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Learn how you can prevent and repair a leaky basement from the Gordon Energy & Drainage team.

Little Giant = Big Quality

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We couldn’t believe it either. Last week when storms hit the Kansas City metro, we just about cried tears of joy. The sound of thunder. The gusts of wind. The ominous sky. It was a sight for sore (and dry) eyes.

Now that the rain is returning in small bits, it’s time to think about your sump pump. With the condition of the soil and the unpredictable weather, there’s a very good chance that flash flooding will occur under the right circumstances—even in your own basement.

At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we want to help you avoid that situation by equipping you with a quality sump pump. As Kansas City’s top sump pump installation company, we offer quality products that help our customers avoid the costly disaster of home or commercial property flooding.

One of the most popular lines on the market is the Little Giant ES33 Series. And due to Little Giants’ outstanding products and reputation, it’s a brand we’ve trusted for years. These ES33 models are energy-saving, high-performance, fully submersible sump/effluent pumps that are designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with Little Giant’s demanding standards. The ES33 comes with a powerful 1/3 HP Permanent Split Capacitor motor that allows the pump to run cooler and last longer while still delivering 40 GPM  at 10’ total dynamic head. The ES33 also conserves energy by drawing only 5.0 full load amps, which is almost half the energy of the standard 1/3 horsepower pumps.

For those with extreme amounts of water entering their sump pits, a good option to consider is the Heavy Duty 10EN pump. We recommend this HD pump be used in these cases as they have a high capability to pump vertically. The HD 10EN can keep going even when the water level reaches beyond the boundaries of standard sump pumps guaranteeing a higher capacity and greater success in intense situations.

As a customer- focused company, we at Gordon Energy & Drainage want to offer only the best products to those who trust us with their business. That’s why we carry Little Giant sump pumps. We’ve been in this business for a long time and have come to believe that these products are highly reliable and of exceptional quality. If choose to let us install one in your home or commercial facility, we guarantee that you’ll be better prepared for the return of the rain. And return it will. . . Eventually.

 

The Big Deal About A Little Flood

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It’s more than just a mess. It’s more than just an inconvenience. It can cause expensive damage to your home and ruin irreplaceable personal belongings. It’s something to be avoided at all costs and a problem that should never be underestimated. What is it? It’s water in your basement. And if left untreated, even the tiniest of leaks can wreak havoc on your home.

Of course, the most obvious damage done by water leaks are to personal belongings. Sentimental items commonly stored in basements are some of the most valuable items to be destroyed simply because they can’t be recreated. Along with important documents and historical records, other damaged belongings can include laundry appliances, carpeting, electronics and furniture. And while replacing washing machines and televisions is possible, it is costly.

Beyond the loss of possessions, basement floods and leaks can also cause structural damage to your home. The moisture causes doors and cabinets to warp and can lead to the deterioration of sub-flooring, beams and even the floors above the basement. If any of these are greatly damaged, the home repair cost will skyrocket along with your home’s instability.

But it’s more than just a home issue. If you still need proof that basement water is a serious problem, just consider the health factor. Roughly 15 million Americans are allergic to mold, which is exactly what is produced when water is allowed into a home. The buildup of mold and mildew, which is bred in dark, damp environments, can lead to any number of reactions from slight inconveniences like itchy eyes and runny noses to the severe threats including lung infections, asthma and pneumonia-like symptoms. This becomes especially dangerous for those who have current health conditions or who have weak immune systems. Thus, it’s important to deal with the problem as soon as it is detected.

When it comes to water in your basement, you can’t just clean up the mess and move on. Something went wrong that allowed the water inside, and if it isn’t treated, it will keep happening. Whether it is a hairline crack or a major gap, it needs to be handled before it costs you more in home repairs, health care bills and the loss of personal belongings. Plus, let’s face it; it smells bad too, and no one wants a musty basement.

