

Solid-state electronic switches are the cutting edge of sump pump switch technology and are ideal for applications with highly variable water levels, requiring greater precision in pump activation. Using solid-state circuitry, they are immune to mechanical wear and debris and have superior longevity and reliability over other switches. In addition, they are more resistant to environmental factors than other switch types and can be easily maintained by a plumber with the appropriate tools.

Battery Backup

Many homeowners in areas with high levels of flooding find a battery backup sump pump to be a valuable investment. It’s a quick and easy way to protect your home from flooding and water damage that comes from power outages. It also works around clogs to the primary pipe, which often cause it to stop functioning. Adding a battery backup can prevent these problems without the need for an electrician to repair it or replace it.

While the cost of a battery backup system may seem like a significant outlay, it’s worth the investment for peace of mind. It’s a simple way to avoid waking up in the middle of a storm to a flooded basement or crawl space. It can also protect you from the expenses that come with flooding and water damage repairs and restoration.

When choosing a battery backup system, look for one that offers adequate pumping volume. It should also have a long enough run time to allow it to work during most outages. You can even opt for a Wi-fi sump pump monitor to get updates to your phone in the event of a problem.

A good battery backup sump system will also include a battery that’s designed to drain and recharge at an appropriate rate. Look for a wet cell marine battery, as these are able to provide deep discharges over extended periods of time.

Another benefit of a battery backup is that it can help you avoid the need to reset your pump when it overheats. Overheating occurs when the thermal protection stops working or there isn’t enough water around the motor to cool it down. A battery backup can keep your basement protected while you reset the main pump.

Homeowners with a strong knowledge of electricity and plumbing may be able to install a battery backup system themselves, but it’s often better to leave these installations to professional sump pump installers or electricians. They will have the skills and tools needed to properly connect your pump to the battery and test it for safety. They can also make sure the battery’s water level and terminals are properly maintained.

Maintenance

It’s important to keep up with regular maintenance on your sump pump to ensure it continues working. You can do a lot of simple tasks to help make sure your sump pump works well.

First, spray down the outside of your pump with a garden hose to remove any dirt and grime that has collected. Then use a plastic scraping tool to get any stuck on debris off the surface of the pump. You can also clean the interior of the pump by disassembling it and using a small amount of disinfecting vinegar or bleach. Make sure to unplug the power cord or flip the breaker on the breaker box before doing this, though.

Next, inspect the discharge pipe to make sure it isn’t clogged. The discharge pipe is responsible for diverting water away from your house, so it’s important that it continues to work correctly. You can test this by pouring water into the pit and seeing if it hits the automatic float switch and activates operations.

You should also test the check valve, if you have one, to make sure it’s working properly. This is installed on the discharge line and prevents water from reentering the pit once it’s pumped out of the basement. You can also look into installing a battery backup, which will ensure that your sump pump will continue working in the event of a power outage or other failures.

Finally, you can also install a water level or flood alarm to alert you if the sump pump isn’t working properly and your basement is flooding. This is a great safety feature to have for homes in areas prone to frequent heavy rain and storms. Adding this device to your home is an easy and affordable way to prevent expensive repairs and protect your family from mold and other water damage. If you want to learn more about preventing and repairing sump pump issues or would like to have an annual sump maintenance plan for your home, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a member of our team.

Stucco Removal can be an arduous and time-consuming task. However, it can be accomplished if you follow the right steps and use the proper tools.

During the process, it’s important to maintain a clean work area and properly dispose of waste materials. Also, take care of any underlying damage, such as substrate damage or moisture infiltration.

If you are planning to remove the stucco on your home or commercial building, it’s important to take time to carefully prepare the area. Gathering the right tools, materials and safety gear will help to ensure that the process goes smoothly. This will help to prevent any mishaps that could result in costly repairs or even further damage.

Before beginning your project, make sure to choose a spot that is hidden from guests and potential home buyers. This will allow you to test your method without revealing any glaring areas of damage. Once you have selected a good spot, you will want to inspect it for cracks or other damage. If the cracks are starting to appear larger than usual, this may be a sign that it’s time to call a professional.

Stucco can’t be applied directly to a wall; it needs a base to adhere to. This base is known as a lath, and it’s made from a combination of asphalt-infused paper, metal wire and some other material like weep screed and plaster stop. When you’re removing stucco, it’s important to first remove the paper and wire from the wall. This will help to prevent any leaking and protect the brick from moisture.

The next step is to use a hammer and chisel to loosen the loosened pieces of stucco from the brick. Then, you can use a scraper or putty knife to remove the rest of the stucco.

After completing the removal process, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the wall to remove any debris or stains. This will help to prevent mold or mildew from growing in the future and will also ensure that any new coatings will stick to the wall.

