During the rainy Indiana spring, summer and fall, one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have in your home is a sump pump.
Although important, sump pumps are an underappreciated part of essential home plumbing. We get a lot of common questions about sump pumps regularly, so we wanted to share with you Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing's answers to the frequently asked plumbing and sump pump questions.
What does a sump pump do?
A sump pump's purpose is pretty straight forward: it keeps water out of your basement and home and prevents flooding. Water that builds up around the base of your home because of sloping driveways, sidewalks or patios or full gutters.
Since water flows downhill, a sump pump is installed at the lowest point in your basement or crawl space. This ensures the collection of as much water as possible. Rain water is built up in the sump pit and then pushed to the nearest retention pond or storm drain , away from the house.
How can I tell if my sump pump is working?
The best way to test if your sump pump is working (before it's too late) is to test it yourself. Fill a 5-gallon bucket of water pour it into the sump pit.
As it fills, it should active the float trigger. After a few minutes, the water should drain and the pump should shut itself off.
If you've surely activated the float trigger and no water runs, the pump continues to run well after the water has been drained or you hear any strange noises coming from the sump pump, it may be a good idea to have it looked at. Try testing it every couple months, especially if it's an older unit.
How long will a sump pump last?
The average lifespan of a sump pump is around 10 years. However, depending on how frequently it is used, checked and maintained, it can be longer or shorter than that.
If you begin to notice persisting issues such as your unit not kicking on during heavy rain or a professional diagnosis a serious issue upon inspection, this is one piece of equipment you can't afford to wait to have repaired or replaced.
The cost of a new sump pump nowhere nears comparison to the amount of money it can cost a homeowner to deal with flood damage and repair in the basement of their home.
Can I install a sump pump myself?
Even for the most experienced DIYer, the proper installation of a sump pump is a tall order.
Proper installation not only requires a good knowledge of plumbing but the right tools and knowledge to safely break through foundation and earth and then the actual installation of the plumbing.
Much like HVAC care and installation, it is highly recommended that you leave the installation of your sump pump and other plumbing equipment to the professionals like Chapman Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing.
Our service technicians aren't only properly equipped, they have expert knowledge on how to quickly, efficiently and best install your equipment to ensure it is ready to work when you need it most.
Summer is in full swing and there is no doubt you have your air conditioner cranking 24/7. Oh, the sweet, sweet relief of an air-conditioned home!
However, summer doesn't just bring the heat, it also brings lots and lots of rain. On hot days, this rain sometimes just makes it even nastier outside by increasing humidity. Did you know all this rain and moisture can lead to serious damage to your air conditioner?
An air conditioner works in part by removing moisture and heat vapor from the air to help cool off your home. This moisture and vapor are turned into condensation that is dripped into a pan and then out of your unit into the sewer system. Excess moisture from rain or extremely humid days can greatly increase the amount of condensation from your unit.
If left unattended, high water levels can cause clogs that result in leaks that can cause damage to your unit and home or the growth of mold in your home and system that is harmful to breathe.
Don't worry, there are simple measures you can take to help ensure you won't have to be confronted by expensive water damage in your home and even possible repairs to your air conditioner. Here's how.
Regular Maintenance
Like many common trouble areas that can come up with your air conditioner, one of the keys to prevention is regular maintenance. Make sure your HVAC system is annually checked by an air conditioner repair professional.
One of the main reasons for these clogged drain lines are algae that can build up over the years. Your technician can spot and address algae before the build-up becomes too great.
Remember: leave these kinds of check-ups and repairs to the professionals!
Clean Your Air Filter
As your air conditioner cools the air it is also cleaning it. Over time, your air conditioner's air filter can get NASTY and full of dirt, hair, lint and more. As it gets clogged up, it is harder for air to pass through and moisture can build up on the dirt, where mold begins to grow.
Thankfully, you don't need an expert HVAC service technician to change an air filter. Be sure to change your air filter every month. This keeps your air clean and help prevent build-up that can lead to moisture and mold inside your unit.
A clogged system also has to work harder, which can wear it out sooner and lead to expensive repairs.
Clear Away Outside Blockages
It is important to make sure anything that could block air flow is cleared from your HVAC unit. Like a dirty air filter, any blockages like bushes, trees, fallen leaves or anything else that could get in its way can cause your system to work harder.
These obstacles may also cause or produce additional airborne blockages that will clog up your filter.