This fall, as the rain returns to Kansas City, be sure to keep a good eye on your basement and look for signs of water entry. If you see any leaks or cracks, call Gordon Energy & Drainage. We’ll evaluate the situation for free, outline the repair options and let you make the final decision. As one of Kansas City’s most trusted companies, we promise to give you the highest quality of work available. So don’t wait for water to cost you more than you are willing to pay. Call Gordon Energy & Drainage today for a free estimate!

Leaks, Cracks And The Return Of Rain

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This drought will end sometime. In fact, all of our favorite news outlets are forecasting rain in the future, and when it arrives, you can bet the soil will be ready to receive it.

The question we all need to ask, then, is whether or not our basement is just as ready. This summer’s drought took a toll on many home foundations. As the soil dried up, the ground pulled away from the perimeter of most houses, causing the property to settle and crack. And to this point, because it’s remained so dry, these cracks may have gone unnoticed.

That’s a good thing if you’re a homeowner. No one wants to find out the hard way that their basement walls have cracks. That means there’s water everywhere and that your personal property is damaged or ruined. Instead, we believe you want to discover any damage before the rain returns to the area. That way, you won’t have to wade through wet boxes and soggy papers to fix the cracks that formed over the summer.

Think about basement cracks like this: When it rains, your home takes on the nature of a boat floating on a lake. If the boat has any holes in it, the water will seep through the parts submerged. It’s the same way with your basement. When the groundwater rises, it will find a way into your basement through any exposed area, even hairline cracks.

At Gordon Energy & Drainage, we specialize in wet basements and damaged foundations and can spot any potential dangers that are threatening the condition of your home. And now is the time to have your property inspected. Either go down to your basement on your own and do a thorough examination of the walls and surfaces, or call in the professionals and have us take a look. We can help you either spot any unnoticed damage or evaluate and fix what you’ve already detected. Because with the extremity of the drought this summer, it’s a safe bet that your home took a beating at its base. And, like we said, you don’t want to find out the hard way.

Before you become a victim of basement cracks and find yourself paying the high price of water damage, take time to look over the area and check for cracks and places where water could seep through. If you see anything suspicious, contact us at Gordon Energy & Drainage. Spare yourself the hassle of a wet basement. Call us today!

How Soil Moisture Leads To Water Damage In A Home’s Basement

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It’s best to prepare yourself now: If you have a foundation or a basement, chances are you will get a leak at some point. That’s just part of owning a home or property. Because the moisture level changes so drastically in the soil (like this summer’s extreme drought), your home’s foundation walls and floors will be under a great deal of stress. Let us explain…

Without moisture, dry soil contracts and pulls away from the foundation walls and footings. Obviously this isn’t what causes the leaky basement, but it does cause stress, cracks and settling, and that’s where the leaks come in. These detrimental cracks in the foundation become the places where leaks appear once the rains come back and moisture is reintroduced to the soil.

On the flipside, when the soil is wet, it expands and pushes against a foundation’s walls and footings. This pushing squeeze against the foundation walls causing cracks and making the walls bow inward. The wet soil can also squeeze against the bottom of your floor and create cracks and heaving. Depending on the severity of the problem, water can enter the basement through these cracks and create damage to your home.

When the change in soil causes cracks that lead to basement leaks, there are several solutions we at Gordon Energy & Drainage can offer depending on the nature of the problem.

PROBLEM:  Water comes up from underneath the floor through cracks or other penetrations.

SOLUTION:  We break up the concrete floor and install a sump pit to collect the water. Then we install a sump pump to discharge that water and install a drain tile.

PROBLEM:  Water comes through a crack in the foundation wall.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

1.  Dig up and expose the crack on the outside and patch the crack with waterproofing.

2.  Inject the crack from the inside using epoxy or chemical grout.

3.  Do both repairs listed above.

PROBLEM: Multiple cracks on the foundation wall are allowing water to seep through.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS:

1.  Dig up and expose the entire foundation wall down to the footing. Install a waterproofing membrane and drainage board on the entire wall; then install a drain tile system that takes this water to a sump pump or daylight.

