Remember the terrible snowfalls of last year? Remember the nightmare it was attempting to get any where for days after? I do. What I remember far more vividly though is the nuisance of a flooded basement that only came as the snow melted away and began to back up sewers all over the place. I remember the annoyance of trying to hunt down a functional sump pump. I remember finding what I thought was one from a friend and having to pay for sump pump repair. With the crisp air finally making a comeback after a mild fall and holiday season I am trying to stay incredibly aware of whether I need sump pump repair this year.
After our emergency last year, (and after springing for that sump pump repair) I ran right out and bought a pump for my family and myself. Of course as the events of last year taught us that is not a one hundred percent guarantee. In fact the fact that in the hurricanes and various other torrential downpours we have managed to avoid more flooding seems to be a small miracle. However, and there is a big however, not running a sump pump for a year or more can mean you do not know how the thing will handle should flooding occur. We may get it into a four-foot pool of standing water in the basement only to discover it needs an exhaust fan repair.
With these concerns in mind the colder air has me checking my pump on a nearly weekly basis. Running it to assure that pressure reducing valves still work and everything else is operational as well. I have little interest in going through the problems that plagued us and likely countless others in 2011. Having one of these handy pumps it would seem was only part of the battle.
Of course I have taken other precautions. While times are tight I did what I could to cheaply weather proof the basement. I sealed windows with plastic and made sure our drains and gutters were completely clear of clogging debris. That said there is not much hope on my end that we could continue dodging bullets forever. At some point I will be forced to pump the basement once again. When that moment comes I will not only be ready I will feel a rabid sense of self=satisfaction about my general preparedness.
If you’re in the market for a concrete pump to manage a construction project, or simply looking to expand your knowledge before embarking on a project, it’s important to know the differences in designs, how they perform, and find which is perfect for your needs. When looking at concrete pumps it’s important to investigate three areas; the manufacturer, purpose/design and of course price. All these attributes make concrete pumps completely different and applicable in a number of difference situations.
Manufacturers
Like most construction equipment there are drastic differences in manufacturing quality for concrete pumps. Some of the most trusted manufacturers include Putzmeister and Schwing. It’s important to find products from a reliable manufacturer such as these. Considering most pumping is done under pressure, low quality designs could break, under perform or even fail with costly and sometimes dangerous results. Trusted names are worth pursuing because of reliability and performance.
Purpose
It’s not surprising that concrete pumps are designed with very specific purposes and uses in mind. What is often surprising is exactly how complicated these purposes actually are, and how different it makes them. Every design specific purpose and should be used appropriately.
It’s likely you’ll see three primary pump types; booms, trailers and truck mounted. Although there are other types of pumps, these are the primary applications you’ll most often see. These are also the ones with the most drastic differences in design.
Booms are versatile pumps that tend to be mounted on trucks or simply installed as separate placing booms. Truck mounted booms allow for fast set up and tear down, precise accuracy and high performance or multi-level pumping. Trailer pumps tend to offer more power and are ideal for tough to reach jobs, high pressure applications or just all around ease of use. Lastly, truck mounted designs carry the performance and ease of use trailer pumps have with the versatility and quick set up of a boom without the complication or training required in running a boom. As you can see, every pump has a different purpose and can be used in drastically different situations.
Price
Often the biggest consideration when choosing a pump is price. Often companies settle for under-performing pumps that aren’t suited for the demands of a given project. While prices for pumps are high, many pump sellers have reduced pricing on used pumps. While these pumps have been used, they still perform adequately without costing as much as a new pump. If you have a specific pump need it is possible to find the correct pump for the application, or a pump that is suited for a variety of demands. Buying used pumps can be a great way of ensuring the right equipment is on hand when the job calls.
In a water system, certain limits are set to stop damaging results from the flow of the fluid velocity. These limits should never be exceeded by the fluid flow velocity. Here is a list of the some of the most important fluid velocity limits that you should know, and a brief guide to using the right pumps.
Maximum Velocity for Water Systems
Here’s a list of the maximum velocity limits for commonly used water systems. Note that flow velocity is usually measured in m/s, or meters per second or ft/s, foot per second. Below, both measurements are listed for easy reference.