Don't let the heat and water damage get the best of you this summer. Call Chapman Heating and Air Conditioning today at 317-291-4909 to schedule an appointment with one of our excellent service technicians!
Chapman | Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing is your source for qualified HVAC repair and installation contractors.
Over time, some things need repairs or a tune up. There really is no avoiding it. Sometimes, depending on what it is, a fix is something relatively easy that we elect to do ourselves.
Fixing a tear in your favorite jeans, changing a bald tire or installing a new light fixture are all manageable DIY projects. But, when it comes to your home appliances, it isn't that simple.
Sometimes air conditioner repair can be expensive and, being a vital part of your home in the summer, may cause you to think about forgoing a professional, rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself.
If this is you, stop right now! Trust us, air conditioner repair is no DIY project. For someone who hasn't been properly trained with the know-how of how to repair these systems, you can end up doing even more damage and possibly harming yourself.
Leave air conditioner repair to the professionals. Here's why.
Danger! High Voltage
Air conditioners rely on and utilize high amounts of electricity (you may have noticed by your energy bills in the summer!). All kidding aside, electricity is no joke. When you tinker around with an air conditioner without much knowledge or training with electricity, you open yourself up to potentially deadly consequences. Like in any other case, it is best to steer clear from electricity.
Chemicals, Refrigerants and Fumes
Air conditioners rely on a cocktail of different and chemicals and refrigerants to help keep your home cool. Handling these chemicals and refrigerants requires extensive training and safety equipment topped off with certification. Exposure to these chemicals in the wrong manner are extremely deadly or potentially lead to poisonous fumes and spills.
Doing Even More Damage
Let's say you are brave enough to tackle your own air conditioner repair. If you don't know exactly what you are doing you may end up doing even more damage to other areas even if you miraculously fix whatever was wrong. This could also result in you voiding the warranty on your unit entirely. Air conditioners , although a seemingly simple concept , are far more complicated than that. Furthermore, diagnosing the issue to begin with, without the proper training, can be very difficult.
You Probably Are Not Equipped
You wouldn't want to go to work on your car with a hammer, would you? Air conditioner repair is a highly-technical field. Like other highly technical fields, this kind of work requires a specific set of tools and the skills to properly use them the way only a trained professional knows how.
You may consider yourself extremely handy or a good craftsman. However, that alone does not make you qualified to try your hand at air conditioner repair. In most cases, you will only end up doing more harm than good and put yourself at risk of injury.
Always turn to an air conditioner repair expert, like Chapman | Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing. Our service techs are not only properly equipped, but they have the know how to properly diagnose and repair your air conditioner and keep it running strong during these hot spring and summer months.
We carry, install and repair top-of-the-line air conditioner units and are proud to serve all of Central Indiana's plumbing, heating and cooling needs.
Give Chapman | Heating | Air Conditioning | Plumbing a call to provide air conditioning services for your home today.
Can Your Air Conditioner Help Fight Allergies?
Your air conditioner helps keep your home cool and comfortable during the harsh spring and summer months. Everybody knows that and, especially here in Indiana, is extremely grateful for it.
But, did you know that your air conditioner does more than just keep you cool?
As if fighting the heat wasn't reason enough to have your unit running in tip top shape year-round, your air conditioner is actually an instrumental piece of equipment for keeping allergens at bay and you allergy-free.
You may be wondering how could this be? After all, doesn't it just keep the air cool? Keeping a cool home can directly fight certain common household causes of allergies.
Mold and Mildew
Take mold and mildew for example. While toxic mold and mildew like Black Mold are not very common, more simplified versions often grow around the home. If left unattended, mold and mildew cause respiratory problems and can heighten allergy issues.
Mold and mildew grow most commonly in areas high in moisture and humidity, making places like your bathroom, basement and laundry rooms ideal targets. However, by regularly running your air conditioner, especially after showers and while doing laundry, you can keep humidity levels down and make it harder for these common allergens to grow.
Dust Mites
The thought that there are tiny living particulates around your house can be a little gross, but it's the truth. Dust mites are common household pets. Although nearly invisible, a regular household contains a great number of them.
The byproducts of dust mites are a major cause of common allergies like coughing, wheezing and sneezing. While it is impossible to completely rid your home of dust mites, there are measures you can take to keep them at bay.
Like other mites and parasites, dust mites thrive in humid areas. It makes perfect sense then that keeping the air dry and cool limits their growth and population. Other measures like frequent dusting, vacuuming and washing of bedding has been shown to also help, but experts stress controlling humidity as the most effective tactic.