2.  Install a collection system on the inside of the wall that collects the water and takes it to a sump pump.

Should the soil moisture level create problems for your foundation that lead to cracks an leaks, we want you to know that there is usually a solution—maybe even more than one. The key is to know the options, lay them out on the table and then pick one based on the costs and probable outcome.

At Gordon Energy & Drainage it’s our job to help you through that process. We’ll examine your home and help you determine both the cause of the leak and the best way to fix it. Our professionals will walk you through all of the available options and help you determine the best solution for your situation. We’ll help you stay leak-free once the moisture returns. Whenever that may be.

Prepare For Rain’s Return: Get A Backup Sump Pump

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With the current state of drought in the Midwest reaching record levels, flooding may be the last thing on your mind. Most of us are so focused on the lack of rain that we forget what will happen when it comes. But eventually rain will return to Kansas City. The skies will open, and we will see the kind of downpour that we’re used to in the warmer months. And when that happens, we at Gordon Energy & Drainage want to make sure you are prepared for the storm.

This summer, you may have forgotten about your sump pump, focusing more on your air conditioner, but when was the last time you considered this machine and its condition? These are the home-saving pieces of equipment that keep the water out of your basement and are necessary parts of just about every structure. But just like everything else, sump pumps have their quirks and can fail at the least opportune moments.

With such dry soil this summer, all it will take will be one good rain to cause a variety of flood problems. The soil won’t be able to absorb a massive amount of moisture that falls quickly, which will cause flooding in areas of Kansas City. If your home is prone to floods and relies heavily on a sump pump during normal conditions, we encourage you to consider adding a backup sump pump to your home.

Normal sump pumps fail for a variety of reasons, the first being power outages. This is one of the most common reasons why homeowners install battery-operated backup sump pumps. Should the electricity go out during a storm, they don’t have to worry about the water level in their sump basin overflowing. The backup pump kicks in and takes over preventing basement flooding. It’s a highly beneficial piece of emergency equipment that can (and most likely will) save you thousands of dollars.

The second reason sump pumps fail is simply because it wears out or just plain quits. Let’s face it, machines all stop working after a time, and sump pumps are no different. Eventually they will stop running, and you’ll be left to find out the hard way through a basement flood. If, however, you have that backup option, you won’t have to worry about this worst-case scenario. You’ll be covered when your sump pump runs its last cycle and let the backup keep you from costly water damage.

The last main factor that determines sump pump failure is the size of the storm. Here in the Midwest, we can get some pretty nasty weather, and every once in a while it will be too much for a regular sump pump to handle. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen, and the results can be costly. Once again…It’s a great reason to back up the sump pump. Just like in sports, when the starting player can’t get the job done, you have to have a sub who can come off the bench and save the game.

This summer, while you’re praying for rain, we encourage you take the chance to prepare for its return. Consider the condition of your sump pump and investigate the option of a backup. While we’ll be here for you if you need us in a disaster, we at Gordon Energy & Drainage know you’d prefer not to have to make that call. Instead, make the easier call to us to check out one of our StormPro backup sump pumps. By making that choice, we know you’ll save a lot of money, a lot of damage, a lot of time and, most importantly, a lot of sanity.

Flood Season Preparation

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With the rain and storm season upon us, it’s time to start thinking about the potential of water and flood damage to your home. The months of May and June are historically the wettest in Kansas and Missouri and provide the most likely conditions for floods and high water levels. No one will forget the historic floods of 2011, and while it’s unlikely that we will experience that kind of condition two years in a row, it’s always good to be prepared.

One of the most basic ways you can prepare your home for the rainy season is by installing a quality sump pump in your basement. Sump pumps remove groundwater from in and around your house and are ideal for areas like the Midwest that can experience high amounts of rain in a short period of time. Sump pumps are also great for homes located in low-lying areas that have greater potential for water accumulation.