If you’re using a power sander, be sure to wear a dust mask and goggles to avoid breathing in the fine particles produced by the machine. It’s also a good idea to work in small sections and move the sander in smooth, even strokes. This will prevent any scratches or marks on the brick surface.

Safety Measures

Stucco removal is a messy job that creates dust and debris that can pose health risks to anyone working on the project. To protect yourself from breathing these particles, you need to wear a mask and work gloves. Additionally, you must have a water supply close by for rinsing the area and cleaning tools as you go. This ensures that you don’t accidentally inhale the harmful substances and makes cleanup easier.

Before beginning the stucco removal process, workers need to prepare the work area by covering surfaces that could get damaged by splatters or falling stucco chips. They also need to assemble scaffolding or ladders if they are working on a two-story home. Finally, they need to clear the surrounding area of furniture or other items that might interfere with the work or present a safety hazard.

To begin the actual stucco removal, workers will use a hammer to create a hole in the stucco and a chisel or crowbar to loosen and pry it away. They will work systematically, starting with the edges and gradually working their way across the surface. They will also pay special attention to any decorative or structural elements, as they don’t want to damage these features in the course of removing the stucco.

Once they have a hole in the stucco, they will take a closer look at what’s underneath. If they discover severely deteriorated brick or other issues, they may need to reconsider continuing with the project and consult with local masons for assistance.

If the underlying brick is in good condition, they can continue with the stucco removal. However, they should be aware of the additional cost and time involved in re-repairing the sheathing, framing, and insulation that are damaged by the stucco installation.

The most important step in the whole process is to properly inspect the underlying structure before proceeding with the removal of the stucco. This will ensure that the underlying materials are in good shape and that any resulting repairs are thorough. It will also help homeowners understand the potential reasons why they might need to have their stucco removed, such as extensive cracking or moisture infiltration.

Tools

A number of tools are needed to remove stucco effectively. They include a utility knife, which can be used to score the stucco surface to create clean lines for removal, and a power tool such as an angle grinder or circular saw, which are ideal for cutting larger sections of the wall. These tools create a lot of dust when they cut stucco, so it’s important to take precautionary measures to minimize exposure and wear air-filtering masks.

In addition, a wet/dry vac can be positioned close to the tool when it’s being used to help suck up the dust. This will significantly reduce the amount of visible dust and can make a huge difference, especially if you’re sensitive to airborne particles.

Other tools required during the removal process include a wire brush to clean and prep the wall surface for repairs, a wheelbarrow or mixing trough for containing and mixing new stucco or alternative wall finish material, a level to ensure an even application of the new material, and various trowels of different sizes. If you’re applying new stucco, a bonding agent is also necessary to enhance adhesion.

Once the stucco has been removed, you should inspect the underlying substrate to address any damage or issues that may have arisen during the removal process. This will prepare the surface for the next phase of your project and set the stage for a fresh, contemporary wall finish.

If you encounter deteriorated brick, consider calling in a mason to repair it and restore the original appearance of your home’s exterior. Likewise, if you discover moisture penetration or structural problems, they should be addressed to avoid further damage and to facilitate the smooth transition to the wall restoration phase.

Timeline

The timeline for stucco removal can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, if a homeowner discovers underlying damage, such as deteriorating mortar between old bricks or nail-ridden wood, this can add to the time needed for the project. It is also important to consider the client’s schedule and if they are in the middle of other renovations.

Professionals assess existing stucco to identify problems like cracking, water damage, and mold growth. This allows them to determine the extent of stripping necessary and how best to approach the project. Then, they prepare the work area to ensure safety and efficiency. This includes obtaining permits, setting up scaffolding, and implementing ventilation to minimize dust and debris. Then, they use techniques like mechanical chiseling and chemical stripping to remove the stucco in layers. They may use a combination of these methods, choosing the most appropriate one for each situation.

Once the stucco has been removed, professionals replace it with new sheathing, framing, and insulation. If sheathing and studs are water-damaged or moldy, they will be replaced as well. This restores the structure of the building, preventing further damage and making it ready for new stucco or alternative finishes.

Remediation may be necessary for other reasons as well, such as an incompatible or ill-conceived repair that failed or significant deterioration of the stucco that cannot be patched up with a quick repair. In this case, it’s often cheaper to remove the existing stucco and install a new stucco mix than to attempt repairs that could fail or worsen the condition of the building.

Stucco is an attractive, energy-efficient option for homes, and with proper maintenance can last a lifetime. However, if you notice any signs of deterioration, such as hairline cracks or large cracks that widen and connect, it’s a good idea to have these issues addressed promptly by experienced pros. If left unattended, these problems can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Contact a local stucco contractor for more information or to discuss your options.