I’ve had tenants swear their place was safe just because they had a water alarm, but when I checked, the battery was dead and the thing was covered in dust. I always tell folks—if you’re not checking your sump pump and cleaning gutters every season, you’re asking for trouble. I’ve seen more damage from clogged downspouts than actual plumbing leaks. Those shutoff valves are handy, but only if you remember to test them once in a while... tech’s great until it isn’t.
Anyone ever had a sump pump just... not kick on because the float got stuck on some random debris? Happened to me once, and I only caught it because I heard that weird humming noise at 2am. Curious if folks have tricks for keeping those things from getting jammed up. Do any of those battery backup systems actually work, or are they just another thing to forget to check?
Curious if folks have tricks for keeping those things from getting jammed up. Do any of those battery backup systems actually work, or are they just another thing to forget to check?
Had the float get wedged on a stray leaf once—never thought a single maple leaf could almost flood my basement, but here we are. Now I check the pit for random gunk every couple months, but honestly, it’s kind of a pain. Anyone ever try one of those covers or mesh screens? Not sure if they help or just collect even more debris.
About battery backups: mixed feelings. The one I have does kick in during outages, but yeah, it’s yet another thing to maintain. If you’re like me and tend to forget about this stuff until it’s pouring outside, maybe stick a reminder on your phone to check the charge every few months? Or is there a more eco-friendly backup that doesn’t involve more batteries in landfills? I’d love to hear about a solar-powered option that actually works... if that even exists.
Flooding prep is basically just “expect the unexpected,” right?
- Had tenants clog a sump pit with dog hair once—never underestimate the power of pet fur.
- Those mesh screens? In my experience, they just move the clog to the screen itself.
- Battery backups are better than nothing, but yeah, remembering to test them is half the battle.
- Looked into solar once, but the ones I found were underpowered or cost more than my water heater. If anyone’s found one that actually keeps up, I’d be interested too...
- “Expect the unexpected” sums it up. I just keep a wet vac and some towels handy, because you never know.