A quality sump pump can save you thousands of dollars in flood damage and provide everyday protection from accumulated groundwater and excess moisture. And because flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United State, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Should your home already have a sump pump, now is a great time to check its condition. Make sure that it is working properly now so that when the rain comes you won’t find out the hard way that was in need of repair. And because sump pumps are hard-working machines, we recommend replacing them every five years. Be sure to check the date your sump pump was installed and consider upgrading your equipment if necessary.

Take our advice and don’t put this on the backburner. Before the storms of spring leave you standing in a basement full of water, protect your home with a quality sump pump from your friends at Gordon Energy & Drainage—the top sump pump installation company in Kansas City!

 

How Sump Pumps Work In Homes

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A sump pump is a requirement if you have a full basement. Without one, your basement can take on water during wet weather events.

Don’t confuse a SUMP PUMP with a SUMP PIT. A sump pit is used to collect the rain water that can form around your home or structure. A sump pump is used to discharge that water away.

How does water enter a sump pit so the pump has a chance to work? Water will take the path of least resistance. The most common way is when the ground water table beneath your home rises and eventually pushes “upwards” beneath the home. (see drawing)

As rains continue, the ground becomes so saturated that it forms a water table.  The ground becomes so saturated, that this water table rises upward and possibly towards the bottom of your basement floor slab.  If the water table rises to the same level as your basement floor, you can experience a wet basement.  This is unless you have a sump pit to collect this water and a sump pump to get it far away from your house.

A home with an average size basement (about 1,400 s.f.) will need 1 sump pump that has the capacity to pump 2,000 gallons of water per hour.  This is an average that works on most homes, but there are always factors that can change this.    If your home is in an extremely wet area, low lying area, near a water source, etc… you may need an additional sump pump or a larger one.

Your sump pit basin should hold at least 30 gallons of water, and be at least 24″ deep.  If your sump pit is too small, or less than 30 gallons, it may cause your sump pump to cycle more often in order to keep up with the water that comes in.   This increased cycling can reduce your sump pumps life span.  A sump pit that is not deep enough will allow the water table to get close to the same level as your basement floor before the sump pump can operate.

The  best way to keep water away from your floor slab, and even needing the sump pump to work is proper drainage around the home.  A good slope of 1″ – 2″ per 5′ is a good minimum to keep any moisture from sinking down around your foundation.  The moisture that comes down on your roof should be directed into your gutters and taken at least 10′ away from the home.

A sump pump should last at least 5 years. They are like a coffee pot or hair dryer.  You never know when it will burn up.  Some people opt to install a 2nd sump pump, directly on top of the primary pump just in case the 1st one decides to call it quits.  This is a good insurance policy, especially if you live in a home that needs the sump pump to work in order to maintain a dry basement.  You may not have time to replace it before your basement floods!   Also, the cost to install a sump pump on an emergency basis can be way more costly.

The sump pump should discharge the water so it gets at least 10′ away from the house.  You don’t want your sump pump to pump the same water over and over again.  It is a common practice to bury the sump pump discharge line under the ground to a nice place in the yard that is far away from the house and has good slope.

The sump pit should be cleaned out at least once per year as debris, silt, etc… can infiltrate it and potentially cause the pump to clog.  Your sump pit and sump pump should be maintained just like  your heating and cooling system.   Annual inspections should be made by someone who knows what they are looking for to help ensure that your sump pump will be ready when it is needed.

Drain Tile Installed On The Footing Vs Next To Or Off The Footing

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Drain tile installed on the footing vs. next to the footing

It is technically better to install the drain tile off, or next to the footing.  But, it is also better to use a 1,000 pound chain when installing a swing.  But, will you ever need a 1,000 pound chain?  Would a 700 pound chain do the job?  In most cases, yes.  But, a 1,000 pound chain is still better, right?  That is the basic logic behind installing drain tile off, or next to the footing vs. installing it on the footing.

It takes more labor to install the drain tile off the footing.  The reason is because the ground next to the footing needs to be prepped.  Trenching with a shovel may be necessary to ensure that the top of the tile is not above the footer.  Concrete overspill from the foundation may need to be removed.  Additionally, you should not lay the tile directly on the dirt, so a 2” minimum bed of gravel or filter fabric should be installed first.

