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7 Common Questions about Sump Pumps

December 19th, 2011 by Roto-Rooter Bloggers

Water in the basement can be an expensive head ache. Not only can it destroy irreplaceable documents and belongings, it can cause structural damage that can weaken the foundation of your building. Sump pump installation in Cincinnatiarea buildings can go a long way to prevent the problems of water damage. Following are some commonly asked questions that can help you determine if one if right for you If you can’t find

A typical sump system includes the tank and the pump installed in the lowest portion of the basement. Photo courtesy Steam-Boilers.org

the answers here, feel free to contact one of our Roto Rooter reps.

What is a sum pump?

This is a system that consists of a holding tank and a pump. The tank is placed beneath the ground at the lowest point in your basement. Water flows into the tank, which usually holds between 15 and 25 gallons.  The water is stored until it reaches a certain level when the pump kicks in and moves the water to a safe distance away from your house.

Where does the water go?

The water is pumped into pipes that transport it to a safe place, such as the local storm drains or a dry well.

Is it always running?

Yes and no. The tank is always collecting water, but, the motor only operates when it is needed. If you have an electric system, when the water reaches a certain level, it triggers a switch that turns on the motor. When the water is below that level, the motor is resting. If you have a manual system, you need to physically turn on the motor when you need it.

How does water get into the basement?

There are three main methods by which water gets into a basement:

  • Seepage through cracks and joints from high water tables or flood plains
  • Flooding through the cracks and joints due to heavy storms
  • Broken pipes

What buildings could benefit from a system?

All buildings that have a level beneath the ground should have a sump pump. This includes cellars, crawl spaces, and basements.

What types of systems are available?

There are two common setups:

  • Pedestal: This type mounts the motor on top of the tank. It is easy to service but is visible to anyone who walks past it.
  • Submersible: This type mounts the motor inside the tank. It is sealed to protect the wiring and parts from water damage. It is harder to service, but not as readily noticeable.

How can I get one?

Talk to a Roto Rooter rep who can help you with sump pump installation in any Cincinnati home or business.

 

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To Roto-Rooter’s Cincinnati Plumbers- A picture is worth a 1,000 words, make that $$$$!

June 29th, 2010 by Roto Rooter Bloggers

OK, first let me say I know that spending money on plumbing and drain cleaning is rarely ever fun, however, doing it SMARTLY can SAVE YOU BIG MONEY when it applies to your main sewer line.

Most of us assume the main sewer line connecting our home or business to the city sewer is in good working order until the dreaded day comes when it backs up, leaving disgusting sewage damage. Make no mistake that sewer pipe beneath your property is YOUR responsibility, not the city's.

By taking a proactive approach and calling Roto-Rooter, your Cincinnati plumbing experts, to schedule an inexpensive sewer line camera inspection, a Roto-Rooter of  Cincinnati Plumber / video inspection expert will feed a small video camera through your sewer pipe to look for cracks, offset pipes, signs of collapse or any sign of trouble at all. Then he will provide you with a DVD of the inspection for your records. In the event there are any problems, he will give you several options to treat or remedy the situation.

By taking this SMART approach you CAN:

  • Identify potential problems early, often saving thousands in costly damage repairs and avoid the nasty possibility of a sewer clog and backup.
  • Schedule any necessary repairs at your convenience instead of requiring an emergency service.
  • PLAN for and BUDGET any required repairs.
  • If you are considering BUYING a home in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, this service is a MUST!
  • If you are considering SELLING a home in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, the DVD with a dated time stamp proving your house has a healthy, reliable main sewer line is a great selling point!
  • If you are considering REMODELING or FINISHING your BASEMENT in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky it is an absolute MUST to protect your INVESTMENT!

Remember Roto-Rooter the next time you need a trustworthy Cincinnati plumber. Call us at 513-631-2525 or visit our web page for more information.

 

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No ridiculous holiday rate for this Cincinnati Plumbing Company!

