Tag Archives: sump pump repair northern virginia

Sump Pump Repair Ashburn VA

Do Sump Pumps Need Regular Maintenance?

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Although critical to protecting your home from water damage and flooding, sump pumps operate behind the scenes and outside daily visibility. Yet like any product, they require ongoing maintenance; sometimes, their condition may call for a sump pump repair specialist’s expertise. Keeping your device in optimal condition ensures that your home remains shielded against the worst flooding damages, particularly in flood-prone Virginia.

R.A. Dobson offers Ashburn, VA, homeowners a wide range of heating, plumbing, and AC services with guaranteed customer satisfaction. Our team has supported the community for over 45 years with outstanding expertise and full warranty coverage. If your unit appears or sounds worse for wear, visit our website or call (703) 481-3700 to schedule a service appointment and protect your home. 

How Long Should My Sump Pump Last?

As mechanical devices, sump pumps have a limited lifespan. A well-maintained sump pump typically lasts up to 10 years, yet its longevity depends on how often it siphons water from the basement catch drain and its installation. Furthermore, such devices’ condition hinges on their power source. For example, those powered by dirty electricity suffer unnecessary damage from power spikes and surges. 

Signs a Sump Pump Requires Maintenance

  • Clogging: When a sump pump becomes clogged with debris, it may fail to pump the water it captures. Clogs can occur due to loose lids that allow dust to infiltrate the unit, and you may hear your pump try and fail to engage. Nevertheless, the clogging process is slow—a total clog indicates sump pump maintenance is long overdue.
  • Power Failures: Some low-quality sump pump models come with flimsy wires that get tangled. When that happens, your unit may fail to start automatically. Such scenarios call for prompt sump pump repair or replacement; speak to an R.A. Dobson technician for support.
  • Constant Running: A competent sump pump can efficiently clear a basement and its pipes of water. Therefore, a unit running for extended periods may be malfunctioning (or not even moving water!). Your sump pump repair cost can pay for itself by saving your home from flooding damage!
  • Power Outages: Frequent power losses can wear on a sump pump unit because electrical devices are hit by a surge each time the power comes back online. Therefore, hire a sump pump repair technician to inspect your pump if you live in an area with frequent outages.

Sump Pump Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Although sump pump service technicians should be familiar with proper installation steps, homeowners can benefit from this knowledge too. The R.A. Dobson team likes to share this expertise so that our customers understand why we follow protocols and procedures:

  • Pit Size: The standard sump pump pit runs at least 2 feet deep and 18 inches wide. Smaller ones cause the unit to trigger more frequently and wear out sooner than their counterparts.
  • Check Valve: A sump pump installation should include a check valve attached to the discharge pipe. This safeguard prevents water from running back into the pit when the unit turns off. Not having one is a sanitation issue.
  • Discharge Area: You should know the destination of the water pumped from your basement. Either ask the installers or inspect the system and locate where the water discharges. Any flow near a well or septic system needs prompt correction. Pit water should also be discharged more than 20 feet from your home’s foundation.
Sump Pump Repair Ashburn VA

Installing a sump pump alarm might be helpful, as it will beep when the power goes out and a backup power source kicks in. Remember that heavy rains often come with high winds that down power lines. A professional sump pump repair and maintenance team can ensure your system has backup power and alarms so you can keep your home safe. 

Reliable Sump Pump Repair and Maintenance in Ashburn, VA

Ashburn, VA, homeowners can turn to R.A. Dobson for ongoing sump pump repair and maintenance. As licensed and insured professionals, we have served Northern Virginia communities for over 45 years. If your sump pump hasn’t been serviced recently or shows signs of age, fill out our free quote form online or call us at (703) 481-3700!

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Water Damage Prevention: The Sump Pump Solution

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For people seeking to protect the structural integrity of their homes and businesses, sump pump systems have become a staple. These systems prevent excess water from flooding low-lying areas of a structure—a basement, crawlspace, or otherwise. No matter what, ensure you get the best sump pump installation possible by contacting a top-notch sump pump service provider. 

Throughout Potomac Falls, VA, and Northern Virginia, R.A. Dobson is the most experienced and qualified sump pump company. We have worked for over 45 years to help our clients maintain their homes’ plumbing, heating, cooling, and drainage. Our expert team can handle any repair, maintenance, or installation job you need. If you are looking for a sump pump or similar plumbing service, call R.A. Dobson. 

Below, we discuss how sump pumps prevent water damage:    

What is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump consists of a small motor pump placed inside a cylindrical pit—usually at the lowest point of a basement or crawlspace. From there, it collects and pumps out the water that drains to it. Water may come from cracks in your foundation walls and floor, among other sources. 

Additionally, a pipe connects to the pit, which drains water away from your home, usually at a point far enough so that the water can’t return to your foundation. With an effective sump pump system, your home will have ample protection from the damaging effects of floods and storms.   

How a Sump Pump Prevents Water Damage

Primarily, the main function of the sump pump is to avoid any risk of a basement flood in your home. This prevents your carpets, walls, and valuable items left down there from getting wet. 

If they were affected by indoor flooding, it can lead to all kinds of damage and resultant expenses to replace or repair. In addition, sump pumps prevent another serious form of water damage: mold and mildew. 

These grow over time under damp and humid conditions, which do develop within basements unequipped with sump pumps and have bad ventilation. Depending on what you have stored down there, mold can eat away your valuables, deteriorating them. 

It can also render your basement uninhabitable, requiring you to pay large sums to get rid of it before it can be used or lived in once again. Furthermore, mold can irritate respiratory conditions and, in some cases, cause inhabitants to develop them. A sump pump can go a long way to protect your home and your loved ones.   

R.A. Dobson: High-Quality Sump Pump Installation in Potomac Falls, VA 

R.A. Dobson offers the finest plumbing, heating, and cooling services in the Potomac Falls, VA area. We are dedicated to ensuring our fellow Virginians get the best protection from water damage, poor indoor air, and more, which is why our services cover installations, repairs, and maintenance, including excellent sump pump installations. If you are seeing issues with your home’s various air or water systems, consider calling on R.A. Dobson. Contact us at (703) 481-3700 to learn what we can do for you and get a free sump pump installation estimate today!