Installing drain tile on the footing is much easier and requires less labor.  You simply sweep the footing and it is ready for drain tile installation.

You can expect to pay about $ .75 – $ 1.00 per lineal foot more to install a drain tile next to the footing vs. on the footing.  You will also have a little more gravel to pay for.  This equates to about $ 200 more for an average sized home.

Is it worth the extra $ 200?  Having an understanding of how water enters a basement is the key to understanding if it is better to install it off the footing.   The drain tile system is designed to keep the water table from pushing up on the bottom of the basement slab.  If you can imagine the water table doing this, you can get a clear picture of how it works.   During rainfall events, the ground beneath the home becomes so saturated that the water table rises like a lake upwards towards the floor slab.  The water will take the path of least resistance.  A drain tile system should be this path of least resistance since it is installed at a level that is lower than the floor.  But, is lower better?

If your drain tile system is installed next to the footing, it is lower than a drain tile that is installed on the footing.  So, it will be able to pick up the rising water table sooner.  It manages the water approximately 4” – 8” sooner than a drain tile that is installed on the footing.  (this can vary depending on how much trenching is done)

But, drain tile installed on the footing is still installed at a level that is lower than your basement floor so it still works.  Drain tile installed on the footing will allow a water table to rise closer to your basement floor.  But, as long as it keeps it from penetrating the floor, does it matter?  Well, in some rare cases, a water table can rise so fast that it overwhelms a standard drain tile system.  In those cases, it could be beneficial to have it lower.

Should You Install A Secondary Drain Tile On The Inside Of Your Basement?

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As a builder, you may be faced with the question, “is an inside tile worth the extra expense?”  We will attempt to lay out the facts about it so you can make your own conclusion.

First, an interior, or secondary drain tile is not required by most city codes.  Currently, Miami County, KS is the only jurisdiction that does require it.

Having an understanding of how water enters a basement is the key to understanding if an interior drain tile is worth the extra money.   All drain tile (exterior and interior) are designed to keep the water table from pushing up on the bottom of the basement slab.  If you can imagine the water table doing this, you can get a clear picture of how it works.   During rainfall events, the ground beneath the home becomes so saturated that the water table rises like a lake upwards towards the floor slab.  The water will take the path of least resistance. Hopefully, the home that you build has a good working drain tile system so that path of least resistance is not the cracks in the floor!

An interior drain tile is simply one more place for this rising water table to take as its path of least resistance.  It is a backup or extra help for your exterior drain tile.

However, there is 1 more avenue that this water table can take besides the drain tile.  It is the gravel bed that is directly under your basement slab.  A good bed of clean ½” or ¾” gravel (4” thick or greater) will allow a lot more water to pass through it than a drain tile can.   This is because the gravel bed is placed across the entire basement, vs. just next to the footing.   Generally, larger, clean, & rounded gravel will allow the most water to travel through it.   There are many things that can happen to you to cause the gravel to not be able to do the job.  Plumbers who dig in the ground rough pipes can sometimes leave dirt trenches causing dams in the gravel bed.  Footings are sometimes placed in the middle of a basement, causing a dam.  Dirty gravel, crush & run gravel, or pea sized gravel won’t allow for the proper flow of water.  In, these cases, the gravel may not be a good source for the water’s path of least resistance.

An average price for an interior drain tile is about $ 1.20 per lineal foot.  An average size home would utilize about 180’ lineal feet to circle a basement, or cost you about $ 220.

Sometimes, an interior drain tile may be added on a lot by lot basis.  In summary, installing inside drain tile is definitely better than not, but you have to decide if the extra cost is worth the extra piece of mind.

Why 2 Sump Pumps Can Be Better Than 1

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So, you have a sump pump and you are wondering what would happen if yours failed?