December 18th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
Did you know that if you need a Cincinnati plumber this holiday season you can call Roto-Rooter,(1-800-GET-ROTO), and receive the service for the same price as any other day? It is true! Roto-Rooter, your Cincinnati Plumbing Company of choice does not charge extra for nights, weekends, or holidays! So do not sit and suffer waiting for at the holiday to end to get your plumbing or drain cleaning problem fixed, call us and we will be there. Happy Holidays!!

Name: Rob Tally

 

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Old Man Winter Is Coming!!!

November 3rd, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
It is time for you to contact Roto-Rooter, your Cincinnati Plumbing Company of choice to “winterize” your home. If you wait until the actual freeze it may be too late and broken pipes lead to expensive damages and repairs! Call 1-800-GET-ROTO and we will send one of our expert Cincinnati plumbers right over!

Name: Rob Tally

 

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Cincinnati Plumber Treats Mom Like His Own

October 27th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
We are very proud of one of our Cincinnati Plumbers at Roto-Rooter. Please read the following excerpts from a customer letter received after a recent service call:

"Dear Roto-Rooter, my son and I were visiting my Mom in Cincinnati on Sunday and getting ready drive back to Iowa around 5 PM when her toilet tank sprung a leak. I shut off the water supply and called Roto-Rooter. I was told a technician would be there within 2 hours. Not only was that true, but I got 2 interim calls to update me.
 
The serviceman, Mr. Lionrick. showed up on time, quickly assessed the situation. He gave us an estimate to do a toilet repair and on a Sunday evening left to go pick up a toilet my mother wanted to install. When he returned he finished the installation expertly and my Mom was all set to go, and I was ready to get on my way back to Iowa. As he and I walked back to the truck I told him I was concerned with me living so far away because I wouldn't be around to take care of things if my Mom had any further problems. He reassured me that he would take care of her and if there was an issue to call 513-631-2525 and ask for him by name. He assured me he would personally take care of my Mom.

I am unaccustomed to this level of service, expertise and even compassion. I think Mr. Lionrick. is a credit to your company and I extend my sincerest appreciation." Gary M. Lionrick, you da man!!"

We're grateful that out of all of the Cincinnati plumbing companies, this customer chose Roto-Rooter.  


Rob Tally
Roto-Rooter, Cincinnati Branch

 

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Pumpkin Carving and Drain Care

October 21st, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
For many of us in the Cincinnati area, it is pumpkin carving time. Here at Roto-Rooter, your Cincinnati plumbing company of choice, we have a few key tips to avoid costly repair bills or damage from a backed up drain. The ideal scenario is to not carve directly in your sink. If you need or want to carve your pumpkin in your sink to avoid the mess, make sure you use some sort of a “strainer” device. This can be an actual drain strainer or you can use an improvised device such as newspaper laid out flat in the bottom of the sink, a large garbage bag that can work as a liner, or maybe a paper plate set over the drain opening.

If all of your precautions “go down the drain”, sorry but I couldn’t resist, there are a few actions you can take to try and help yourself. If you have pumpkin “guts” go into your disposer DO NOT run the disposer, it can make matters worse. Give us a call and we will send one of our trusted Cincinnati Plumbers out to clear the unit for you. If the “guts” just go down a drain, run as much water as you can to force the debris down the line. The last thing you want is a clogged drain.

Remember to run the water for an extended period of time, you are trying to get it all the way out of the house, not just out of that sink drain. If your drain starts to back up during this process immediately shut of the water and give us a call, you are probably clogged and in need of an auger to clear your clog. A little caution and advanced planning will help keep the “treats” flowing and avoid the “tricks” of a clogged drain! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Name: Rob Tally

 

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One Stop Cincinnati Plumbing Company Gets an “A” on Their Report Card

October 14th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
On a recent service call our Roto-Rooter Cincinnati Plumbers were recognized for doing it right. Below are excerpts from the actual customer letter.

