Even though the ground is covered in snow and frozen, it won’t be too many more weeks until we experience the spring thaw.
If your home has experienced water intrustion in the past, you will want to be vigilent about watching for signs of water. A basement doesn’t have to be flooded to have noticiebale signs that you need drain tile and sump pump repair.
It’s loud or continuously running.
A properly installed drain tile and sump pump should not be making strange or excessively loud noises. If you hear rattling or grinding, for instance, then there’s most likely some worn or damaged parts that need replacing. If it seems like the motor is working overtime and you can hear it work when you previously couldn’t, then it might be time for a replacement.
Additionally, a sump pump should not be running all the time—especially if the weather does not call for it. Most sump pumps work through a float and on/off switch combo. If a part of that process is not working and the pump isn’t turning on and off properly, then you could risk the pump being overworked and breaking. Then, when the spring thaw comes or a heavy rain, your home risks flooding if you haven’t realized your drainage system isn’t working correctly.
It has lost power.
On the opposite side, a sump pump needs a source of power to work. Most models these days have a battery backup just in case of a power outage, but that battery can still run out of juice. Additionally, it could just be a human error of someone unplugging the sump pump and forgeting to plug it back in.
It has a bad smell.
When your drain tile system isn’t working correctly and guiding the water out of your basement, it will leave more moisture in the room and most likely lead to mold or mildew. If you start to notice a musty smell, or even see visual confirmation of mold in your basement or around the drain tile, then you should have an expert come in to find a solution.
When the experts at Concrete & Foundation Solutions are hired to find a need for repair or replacement, we strive to finish the job with a minimum amount of disruption to your home. Our replacement process includes:
Step 1: Removing the concrete floor around the drain tile to access the base of the foundation.
Step 2: Installing PVC drain tubing and laying washed rock to act as a filtration system.
Step 3: Drilling holes into the wall voids to aid the water evacuation, installing Vent-Mat to direct the water, and then installing the evacuation pump per building code in your area.
Step 4: Placing heavy vinyl sheet over the rock trench to form a final moisture barrier.
Step 5: Replacing the concrete floor.
Concrete & Foundation Solutions has been serving the Twin Cities for over 20 years. If you suspect issues with your foundation or drain tile system, contact us for a free inspection.