Tag: protect

Sump Pumps Protect the Home from Floods

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a device that detects rising water levels around the lowest part of a home or basement, then diverts the water elsewhere. A sump pump motor can either be submerged in water or rest above-ground–it depends on the home’s needs. 

If a home doesn’t have a sump pump, its basement can flood in a matter of minutes, and there is very little that homeowners can do to minimize the damage. Before it’s too late, one should consider the benefits of sump pump installation. Doing so could mean the difference between peace of mind and thousands of dollars in structural damage. 

How Do Sump Pumps Work?

sump There are many different types of sump pumps. Some require electricity and sensors. Others don’t use electricity to provide a backup in a power outage. However, at each sump pump’s core, here’s how it works: 

  • Water accumulates in the area around the basement. This could happen during a rainstorm or when a sewer main backs up. 
  • The sump pump senses the water rising in a basin, and it turns on the sump pump. 
  • From there, the sump pump will divert water away from home. The water will go far enough away so that it won’t come back later or threaten the home’s structure. 

Sump pumps are vital in places prone to heavy flooding and rainfall because sump pumps are the first line of defense against flooding. 

There Are Two Main Types of Sump Pumps 

pumps There are two main types of sump pumps, and they include: 

  • Submersible sump pumps: To install these devices, a plumber will first dig a basement pit, then place the submersible sump pump inside. The motor will be in the hole and can be submerged in water. Once the pit fills with water, it’ll turn on and divert the floodwater elsewhere. This type of sump pump is typically more efficient than the other but more expensive and has a shorter lifespan because the motor is submerged.
  • Pedestal pumps: The motor on these devices does not go underwater. Instead, they’re either installed above or in very shallow pits. They make more noise because the motor isn’t muffled by being submerged. They’re generally cheaper to install and last longer than the other. However, they cannot withstand sediment buildup as well as submersible sump pumps can. 

A plumber can assess one’s home and explain what sump pump would work best. They’ll consider the home’s location, square footage, and whether it has previously sustained water damage. 

Benefits of a Having a Sump Pump 

Protecting the basement from flooding is just one benefit of having a sump pump. Other benefits include: 

  • They prevent mold growth. When a home floods, mold and mildew growth are inevitable, and over time, these growths can cause illness, destroy drywall, and compromise a home’s habitability. 
  • They reduce property damage. Many homeowners use basements as in-home storage units, storing their bicycles, Christmas decorations, and other precious items. A sump pump can help prevent flood damage from destroying these items–some of which are impossible to replace. It also protects the home from water damage that can affect the structural integrity of a home. 

Sump pumps can save homeowners time, money, and frustration in the long run. 

About Vuksani Service Group 

Vuksani Service Group provides the residents of New York, NY, professional services at competitive rates. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, on-time arrival, and 24/7 emergency repairs. Call them today for sump pump services in New York, NY.

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How to Protect the Home From Power Surges

Power Surges & Surge Protectors

A power surge is a sudden spike of high-voltage electricity that travels through the home’s electrical wiring and circuits. Power surges can be caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm, an electrical system malfunction, plugging in too many electronics at once, or a reset by the power company.  

Overloading the home’s electrical system with electricity can be dangerous because of the increased risk of electrical fire during a surge. Power surges can also damage sensitive electronics left plugged in during the surge. 

Some surge protectors can be plugged into outlets to ensure that smartphones, tablets, and computers can charge safely, but what about the electronics that are hard-wired into the electrical system? The microwave, stove, refrigerator, and dryer are just a few examples of electronics that are hard-wired into the electrical system that could become damaged during a power surge. Whole house surge protectors prevent power surges from entering the home’s circuits by diverting the electricity.  

Why Power Surges Are Dangerous

surges

  • Increased risk of accidental electrocution
  • Power surges can cause house fires
  • Power surges could damage the home’s electrical wiring 
  • Repairing electrical damage after a power surge could be difficult 
  • Power surges could permanently damage sensitive electronics 

Power surges can be hard to predict. Whether a power surge comes from a lightning strike or plugging in a hair dryer, homeowners should ensure a whole house surge protector protects their home. 

Electronics such as computers, cellphones, refrigerators, and microwaves could be permanently damaged or destroyed by a power surge if left plugged in without a whole house surge protector. Any sudden surge of electricity through the circuits can enter the devices and “fry” their internal systems. 

Power surges are a common cause of electrical fires because as the voltage increases to dangerous levels, the electrical wires begin to heat up. Eventually, the protective coating on the outside of the wires will melt away, and the wires can start to spark. Power surges can also cause personal injury and property damage.

Whole House Surge Protectors

protector Whole house surge protectors are electrical hardware that electricians can install to protect the home from power surges. Compared to plug-in surge protectors for outlets, whole house surge protectors protect the entire home’s electrical system from the effects of a power surge. The whole house surge protector is designed to keep solid electrical currents from entering the home’s circuits and causing damage. 

Surge protectors divert the power surge away from the home’s sensitive electrical system. This helps to prevent fires, damage to electronics, and accidental electrocutions. Whole-home surge protectors are the most heavy-duty protection from power surges. 

Signs It’s Time for Whole House Surge Protector Replacement 

Surge protectors do not last forever. The more power surges the device stops, the faster it may need to be replaced. It only takes one power surge to damage sensitive electronics or start an electrical fire, so homeowners need to replace their surge protector before it stops working. Homeowners can do their part to prevent the hazards of a power surge by paying attention to signs that they need whole house surge protector repair or replacement. 

Professional electricians recommend that homeowners replace their whole house surge protector every 2 to 5 years. Warning signs that the surge protector may need a replacement include the device failing to stop power surges, showing visible signs of damage, making strange noises, or sparking. 

About Vuksani Service Group

Vuksani Service Group is proud to provide its neighbors in New York City, NY, and the surrounding areas with dependable home services. They offer straightforward pricing, same-day service, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Call them today for a whole house surge protector installation in New York City, NY. 

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