I had a pretty serious problem over the weekend, and called Roto-Rooter. Nick W. came out and we assessed the dilemma. He called Tom L. to pump the septic tank and then Nick W., returned to finalize the job and clear the line. Upon our last inspection with a video camera (which is invaluable) we discovered a bow in the discharge line.

I decided to fix the problem and Nick gave me an estimate and had Jim G. on site in a short period of time to dig up the spot and make the necessary repairs. I have dealt with many companies in my 60 years, and can honestly say that these gentlemen were experienced Cincinnati plumbers and had the customer's best interest in mind. As the president of our local homeowners association, I will notify our neighborhood about this outstanding service! - Tom R. Homeowner New Richmond, OH

Good job guys, you did great!! Way to show Roto-Rooter is the place to call when you need a great Cincinnati Plumber!!

Name: Rob Tally

 

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Cincinnati Plumbing Company Gives More Bang for the Buck!

October 5th, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
In today’s tough economy we are all looking for value and it is very rare to find a company that actually will give more for less. At Roto-Rooter your expert Cincinnati Plumbers will do just that by offering a FREE Whole House Plumbing Inspection during the service call. It is very simple, when you have a plumbing or drain cleaning problem just call your trusted Cincinnati Plumber at 1-800-GET-ROTO or schedule online at www.rotorooter.com.

While our expert is there solving your current problem, he/she will also conduct a free whole house inspection of your plumbing system to try and identify any potential hazards or problems and provide you with the results. If they find problems that need to be addressed they will also provide you with a free written estimate for the repairs. I know what you are about to say, “They are trying to run up the bill” Right? Wrong! We are a company built on customer service and we feel this is a great asset to our customers. How often in life do we get an expert (doctor, mechanic, electrician, heating and air, etc…) to do a free inspection of anything? What we are trying to find are LEGITIMATE potential problems before they become a catastrophic problem.

A small drip hidden away in a vanity can become moldy and cause health risks, just as an old gas water heater could be a safety hazard. The possibilities are endless! Obviously if there are legitimate problems we would love to be the Cincinnati Plumbers to do the work! Oh by the way, if we do multiple jobs on the same visit, jobs 2 and beyond are given a 20% discount!!

Name: Roto-Rooter Cincinnati Plumbers

 

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Full Service Plumbing

October 2nd, 2009 by Roto Rooter Bloggers
I am amazed at the number of customers that still do not know Roto-Rooter Cincinnati is a "Full Service" Plumbing Company. Roto-Rooter is the leader when it comes to Cincinnati plumbers. On a recent ride along for a clogged kitchen sink drain, my technician pointed out to the customer a broken faucet. The customer said she was aware and asked “can you recommend a good Cincinnati plumber?" He said "Yes Ma'am, ME!!" She had no idea that Roto-Rooter had Licensed Cincinnati Plumbers and was thrilled to know she could get her faucet fixed that day without having to take another day off of work as well as receiving a 20% second job discount for the faucet!!!! FYI- Roto-Rooter Cincinnati has 5 Master Plumbers, over 15 Licensed Journeyman Plumbers, and numerous Drain Cleaning Technicians ready to solve your Cincinnati plumbing and drain cleaning needs 24 hours an day, 7 days a week and by the way- NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, or HOLIDAYS!!!


Name: Rob Tally

 

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So glad I winterized my plumbing

January 30th, 2009 by Paul Abrams
This has been a cold new year in the Midwest. Temperatures have dropped below zero several times and some days we haven't climbed out of the teens. Wind chill, which is a primary factor in freezing pipes has been dreadful. I am so glad I winterized my plumbing back in early November. The frigid weather has been a boon for local plumbing companies which have been otherwise slow since the sewer cleaning rush around the holidays.

A couple of days ago, I snapped this picture of the hose bib on the back of my house. Note that there is no hose attached and the faucet is protected by a snow-covered insulation kit. That little kit probably cost me four bucks five years ago. Sure beats spending hundreds to pay a Cincinnati plumber several hundred dollars to repair a burst pipe. These kits work! My residential plumbing has given me no problems and I've required not a single plumbing repair.

 

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