There are 3 reason why 1 sump pump may not be enough:

1.  Your sump pump decides it is time to die!
2.  Your sump pump can’t keep up with the water coming in.
3.  The power goes out

Sump pumps are like coffee pots or hair dryers.  If your coffee pot quits working, you have to go to Starbucks to get your caffeine fix.  If your hair dryer quits working, you have a bad hair day.  Both can be replaced and your loss isn’t that significant. But, what will happen to your basement if your sump pump just decides to quit?  You may not even know that it quit.  Really, how often do you check on it?   If your basement floods, what type of damage will that do to you?

So, one reasonable solution to this potential problem is to have 2 sump pumps instead of 1 in the same sump pit basin.  A second sump pump can help reduce the potential threat of 1 dying or not being big enough to handle that big rainstorm.

How do you do this?
It is called the “piggy back” approach.  It is simply 1 sump pump on top of another.  You could set both sump pumps at the bottom of your sump pit basin, but that would mean that both pumps would run at the same time.  This can actually hurt both sump pumps because they would both be cycling more often.  The more a pump turns on and off the shorter the life span.  So, by installing the 2nd sump pump slightly higher, or on top of the primary pump, they won’t be working in tandem.  The 2nd pump will only have to work in the scenario that your primary pump fails or can’t keep up with the water that enters your sump pit basin.

Typical Kansas City sump pumps are expected to last 5 years.  However, like any electronic device, they can last 1 day or a lifetime. Sure, they come with warranties, but the warranties don’t cover your property.  What good will it do you to have a warranty that will give you a new sump pump AFTER your basement has suffered damage?  But, if you get 5 years out of a pump, you should be happy.  So, if you have a sump pump that is working, don’t throw it away no matter how old it is.  You never know when it’s life is up.  Unless you have money to blow, just keep it.  You may consider adding a brand new pump to be there when your primary pump decides it is time to go to the dump.

It is also recommended to maintain your sump pumps on a regular basis.  Go down to your basement during a variety of rain events and monitor your sump pump.  Be aware of how often your pump cycles on and off.  How fast does the water enter your sump pit basin?  This may not be scientific, but it can help educate you as to how important your sump pump is at your particular location.  Every house is different.  Maybe your sump pump hardly ever runs and your threat is minimal.   It is also recommended to clean out your sump pit basin.  Sometimes, small rock particles and silt can infiltrate in and potentially cause your sump pump to clog up.  Keep your pit clean!  Try to do this when it is not raining so you aren’t fighting all that water.  A wet/dry vacuum will do the trick nicely.

Gordon Energy & Drainage, located at 15735 S. Mahaffie in Olathe, KS installs over 2,000 sump pumps every year.  They have a sump pump that they install for about $280 that can pump 2,400 gallons per hour.  So, the question is simple.  Is it worth $280 of your money to add a 2nd sump pump to your basement? Read more about Kansas City sump pump installation .

Considering A Backup Sump Pump?

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So, you have a sump pump and you are wondering what would happen if yours failed?

There are a variety of reasons to consider a back up to your primary sump pump.

1.  The power goes out

2.  Your sump pump decided it was time to die

3.  Your sump pump was not big enough to handle that 1 big storm

 

 

Before making the decision to spend money, we would highly recommend learning more about your sump pump.  Take time to go down into the basement during heavy rain events and monitor your pump.  How long is the period of time between cycles?  If it is less than a minute, you have quite a bit of ground water entering your sump pit.  If it is over 10 minutes, then you don’t have near as much.  There is no clear dividing line on what is a lot of water, but you can use these numbers for a start.

Now take the time to see what would happen if your sump pump failed or quit working due to a power outage.  UNPLUG THE PUMP TO SIMULATE A PUMP FAILURE.  Watch the water levels in your sump pit to see how fast the water rises.  This is what will actually happen during a pump failure or power outage.  IF THE WATER IN THE PIT RISES TO 6” BELOW YOUR BASEMENT FLOOR LEVEL—PLUG YOUR PUMP BACK IN!!!  You do not want to flood your basement.

