Water powered backup sump pumps

Never have water in your basement again due to a failed sump pump or a power outage. Water powered sump pumps do not require any electricity to operate.

Our listener had to remove new carpet from his finished basement due to heavy rains and a failed primary sump pump.

In this episode we address backup sump pumps, in particular water powered sump pumps. We were contacted by a listener via twitter and asked if we had recommendations for a backup pump. We knew of a few brands and types but our question was specifically about water powered pumps. After a little bit of research we found Base Products Corporation makes just such a system called the Basepump. They were gracious enough to send a pump to our listener so we could interview him about the install and the product. Thanks. The pump mark was sent can be purchased through Amazon by following this link Basepump

If you have a backup sump pump you wont need to pull out stinky carpets due to a flood caused by a failed primary pump.

In this show we discuss how the pump operates, how its installed, how to choose a pump, and most importantly why you would want to install something like this if you are finishing a basement. Listen to the podcast for all the details.

If you are considering finishing your basement water control is one of the most critical things to think about. Check out our other shows related to finishing your basement by clicking on the Basement Series button.

Related shows:

1. Episode #72 – Basement Toilet Installs, Water Saving Flush Valves and Dryer Vent Cleaning
2. Episode #61 – Costly DIY Mistakes and Listener Questions
3. Episode #74 – Basement Systems and Listener Questions

The Handyguys begin their show discussing some new green lawn tools. Their conversation was prompted by an article in the Wall Street Journal regarding some new “green” lawn tools written by Gwendolyn (Wendy) Bounds. She even tested out a new battery operated riding mower. Her video is a must view if you are considering one of these.

Certificate of Use Requirements

The Handyguys then discuss the topic of “Certificate of Use”. What’s that? In many townships across the country they are requiring certain safety items to be present in a home before a sale can proceed. Sometimes the upgrades can be difficult, expensive or just a pain.

The Handyguys discuss many of the common elements in a Certificate of Use inspection. This inspection is not to be confused with a code inspection that may be required during a major remodel. Below is some language from a typical requirements document from a local township.

Minimum Life Safety Requirements

1. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (G.F.C.I’s) receptacles are required for receptacles located in bathrooms, powder rooms, garages, outside receptacles, vicinity of pools, saunas etc. and in kitchens where the receptacles are within six (6) feet of the waters edge of the sink. A receptacle with a single yolk that is dedicated for an appliance need not have a GFCI installed.
2. Smoke detectors are to be installed, in working order, in each bedroom, in the vicinity of the bedrooms and each floor of the dwelling including basements. In a split-level dwelling without an intervening door between adjacent levels, smoke detectors are required in the vicinity of the bedrooms and the lower level that is one story below the upper level. If an intervening door exists between adjacent levels, a smoke detector shall be installed on each level.
3. At least one operable carbon monoxide detector shall be installed in the hallway in the vicinity of the bedroom area of the dwelling.
4. For dwellings equipped with a fire suppression or sprinkler system, the applicant shall provide documentation that the system has been inspected and certified within the past 12 months by a certified inspection agency.
5. Sidewalks, driveway aprons and curbs must be in good condition. Out of level, fragmented or otherwise deteriorated sidewalks, driveway aprons and curbs must be removed and replaced. Patching shall not be permitted.
6. House numbers must be affixed on the outside of the dwelling so that they are visible from the street. The house numbers must be three and one half (3 ½) inches in height.

Sanitary Sewer Infiltration Prevention

1. Sump pumps and floor drains are to be discharged to the exterior of the dwelling. Sump pumps and floor drains connected to the sanitary sewer are illegal and must be corrected.
2. Roof drains and yard drains shall not be connected to the sanitary sewer.
3. The sewer lateral curb trap vent pipe must be six (6) inches above grade and have a secure vent cap or box. If the curb trap vent pipe is not exposed, the vent pipe must be located, raised and installed with a Philadelphia Regulation vent box. In the event that t curb trap vent cannot be located, the applicant shall obtain a registered plumber to provide documentation that the curb trap vent could not be located.

Related shows:

1. Episode #72 – Basement Toilet Installs, Water Saving Flush Valves and Dryer Vent Cleaning
2. Episode #57 – Springtime House Inspection
3. Episode #61 – Costly DIY Mistakes and Listener Questions

Costly DIY Mistakes and Listener Questions

First off – The Handyguys welcome listeners from RFC Radio and give them a brief background on The Handyguys.

Costly DIY Mistakes

Having to pump water from a finished basement is a costly mistake

This week we talk about the most costly mistake a DIYer can make when finishing a basement—not taking care of potential water issues before finishing your basement. Water can damage your belongings and your newly finished wall and flooring and can cause mold, rot and decay. The Handyguys provide some tips to ensure your basement will stay dry. Even if you are not finishing your basement, check out the podcast tips and keep your basement dry!

Ideally, water penetration is prevented from the outside of your foundation wall. The most common contributor of a damp or wet basement is improper grading around your house. If the ground around your house slopes toward your house then water will likely find its way into your basement. Fix the grading and you can prevent most water problems. Another common contributor to water in the basement are short downspouts that empty water to close to the foundation. You should extend your downspouts at least four feet to six feet from your house.

Listener Questions

Broken Window

The Handyguys then address a question left as a comment on our show about window repair.

Bonnie Writes:

Randomly exploding windows? What could be going on? Listen to the podcast for some discussion about the problem.

Hi, My husband and I have been searching the net looking for an answer. Our home has vinyl windows they are probably at least 15 yrs. old. So this year in the last 4 months they have started to literally explode. So far 4 of them. We were actually home when one went tonight, it sounded like an explosion, we thought someone threw a brick at our house. After looking around sure enough it had happened again. We can’t figure this out. They are double pane, argon gas filled. No real pattern, sometimes its the inside pane (1) and sometimes the outside pane (3). Can you by any chance tell us whats going on? I am going to call the insurance agent tomorrow but I don’t know if they will cover something like this. any ideas would be most appreciated.

Thank you Bonnie

The Handyguys address this very odd issue and give some suggestions for Bonnie. Listen to the podcast for details.

HE Furnace Vent

Another fan write us ad asked about critters getting into the vents for their new High Efficiency furnace.

Diane Wrote:

Just had a 95% high efficient furnace installed with the vent going out the side of my home (PVC pipe).

My concern is that a small animal could crawl into it?

Should it have some sort on grate on it? It is only @ 2 feet from the ground.

Thanks!

Diane – The way your vents are installed is normal. We do have some suggestions if critters become an issue or you are concerned. Listen to the podcast for details and discussion.

Dryer vent Discussions

The Handyguys wrap up the show with a brief discussion of dryer vent cleaning. This should be an additional item for our Spring Home Inspection Checklist that was discussed during show 57. Do you clean your dryer vents? Any tips you would like to share with other listeners? Leave a comment.

Related shows:

1. Episode #74 – Basement Systems and Listener Questions
2. Episode #113 – Listener Questions – The Steven Show
3. Episode #49 – Basement Mistakes