The sump pump protects your home from groundwater forcing its way down through the soil into that hole in the ground we call a basement. A drain tile system below the basement floor channels the water into the sump pump crock. Then the sump pump lifts this water to the surface outside or into an underground storm sewer pipe that drains away from your home.

Test your sump pump every few months. Start the pump by adding water to the crock or lifting the float. The pump should start when the water is 8 to 12 inches below the basement floor slab. The water in the crock should be clear, without roots or debris. Watch to be sure the pump removes water from the crock.

The pump may have a float on the end of a rod or wire. Be sure the float operates easily and can't rub against the crock or the cover. If the float sticks, the pump will not run, and your basement could be flooded.

If the pump is older and worn, rusty, or noisy, it should be replaced. The pump should be securely mounted in the crock. The power supply should be from an outlet, not an extension cord, and the plug should be securely fastened to the outlet.

If the pump runs more than several times per day or runs often during heavy rain, you should have a spare pump or even a second pump mounted in the crock. The second pump could have a float set for a higher water level so that the second pump only runs if the first pump fails. If you live in an area where the electrical power fails during storms, I would consider a battery backup for the pump system.

Q. Bob, During a heavy rain I get water in one of my basement windows enough to leak into the basement. Would a window well cover solve the problem?
A. When a basement window well fills with water, it usually indicates poor surface grading. To correct the problem, the surrounding soil or other surface must be sloped away from the basement window. This may require raising the window well. Observe the surface water during a heavy rain, and you will see what needs to be done. Ideally the window well is dug out to a depth of 18 inches below the window opening and filled with gravel to allow for drainage. Window well covers offer limited protection.
The ground should slope away from the house at a pitch of about 1 vertical inch per horizontal foot. Hard surfaces such as concrete should slope away ¼ inch per foot. Downspouts and sump pump discharges must be directed well away from the foundation. Remember the three things essential for a dry basement: clean gutters, adequate extensions, and proper grading.

Q. Bob, Last year I noticed my de-humidifier freezing up on me quite frequently. What can I do to prevent this? Thanks-Paul

A. Paul, There are 2 things that I suggest. First you can try to place your unit on a table and get it off the floor. The few degree difference may do the trick. If not, connect your unit to a 24 hour timer and create your own defrost cycle by having it shut off for an hour every 6-8 hours. Also check to make sure the unit is clean. If the fan blades are dirty, or if the condenser is blocked, this will choke off air flow thus frosting up the unit.

Outdoor lighting and yard tools

Here are several safety tips to consider:

All outdoor outlets, lighting fixtures and bulbs should be weatherproof and protected by ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) breakers.

Turn off outdoor circuits before replacing bulbs or adjusting outdoor lighting. Never use electric tools or mowers in wet areas.

When using outdoor electrical appliances such as hedge trimmers or edger, wear sturdy, rubber-soled shoes or boots. Never go barefoot.

Never use electric tools or mowers in wet areas.