Now you are more educated about your sump pump situation as it pertains to your home.  Maybe you are not an expert, but you can make some basic assumptions and get a better feel for it.  Additionally, you can take the information that you learned and let a professional know so they can help assess your situation.

It is now time for you to decide if you should spend some money on providing back up protection.

SOLUTION FOR: THE POWER GOES OUT

There are some possible solutions to provide back up assistance in the case of a power outage.

OPTION 1: BATTERY OPERATED BACK UP PUMP: These back up systems converts a 12 Volt battery into standard 120 Volt electricity to run the sump pump.  Most of these systems utilize a separate sump pump that is capable of running on AC power.  This pump typically sits directly next or on top of your primary sump pump.  Some of them come with indicator lights that tells you the status of the system.

These battery operated back up pumps come in a variety of sizes and pumping capabilities.  For most homes, you can expect to pay $ 400 – $ 1,200 which would include the AC pump, 12 Volt battery, piping, fittings, and labor.  If you are handy, you can buy these at most hardware stores and install them yourself.  Don’t forget all of the fittings and pipe glue that you will need.

Gordon Energy & Drainage offers the STORM-PRO 2100 and STORM-PRO AC33 which can pump up to 3,000 gallons of water per hour based on 10’ of head pressure.  Head pressure is measured by how tall the unit has to pump water vertically before it discharges.  We use 10’ as a standard to measure this.  If your head pressure is less than 10’, you will get more pumping capacity.  If your head pressure is over 10’, you will get less pumping capacity.

OPTION 2: WATER OPERATED BACK UP PUMP. This system is similar to the battery operated back up, but instead of using a battery to power the pump it uses your municipal water system.

The system, when installed, connects to your incoming water line.  When the pump is activated, the water pressure from your incoming water line propels the pump into operation.  Gordon Energy & Drainage offers the LIBERTY SUMP JET.

The positive: Very reliable!  You should always have water pressure.  You don’t have to rely on the battery or maintenance of a battery.

The negative: The pumping capacity is dictated by your water pressure.  Most people don’t know what that is, and aren’t able to determine how well their back up pump will perform.  Will it be enough?    In most cases, a water operated back up unit will not be able to pump as much as a battery operate unit.  Another thing to consider is the cost for water.  Since your back up unit should only be working in the case of an emergency, you should not need to worry too much.  But, if your water operated back up unit runs for a longer period of time, you will have to pay for that water.

OPTION 3: GET A GENERATOR: There are a wide variety of generators available on the market.  The cost can vary greatly, but you can expect to pay $ 800 – $ 2,000 for one big enough to run a sump pump and a few other things.  You can pay well over that for one big enough to run your entire house!

SOLUTION FOR: YOUR SUMP PUMP MAY DECIDE IT IS TIME TO DIE!

 

You can never know how long a sump pump will last.  They are like coffee pots or hair dryers.  They can last forever or a month.  A good sump pump will come with a 1-2 year warranty.  But, most warranties do not cover any losses that you may experience.  They come with a replacement warranty only.

So, you have to ask yourself, “what is my risk?”

If you would feel better having a back up plan in place, then you could consider installing a battery back up sump pump (as discussed above) which runs on both battery or electricity.    In this case, you have a back up in place that will protect you from a dying sump pump OR a power failure.

Another option is to install a 2nd standard pump that runs on electricity only.  This will not protect you in the case of a power outage, but will be there in case your first pump dies. The odds of 2 pumps dying at the same time are much more unlikely. The advantage here is cost.  A pump that runs on electricity costs less than a battery back up unit.

SOLUTION FOR: YOUR SUMP PUMP IS NOT BIG ENOUGH TO HANDLE THE STORM

When your primary pump is not big enough to handle the water that enters the sump pit, you have to consider beefing up your pumping power.

Option 1: Replace it with a bigger one that is sized appropriately.  One negative with this is cost.  The cost for pumps increase greatly the bigger they get.   Another thing to consider is that you are throwing away your existing sump pump that was not big enough, but it still worked.

