Sump Pump Installation in Rochester, NY

When moisture comes knocking, you need a sump pump that’s ready to show it to the door. Get the full rundown on this must-have home protector:

The Basement’s Bouncer

Think of a sump pump as your home’s personal bouncer against basement flooding and water damage. This hardworking device is installed in a pit at the lowest point of your basement or crawlspace to collect any groundwater that tries to sneak in.

As that pit starts filling up, the sump pump kicks into gear – using a powerful motor to suction that water up and pump it back outside away from your home’s foundation through a discharge pipe. It’s constantly standing guard, taking charge to keep your basement a bone-dry safe haven.

The Consequences of Going Pumpless

Without this protector on duty, all that moisture has a free pass to seep in and turn your lower level into a soggy mess. Drywall damage, mold growth, ruined storage, and a wrecked home value are just the start of your worries.

But with a reliable sump pump setup, you’ve got that 24/7 waterproofing enforcer giving moisture the bouncer treatment for good.

The Pump’s Backup Plan

Most systems these days rely on a powerful, submersible pump that sits in the sump pit and automatically turns on via a float switch when water levels get too high. The pump then forces that water up and out through a discharge line that runs away from your foundation.

But for true peace of mind, the pros recommend installing a battery backup pump too. That way, if the primary pump conks out or you lose power during a storm, you’ve got that secondary system ready to take charge.

Why Rochester Needs Sump Pump Protection

Between frozen ground, spring thaws, and our infamous local downpours, Rochester homeowners can’t afford to skimp on sump pump protection. With Reimer on your side, you’ll keep your basement an ultra-dry oasis no matter what chaos is happening outside.

Even the burliest sump pump has to tap out eventually. From power outages to clogged discharge lines, there’s plenty that can take these waterproofing warriors out of commission if you’re not careful. Here are some of the biggest pitfalls to watch out for:

Power Outages

When that electricity gets cut, your sump pump is essentially a sitting duck. With no juice to run the motor, any water that flows in is just going to accumulate. That’s why a backup battery system is an absolute must.

Discharge Line Clogs

If that discharge pipe gets clogged or frozen over, your pump will keep running but that water has nowhere to go. It’ll just keep recirculating right back into the pit until you get things cleared out.

Stuck Float Switch

This little component detects rising water levels and tells the pump when to kick on. But if it gets gunked up or stuck, your pump may never get the signal to start doing its thing.

Worn Out Mechanics

From burnt out motors to broken impellers, all those hardworking parts have a limited lifespan. Once they start failing, your pump’s days are numbered without a full rebuild or replacement.

Improper Installation

If your sump system wasn’t sized or installed properly from the get-go, you’re just asking for operational issues down the road. Cutting corners here is a recipe for flooded misery.

The bottom line is sump pumps need their fair share of professional TLC to stay in peak fighting shape. Skipping out on annual tune-ups and repairs is just playing with a wet, moldy fire. With Reimer handling the preventative maintenance, we’ll keep your waterproofing rhino primed and ready to rumble through anything.

When your sump pump starts sputtering, it can be tough to tell if it just needs a quick patch job or a full system overhaul. Here’s a quick guide on when to repair versus go full rhino with a replacement:

Sump Pump Age

Like any appliance, sump pumps have a limited life expectancy – typically 8-10 years with proper care. If yours is hitting that 10-year mark, replacing it is likely the safer bet versus sinking money into endless repairs.

Performance Issues

Can’t seem to get that pump running at full strength no matter what you do? Weak flow, constant cycling, strange noises – all signs that larger systemic issues could be at play. May be time for a new model.

Repair Costs

If that sump pump repair estimate is inching up towards half the cost of a whole new system, you’re likely better off investing in a fresh replacement. Those patches can only last so long on old equipment.

Electrical Issues

One of the biggest red flags – if your pump keeps tripping breakers or has any exposed wiring, those electrical problems warrant a full replacement. Safety first!

Visible Damage

Take a close look at the pump itself. If you spot any major corrosion, cracks, or other physical damage, that could indicate it’s seen better days. Replacement might make more sense than trying to resurrect it.

