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Rochester MN Home Inspectors Disclose Steps To A Dry Basement

There aren’t many things worse than walking across your basement, and suddenly getting your feet wet. Maybe the kids spilled something on the carpet or Fido had an accident. Then you realize there is a lot more water there than either could produce. 

You realize you have a basement leak!  Now What? 

Sometimes it can seem like keeping your basement dry is a never ending battle, but, keeping your basement dry may not be as hard as you think. There are some simple steps you can take that will keep your basement dry and comfortable.

While it may sound like a little thing, as a home inspector I occasionally come across outdoor water spigots that were leaking.  Even what you may consider a slight drip can develop into several gallons of water per day, running down the foundation wall.  A simple fix could have prevented the problem. 

Gutters and downspouts need to be kept clear of all debris.  Check them for any damage that would prevent water from flowing properly through them.  Rainwater spilling out on a concentrated area can create and erode low places in your grade and allow water to concentrate against your foundation wall and in time can deteriorate the concrete or concrete block joints.  It will also start seeping through cracks in your basement wall and cause a basement leak.

Where the water exits at the bottom of the downspout is a critical area. It must be allowed to flow away from the foundation. This can consist of a simple splash block or a drain pipe extension as needed.

Make sure the grade around your house slopes away your foundation wall. Sometimes that is not an easy task, but is a must to keep the drainage water away from the foundation. Any low areas found next to your foundation should be filled and graded away from your foundation. 

Fix any plumbing leaks as they happen. This may seem like a no-brainer task, but in some cases, these leaks are really hard to notice. Discoloration of flooring is sometimes the only indication of a possible leak.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010.
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Posted in Basement, Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspectors Explore Need For Sump Pump
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Empty basement sump basket

Even if you are not in a flood zone, it is wise to invest in a sump pump.  Anyone remember the summer of 2007 when we had about 13 inches of rain in a day?  A lot of people in the Rochester and Southeastern MN area like to tell the home inspector that “We have never had a water problem in this basement … except that one time in 2007 when we had all that rain.”  Water damage can happen to any home without warning, ruining electronics, heirlooms, flooring and anything else you may have in your basement. 

When we have a major storm, or a heavy snow melt the ground gets saturated, and water can enter your home.  A sump pump is easy to install and helps to prevent water back up.  During the home inspection process I see a lot of homes that have sump baskets that do not have a pump installed.  In newer homes, there is typically an outlet and sometimes the discharge pipe installed, but no pump.  Typically I recommend to people that it would be a good idea to install a sump pump.

Although they cost more, a sump pump system with a battery back up provides another level of protection.  As we saw in 2007 many homes lost power, with the saturation we had, sump baskets with sump pumps backed up, but with no power, no pump.  Providing for water protection in your home is a minor investment compared the extensive damage that can occur to your property and possessions. 

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Sunday, September 6th, 2009.
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Posted in Basement, Inspectors Blog

Rochester MN Home Inspection Company Shares Sump Pump Basics

Sump Pump

The sump pump protects your home from groundwater forcing its way down through the soil into that hole in the ground we call a basement.  A drain tile system below the basement floor will channel water into the sump pump basket.  When the water level hits the float in the sump basket, the sump pump lifts this water to the surface outside or into an underground storm sewer pipe that drains away from your home.

The sump pump and drainage system is separate from the sanitary sewer system that drains waste water from your home to the septic system or to a sanitary sewer treatment plant.  Your sump pump should not discharge to the sanitary sewer.

During the home inspection, a home inspector will look for indication of water in the sump basket, and will test that the sump pump operates.  Test your sump pump every few months. Start the pump by adding water to the sump basket or by lifting the float. The pump should start when the water is 8 to 12 inches below the basement floor slab. The water in the sump basket should be clear, without roots or debris. Watch to be sure the pump removes water from the crock.

The pump may have a float on the end of a rod or wire. Be sure the float operates easily and can’t rub against the sump basket or the cover. If the float sticks, the pump will not run, and your basement could have some flooding.

If the pump is older and worn, rusty, or noisy, it should be replaced. The pump should be securely mounted in the sump basket. The power supply should be from an outlet, not an extension cord, and the plug should be securely fastened to the outlet.

If the pump runs more than several times per day or runs often during heavy rain, you should have a spare pump or even a second pump mounted in the sump basket. The second pump could have a float set for a higher water level so that the second pump only runs if the first pump fails. If you live in an area in Southeastern MN where the electrical power fails during storms, I would consider a battery backup for the pump system.

You might also want to consider installing an alarm that will alert you if the sump pump fails. This could save considerable damage from flooding that could result from this failure. Options range from expensive home alarm systems to a simple battery-operated water alarm. You can pick up a water alarm at your locat building supply center.

The Water Detector is a palm-sized unit operated by a 9-volt battery. When in contact with water, it continuously emits an alarm for up to 72 hours. The unit will float and continue to sound an alarm during a flood.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector, HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester MN, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942. http://www.homepro-inspection.com

Posted on Tuesday, February 24th, 2009.
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Posted in Basement, Inspectors Blog, Plumbing

This is our second home purchase, and our Realtor recommended Rick for our home inspection.  He was very knowledgable whenever we asked him questions regarding the home.  He gave us reassurance in our new home decision and I would recommend him to others.

Andrea P, Rochester, MN

Rick, Thanks for a Great Job on my home inspection and the follow up phone call with regard to my existing drive way.  That “free” advice means a lot.

Ron E, Pine Island, MN

Rick, I was very pleased with your home inspection and report.  I felt very much at ease moving into my home, and knowing everythink was “up to par”.  Thank You!

Roberta B. Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942