Option 2: Add another sump pump or battery back up unit into your existing sump pit.  This allows you to keep your existing sump pump that is still working, but just not big enough to handle the heavy storms.  In this case you would not need to add as big of a pump since you are still utilizing some of your pumps capabilities.

Before you spend any money, get the facts.  Contact Gordon Energy & Drainage for your Kansas City sump pump installation needs.

Waterproofing Vs Dampproofing

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PROS & CONS OF WATERPROOFING YOUR FOUNDATION VS. DAMPROOFING

Many homeowners and builders are faced with many options when they build a house. Each phase of building a home has so many options from the cheapest to most expensive choices. Do we choose granite countertops or formica? Do we choose a tile roof or composition shingles? Do we add a tyvek house air barrier? Do we do double wall construction? Do we make the exterior maintenance free? If a homeowner or homebuilder always chose the best option from each subcontractor, the price of the home would skyrocket.

It is entirely possible to build a 2,500 square foot home for $ 300,000. And, you can build the same exact floor plan on the exact same lot for $ 1,000,000. So, as the decision maker, we have to pick and choose where to make our upgrades.

There are choices to be made choosing what product to install on the exterior of the foundation walls. Gordon Energy & Drainage is a sub-contractor who offers many choices when it is time to protect the basement. They come in right after the foundation walls are set and just before the backfilling takes place. Do we install the typical builder-grade damproofing, or upgrade to a true rubber membrane waterproofing? Damproofing, is a black road type oil that is applied to the foundation walls. It looks like it would seal the basement and keep it from leaking. However, buyer beware!! Damproofing will not span a foundation wall crack. It does not have the elasticity needed to protect the basement from leaking if a crack forms. And we all know that concrete cracks over time. Once the builder warranty is expired, and a leak forms in the basement, you are on your own. These leaks can be expensive if you have a finished basement. Damproofing is very inexpensive. A typical Damproofing application on an average house is about $ 300. Gordon Energy & Drainage installs a damproofing product made by Tremco Barrier Solutions called Mulseal.

Waterproofing, on the other hand, is a true rubber membrane that is capable of spanning most foundation wall cracks. Most manufacturers are so positive that they give a warranty of 5-30 years. There are many types, brands, thicknesses, etc…. But, in general, they all can do the trick. Most waterproofing products are applied to about 60 mils and dry to 40 mils. They have elongation capabilities of over 1,000%. If you took a 2” square of a waterproofing membrane and pulled it apart, it wouldn’t break until your hands reached over 1’ apart!

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(The above is an actual sample piece of Tuff-N-Dri waterproofing membrane being stretched to simulate it’s ability to span a crack in a foundation wall)

Gordon Energy & Drainage installs 2 types of waterproofing products made by Tremco Barrier Solutions. The first and most economical of all waterproofing choices is called Watchdog. An average house would cost about $ 1,200, vs. $ 300 for damproofing. The second is called Tuf-N-Dri/Warm-n-Dri. It is a 2 part system comprised of a waterproofing membrane and an added drainage/insulation board. The Warm-N-Dri board is installed over the rubber membrane and it allows water to wick down to the drain tile system. It also adds an insulated R factor to the basement walls. An average house would cost about $ 3,000 for the Tuf-N-Dri/Warm-N-Dri system.

75% or more of all new homes built in the K.C. metro area utilize damproofing. That means that less than 25% of homeowners opt to upgrade in this particular case. Most builders say that homeowners like to spend their money on things they can see and touch. They don’t think of the consequences of upgrading things they can’t see. In many other markets across the country, like St. Louis, it is just the opposite. These markets do not even consider damproofing to be a choice. Kansas City has not caught on yet.

According to Tremco Barrier Solutions, 80% of all homes will have a partially finished basement within 10 years of the homes construction. That means that even if you don’t finish your basement when you build, you or anther homeowner probably will at some point. Most are not aware that the exterior of the foundation wall do not have a waterproofing membrane to protect their investment.