At the end of the day, Reimer’s techs can inspect your system and let you know if it’s still got some life left or if it’s time to hang up the jersey. We’ll make sure you get the most value and protection out of your sump pump investment.

Your sump pump is kind of like that old truck that just keeps on trucking – with a little routine TLC, you can squeeze every last mile out of it. Here are some simple tips to extend its lifespan:

Test It Regularly

Don’t just assume your pump is up and running until you need it. Take a few minutes every month or so to pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure it kicks on like it should. Catching issues early is key.

Keep the Pit Clear

Over time, all sorts of dirt, debris, and gunk can accumulate in that sump pit and clog up the intake. Take a few minutes every 6 months to give it a good cleaning so water can flow freely.

Mind the Discharge Line

While you’re at it, check to ensure that discharge pipe running away from your home is clear of any obstructions, clogs, or frozen spots. A blocked line means your pump has nowhere to send that water.

Invest in Battery Backup

Power outages are a sump pump’s worst enemy. Avoid burnout by installing a battery backup system that can keep your primary pump going through any electricity failures.

Schedule Annual Inspections

As the seasons change, have an HVAC pro like the team at Reimer come out and give your sump pump a full inspection and tune-up at least once a year. We’ll make sure it’s primed and ready for action.

With some basic preventative care, there’s no reason that sump pump can’t keep your basement an ultra-dry safe haven for years to come. But if it does finally call it quits, we’ll get you back up and running in no time!

Not all sump pumps are created equal. From basement size to battery backup needs, there are a number of factors that determine what kind of system is the best fit for your home:

Basement Square Footage

The physical size of the space you need to keep dry plays a big role. Larger basements and footprints require more powerful pumps with higher flow rates to handle greater volumes of potential water.

Water Table Levels

If you live in an area with particularly high groundwater levels, you’ll likely need a heavy-duty pump designed for those tough conditions rather than something more modest.

Battery Backup Needs

While battery backups provide great peace of mind, they also add to the overall cost and complexity. Weigh whether your home’s power reliability and flood risk warrants that extra layer of protection.

Pump Switching Preferences

Some homeowners prefer the hands-off reliability of pumps with tethered float switches that automatically turn them on as pit levels rise. Others like the flexibility of water-sensing vertical switches.

Corrosion Resistance

Depending on your home’s water quality and pump pit conditions, you may need a unit constructed with more corrosion-resistant materials like plastic or stainless steel to maximize longevity.

Vertical or Submersible

Most residential pumps these days are submersible units that sit in the pit itself. But some still prefer the vertical pedestal style that mounts above the pit and uses an impeller to move water.

When it comes to sump pump protection, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The experts at Reimer can inspect your home’s unique situation and help design the ideal waterproofing system for your needs (and budget!).

A proper sump pump installation can take long or short, whatever it takes to get the job done right. But here’s a general idea of what to expect:

For a standard sump pit and pump setup in an existing basement, most installations can be completed in 4-6 hours.

That allows time for:

• Jackhammering out a proper sump pit in your basement floor
• Installing the sump pump and discharge piping
• Connecting to electrical and ensuring everything is running smoothly

Larger jobs or more complex system configurations like battery backups or dual pump setups will likely take closer to 6-8 hours from start to finish.

And if you need that whole nine yards of a new sump pit, pump, discharge line, and basement waterproofing, you’re looking at more of an all-day affair as our crew digs in.

Factors like basement accessibility, electrical needs, and the sheer determination of our technicians to get it done right can all impact overall installation timelines too.

But one thing’s for sure – Reimer’s crew doesn’t take any shortcuts. We’ll stick around and battle until your sump pump is game-ready to protect your home, day or night. Because when moisture goes on the attack, you need that waterproofing system standing tall!

Let’s face it – when those infamous Rochester storms come barreling through, power outages are practically a given. But your basement waterproofing can’t afford to take a shift off just because the lights go out. That’s why a battery backup sump pump system is an absolute must.

With a backup battery installed, you’ve got that secondary enforcer ready to instantly take charge and keep pumping if your primary system craps out or the electricity cuts off. No more sweating it out and praying that your basement stays dry until the power is restored.

