Unless you’re a fan of the winter wonderland, complete with below-freezing temps and drifts of snow, you may be breathing a sigh of relief when it comes to the weather so far this winter. Here in the Olathe area we’ve seen a couple of inches of snow and some biting cold temperatures but the moisture has been sufficiently brief, especially compared with last year’s snow dump.

Besides being easier to get out and about, the mild weather has also negated some of the traditional hassles that come with the accumulation of heavy snow and ice. This is particularly true when the frozen masses begin to melt and there’s a need to move the moisture. When it comes to your home’s line of defense, having clean gutters is one of the best ways to coax water away from the structure of the home.

The next line of defense is the sump pump in the basement. This pump sends water through a pipe in the home out to a city storm drain or to a well if you live in a rural area. If the first line of defense, cleaning the gutters, is neglected then the flow of water could be compromised by the buildup of sticks, acorns, seeds and other organic debris. If this is the case, a sump pump in good working order is even more important.

Role of the Sump Pump

For many homeowners the sump pump is out of site and out of mind; that is until it stops working properly. Typically placed in the basement or crawl space of a home, the sump pump is designed to be there when you need it and quiet when you don’t. The need for a sump pump to kick into action is triggered by a sensor that detects a rise in water. This could happen as the result of a heavy rainstorm, overflowing gutters, or a random backup in the house such as an overflowing washer.

As long as your sump pump is in good working condition the sump pump should activate as soon as it senses the water. The pump uses the law of centrifuge to move the water to the sides of the pipe, leaving a low pressure area in the center. The one-way valve in the pump then moves the water away from the foundation of the home.

Kinds of Sump Pumps

Submersible Pump – mechanism rests in the water inside a waterproof case with the pump situated at the bottom. A screen or grate sifts and filters debris and allows water to flow out through the pipe.

Pedestal Pump – lifts the pump out of the water to keep the machinery dry but its placement tends to be louder than the submersible version.

As the weather forecasters in town are fond of saying, there’s always a pendulum effect with the weather. Dry now, wet later. Make sure your sump pump is in good working order before the spring rains hit. Call the Olathe plumbing company for fast and reliable service at an affordable cost.

Founded in 1980, Davenport Service Company has provided “Customer First” service in Johnson County, Kansas for over three decades. We provide 24/7 emergency service, preventive maintenance service, and seasonal tune-ups for commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems. If you’re looking for a furnace tune-up in Olathe, call 913-441-2222 for hassle-free scheduling today!