Purified Air
An air conditioner doesn't just keep the air cool, it also helps keep the air fresh and clean. When your air conditioner pulls hot air out of your house, it is also pulling significant amounts of pollen, dander, dust and even pet hair that may also be present. So, the air that remains is not only cooler, but also freer from pollution, contaminants and allergens.
However, the job is not done there. These contaminants cause a buildup on built-in air filters inside air conditioning units, causing them to the filters to prevent catching more and reintroducing the contaminants into the air.
For this reason, it is crucial to regularly replace air filters according to manufacturer's instructions. Even more important is making sure your entire unit is up-to-date and running in tip-top shape. If you are having some issues with yours after turning it on for the first time this year, it may be an easy fix or time for a replacement.
Either way, your friends at Chapman can help! Give us a call or schedule service online. We are proud to serve Central Indiana for all your heating, cooling and plumbing needs.
Looking for local ac repair contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today
There are a lot of things to love about spring, and allergies are not one of them. A big reason for them is pollen, which many people are allergic to. Pollen is released by trees, flowers, grass and weeds as they start to fertilize and grow once the temperature increases.
But there are many more different causes of allergies. In fact, allergens are present year-round. Things like dust, pet dander, mold and mildew are other large causes of allergies and respiratory problems.
With all the new activity around the house kicking around these irritants and the increase in pollen, spring always becomes the worst time of year for allergies.
To help save you lots of sneezing, coughing and runny noses, we thought we would give you some simple and helpful tips for fighting allergies this spring.
Frequently vacuum carpet and rugs
Rugs, carpets and other non-leather, wood, plastic or metal furnishings like chairs and sofas are like magnets to dust and dander, especially for pet owners. These allergens get caught deep in the fibers of whatever surface they find. Then when someone walks or sits on them the rerelease into the air.
A good way to prevent this is to vacuum your carpeting and upholstery and shake out your rugs often, once or maybe even twice a week. Oh, and always be sure to dust non-fibrous surfaces frequently as well.
If you are troubled by allergies and are considering making some changes around the house, you can think about replacing your carpeting with laminate or hardwood floors.
Attack mold and mildew build-up
Mold and mildew grows in places that are high in temperature and moisture. As you can imagine, your bathroom is an ideal location for it to grow and take hold. These allergens are also the cause of a lot of respiratory issues and need to be addressed.
It is fairly common for most bathrooms to have some level of mildew, and mold is typically pretty easy to spot. But, here are a few ways of seeking it out not only in your bathroom but around the house as well.
If you spot mold and mildew beginning to appear, scrub it with soapy water or one of the many anti-mold sprays at your local hardware store. If the problem is too severe, you may need to call in an expert.
When it comes to preventing them there are a couple different methods you can use. Make sure to keep your bathroom dry with fans and there is even special mold-resistant paint available to use in your bathroom.
Keep your windows closed
We know, we know, it is going to be so beautiful outside that it may feel nice to have a breeze come through the house. As nice as it may feel, you are opening yourself up for pollen and other airborne allergens to enter your home and wreak havoc.
That doesn't mean you should be a total shut in, though. Just be smart about when you choose to take in the spring breeze. For example, as nice as it may be to have the windows open during the evening, pollen counts are highest between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Besides, you can always rely on your air conditioner. Just be sure you always keep those vents and air filters nice and clean. Those are other hot spots for dust and dander accumulation.
Looking for air filters contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today
DIY. A great concept for trying your hand at building a coffee table or turning an ordinary jar into a colorful centerpiece for the living room. But there are a few things that really require the technical know-how of a trained professional. When something goes wrong in the home, it's tempting to try doing it yourself. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to costly damages and dangerous situations when dealing with HVAC units.
High Voltage Electricity
What you don't know will hurt you. These units are highly technical and utilize a large amount of voltage electricity. It's best to stay away from these levels of electricity without knowing what can hurt you or even kill you. Doing it yourself is not worth the risk of potentially deadly consequences.
Chemical and Refrigerants
Heating and cooling appliances utilize chemicals and refrigerants most of us are unfamiliar with. Handling these chemicals can be deadly if the proper precautions are not followed. Proper training and safety gear is essential to make sure no one is injured by or exposed to deadly chemicals used in these systems. Handling these chemicals also requires certification.