These backup units typically run off heavy-duty marine batteries that can provide up to 24-48 hours of continuous pumping power through an outage. The second that float switch detects a rise in pit levels, that backup pump automatically kicks into gear like your starter taking the ice in overtime.

And because they’re hardwired into your home’s electrical system, recharging is a breeze once power is back on. You’ve got that full backup squad ready to relieve the starters at a moment’s notice.

With our area’s tendency for wicked thunderstorms, high winds, snow-laden trees taking out lines – you simply can’t leave your home’s waterproofing up to chance. A battery backup sump pump is the ultimate insurance policy to keep your basement an ultra-dry safe room when everything else goes sideways.

Even the toughest sump pumps can’t keep the waterproofing party going forever. Just like any other hardworking appliance, they’ve got a limited lifespan before time catches up. Here’s what you need to watch for:

Average Sump Pump Lifespan

With proper installation and yearly maintenance, most sump pumps will run strong for 8-10 years. But once you hit that decade mark, you’re operating on borrowed time. Replacing an aging pump is cheaper than dealing with a flooded basement.

Signs of Pump Problems

If your waterproofing enforcer starts showing any of these red flags, it’s likely heading for retirement soon:

• Excessive loud noises or vibrations during operation
• Frequent cycling on and off
• Visible cracks, corrosion, or other physical damage
• Struggling to keep up and pump out water efficiently

Don’t Push It

Even if that old iron horse seems to be chugging along fine, sump pumps have a tendency to fail without much warning. It’s better to be proactive about replacements versus risking a surprise system failure when you need it most.

When those telltale signs start appearing, it’s time to call in Reimer for a full pump inspection. We’ll give you an honest assessment of whether a repair might buy you another season or if installing a new waterproofing system is the smarter long-term play.

With something as crucial as preventing basement floods, you can’t afford to let that sump pump protection get running on fumes. The last thing you want is to get caught shorthanded when the next big storm rolls through.

You’ve got that beautiful finished basement – the perfect hangout spot for watching the game or hosting guests. But waterproofing is still a must, even in swanky living spaces. The good news? Reimer’s sump pump gurus can get you fully protected with minimal disruption to your sweet setup.

Our certified techs know all the tricks to snake in new sump pits, pumps, and discharge lines while working carefully around any existing walls, floors, and fixtures.

Compact submersible pumps allow us to tuck systems neatly into closets or behind curtains to preserve your wide open layouts. And battery backups ensure your entertainment haven stays dry even when the power conks out in the middle of the big game.

Our professionals treat your finished basement like it’s their own – sealing up any worked areas better than new and being ultra-tidy throughout the entire process. You may not even know we were there, aside from that fresh peace of mind.

At the end of the day, a little temporary disruption is a small price to pay for protecting that awesome basement from costly water damage down the road. Don’t let moisture ruin your sweet hangout spot – call Reimer at (585) 357-0443 and let us get your waterproofing squared away!

In the DIY era of YouTube tutorials, the idea of tackling a sump pump installation yourself can definitely seem tempting. But before you grab that jackhammer, here’s a little reality check on why hiring the professionals makes way more sense:

Proper Pump Sizing and Placement

Sump pumps aren’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Having the right flow rate, discharge line routing, and pit depth for your home’s unique needs is crucial. Guessing games lead to problems.

Code Compliance

Between electrical wiring, plumbing permits, and basement renovations, there are a bunch of codes to follow. Unless you want an expensive re-do, it’s best to leave it to certified pros.

Safety Considerations

Working with power tools, jackhammering concrete, and dealing with potential water hazards is no joke. One false move could lead to costly injuries or damages.

Warranty Protection

Most reputable pump manufacturers require professional installation to keep their equipment warranties valid. Going the DIY route could void that crucial coverage.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes

From improperly-sized pumps to poor drainage and waterproofing mishaps, there’s a million ways for amateurs to mess up these installations. Fixing those issues gets expensive fast.

At the end of the day, your home’s waterproofing is too crucial to gamble on. Hiring Reimer’s certified sump pump team ensures it’s done safely, properly, and with the backing of service and warranty protection. We’ll get you that full moisture protection solution, no costly callbacks required!