Tools of the Trade
You wouldn't try to build a table without a hammer and a saw. The same is true for HVAC repair. Specialized, professional tools are used to correctly identify and repair problems. Without these tools you run the risk of creating even more damage to the unit. Professional technicians don't just come with experience, training and knowledge, they come prepared with tools specifically made for fixing problems.
Small Fix to a Bigger Issue
What might seem like a small issue to you could really be a symptom of a much larger issue. Even more challenging is diagnosing the real problem with the symptoms masked. If there is an issue with your unit, have a technician take a look to ensure that you aren't just patching an issue that will eventually become a costly, dangerous and inconvenient problem down the road.
Irreparable Damage
Small problems can quickly become big problems. The most dangerous decision is trying to fix something you don't know how to fix. One wrong decision and your left with more damage than you started with. The more you attempt to repair, the higher the risk of damaging a unit beyond repair.
Appropriate Size For Your Home
Without the knowledge of a trained technician, it's difficult to know what your home really needs in terms of size and capacity of your HVAC unit. Making these decisions alone leads to overspending on a unit ill-fitted for your home. When considering a new unit, do your research, but consult a certified technician to help you make the right choice for your space. In the end, a brief consultation at minimum will ensure you're making the best choice for best efficiency and comfort for your needs.
The good news is that for the handy personality type, there are still plenty of things you can do to maintain and service your unit. General maintenance and cleaning are essential for an efficient and healthy system. The next time you want to do a little work on your system, take on one of these tasks.
General Cleaning , Clean and check your filters, change them when necessary and keep your unit running at tip-top shape. This can, and should, be done frequently to make sure the air in your home is clean and your unit isn't working any harder than it needs to. Clear out leaves and branches and maintain clear space around the unit.
Battery Check , If you don't already have a carbon monoxide detector, go get one. Today. If you do, go check the batteries when you get home. A detector with bad batteries is just as useless as not having one at all. Check that your detector is in good working order monthly to make sure your home and family are safe from poisonous gas.
By hiring a professional for the big stuff and doing regular maintenance checks of what you can handle, you'll have a safe and efficient HVAC unit.
Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, your source for qualified hvac repair and installation
It is hard to believe we use products in our homes today that have their roots in designs which are more than 130 years old. When it comes to sump pump products, however, that is absolutely true.
At Chapman we are proud to install sump pumps manufactured by Myers. In business since the 1870's when they first introduced a dependable double-acting hand pump, today they offer a full line of sump pumps, sewage pumps and effluent pumps. Even after all these years they continue to set the standard for quality, value and reliability.
Their product line includes:
Submersible Cast Iron Sump Pumps
These products are installed in the lowest portion of your basement or crawl space. Since water will naturally flow downhill this is where water typically collects. A hole is dug for the sump and the submersible pump is installed under the floor. This is the most common and simplest operating sump pump available. As the sump well fills with water, a float switch is triggered. The water is then pumped out of the area into a storm drain, dry well or retention pond.
The key features of the Myers Model MC1033 Series
- Performance where it counts with 40 GPM at 10'
- Heavy-duty cast iron construction
- Upper and lower double lip seals deliver smoother operation
- Dual ball bearings
- Permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor promotes less energy consumption and longer life
- Multiple automatic switch options
- Raised inlet to reduce the maintenance time
- This product comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty.
Battery and Water-Powered Backup for your Sump Pump System
Homeowners in central Indiana rely on their sump pumps most during extreme weather. Unfortunately the high wind and lightening, which often accompany heavy rains that flood basements, may cause short term power outages.
Battery and Water-Powered backup pumps help protect the basement from water damage by kicking into action during power outages or primary sump pump failures.
We typically recommend one of the Glentronics, Inc. Pro series battery backup systems or the Water Commander water powered backup pump.
Talk to a professional
Remember your sump pump is a piece of equipment with moving parts that may wear out over time or need to be replaced. It is important to periodically test the unit to be sure it is working correctly.
If you are have questions about how well your sump pump is working, if you need a new one or if you should add a battery backup, the qualified technicians of Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing can answer all your questions.
Give Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, to provide sump pump services for your home today
The cost of a sump pump is well worth the amount of money you save by having one. Unfortunately, just having one isn't enough. Today we're talking about the real cost of a flood, what you need to do to make sure your sump pump is in good working condition and a few backup precautions to keep in mind.
Average Cost of Flood Damage
Depending on the type of damage, amount of water and location, the cost varies from a few hundred to thousands. According to Floodsmart.gov, drying a flooded basement can cost anywhere from $500 - $20,000.
- 1-4 inches: the estimated cost is $10,00 or more, depending on the size of the basement.
- 5- 8 inches: Flood Smart estimates roughly $20,000 in damage.
Try out the flood simulator to see how much it would cost if it were your home. You never know when flood waters might hit. Take Wildwood, New Jersey for example. A coastal town familiar with storms and flooding in the warm season, they were not prepared for what happened in the middle of winter. Warmer weather melted the snow and sent over 9 feet of flood water into the homes and basements of the town's residents.
Average Life Span
Sump pumps are relatively low-maintenance. Routine checks keep systems working properly. We recommend regularly checking the discharge line, inlet screen and pit to clear any debris or blockage. Slowly pour a bucket of water down the drain to test the pump. Check outside to make sure the water is going where it is supposed to , far away from the home.
When your pump start showing its age , or stops working the way it's supposed to, it's time for a replacement. A sump pump life span is about 5-7 years. You don't want to be left vulnerable when you need a pump the most, so it's a good idea to replace it when it reaches this age range.
Not only are newer pumps more reliable, technology updates have made them faster and more efficient at removing water.
Backup Precautions
A flood could happen at any time, sometimes without you knowing. Wi-Fi enabled water alarms alert you to water in the basement when it happens. This is your first step to minimizing damage and cost in the event of a flood.
Usually one of the first things to go in bad weather is the power. If you're lucky, the power stays on, your pump is in good working order and the basement stays dry. If not, a backup sump pump is your best line of defense against expensive water damage.
Battery pumps or water powered backup pumps can easily be installed in normal to narrow sump pits. They automatically begin pumping during power outages, when the main pump fails or when water exceeds the capacity for the main pump.
The investment to purchase a battery or water powered pump is worth the peace of mind. On average backup pumps cost between $1,600 , $2,200, depending on the pump selection and installation requirements.
Backup sump pumps are worth the time and money to protect your home. When you're ready to talk about sump pumps, the installation process and how your whole home will benefit from one, give us a call or schedule an appointment.
Looking for plumbing services contact Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, today
Despite what the popular song by Glen Campbell says, it does rain in Indianapolis in the summer time. When you add a naturally high water table to the frequent showers you are likely to have flooded basements and crawl spaces.
This flooding can damage anything stored in these spaces and the pervasive damp conditions can lead to mold formation.
Keep water out of the basement
Sounds simple, if water doesn't get in, you don't have to worry about pumping it back out. See if you can identify how the water is getting in. Sometimes a simple adjustment may make a big difference.
- Check your gutters; make sure they are not draining directly next to the foundation. Cleaning and repairing gutters will divert a significant amount of water away from your basement.
- Check the slope of your sidewalk, patio or pool deck. If any of these slope toward your house instead of away from it the water is likely to seep into the foundation.
Even when you make these adjustments, water will seep into the basement, that's why sump pumps are so common in homes here in Central Indiana.
A home owner's guide to sump pumps:
How the pump works: Water runs downhill, so sump pumps are installed at the lowest point in the basement or crawl space. As the water builds up in the sump pit, a float switch is triggered to push the water into the nearest retention pond, well, or storm drain.
While sump pumps come in both submersible and pedestal pumps we typically suggest the submersible one if your sump basin has the space. With this design the sump pit can be covered with a lid, reducing pump noise and preventing most debris from falling into the pit. An airtight lid also helps keep moist air from being released into your home.
Why you need a battery backup: During heavy storms your sump pump will be working overtime to get rid of excess water. Unfortunately, these heavy rainstorms are often accompanied by lightening or strong winds which may knock out your power lines. So just when you need the sump pump most, it may stop working. A simple battery backup will keep your pump running till the lights come back on.
How to test your sump pump: If you have an older sump pump it makes sense to test it every three months. Let's face it, you don't want to discover if doesn't work correctly as your basement starts filling up with water.
It is very simple to test your sump pump system. All you need to do is fill a 5 gallon bucket with water and pour it slowly into the sump pump. As the area fills with water the float triggers will activate the pump. If your system is working properly, it will take just a few minutes for the water level to drop and the sump pump to shut off.
If it doesn't drain correctly that's the time to call one of the licensed sump pump service technicians at Chapman before the next rain storm.
Give Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, to install a sump pump in your home today