· Average tap water: 1.0 - 2.5 m/s or 3.3 - 8.2 ft/s total
· Tap water with a low noise: 0.5-0.7 m/s or 1.6 - 2.3 ft/s maximum
· Heating circulation: 1.0-3.0 m/s or 3.3 - 9.8 ft/s total
· Cooling water: 1.5 - 2.5 m/s or 1.6 - 2.3 ft/s maximum
· Suction boiler feed water: 0.5 - 1.0 m/s or 1.6 - 3.3 ft/s limits
· Condensate: 1.0 - 2.0 m/s or 3.3 - 6.5 ft/s limits
Using a Water Velocity Pump
Now that you know what the maximum velocity limits are for common, everyday use water systems, it’s important to know just how to control it so it will remain within limits. For pools, boats, ponds, basements, and on-site construction, your key in maintaining and keeping water velocity is a water pump. This will move unwanted liquid and mud out of the designated area. Here’s what to look for when you need to maintain water velocity and buy a water pump.
For outdoor projects on your boats, pools, ponds, and basements, where you are looking to keep the water out, you need a submersible pump. You should look for no electrical parts or separate moving parts. Using a water velocity pump that requires electricity or has a lot of small moving parts can cause harm through electrical shock, or damage to the pump itself by losing the moving parts.
If you need a pump for a construction project, look for something that can connect to a hose and has a long discharge height. It should be portable and versatile for easy use. For construction sites, you might be looking into a standard electrical submersible water pump. However, you should also consider one that does not require electricity. The V-pump is a brand that offers quality water velocity pumps, sold at a fraction of the cost of your average electrical water velocity pump.
If your home is subject to a great deal of basement flooding, your best tool to get rid of this problem is a sump pump. Sump pumps are simple, effective devices that pull water through inlets and expel the water through a discharge hose out of your house. When you correctly install and maintain one of these appliances in your home basement, you’ll be eligible for saving thousands of dollars in repairing a water damaged basement.
Different Kinds of Sump Pumps
First, you need to know that there are two kinds of different appliances: one that’s submersible, and one that is a pedestal. The submersible one has a motor that is capable of withstanding below-water submerges. The pedestal pump motor, on the other hand, is located outside the actual sump pit and is protected from getting wet that way.
How To Choose the Right Kind of Sump Pump
Now that you know the different kinds of these appliances, you should choose one according to the volume of water and the distance you need to actually move this water. Many come in a variety of different horsepower ratings. Most sump pumps come in.33-.50 HP. Nowadays, however, you can actually get one that is capable of delivering one entire horsepower. And most of the time, 1 horsepower is all you’ll need as long as you have a high GPH (preferably above 4,000), strong amps, a good voltage and HZ around 60. Remember, the higher the horsepower is, the greater the volume that can get moved. The Pentair-Water sump pump delivers 1 HP and features additional benefits like Patented Z-Cross Intellishield TM technology.
Using a Sump Pump
Now it’s time to use the appliance that you’ve chosen. First, you want to place it in the sump pit. Connect a discharge hose that will lead from the appliance and direct the water away, out of the area that’s prone to flooding. Make sure the regulations are in line with what you’re doing so everything stays safe and legal.
Now, supply the power needed to your newly installed appliance. Test it to make sure that the switch float works. Every pump in this style is only activated when it has a high enough water level to trigger the switch float. Fill the appliance up with water after powering it on to make sure this works.
Be sure to maintain your appliance with regular cleaning and inspections to keep it working well.
Water pumps are mainly used to provide water supplies. Most of these are used in households and businesses wherein the people there need a large amount of water daily. In remote areas, it is very difficult to get water because the method they use to get water is done manually. In urban areas, water supply is not a problem because of the pump solutions that people are utilising to produce a clean water supply fast. The installation of an efficient water system in the community provides better living for the people.
There are actually many purposes of water pumps. It depends on the specifications and requirements that are needed in a certain place. The technical assistance provided by the use of a water pump will reduce manpower when suctioning off water and supplying it to the community. We are also using pumps and vacuums in pulling out water and other liquids to clear and clean drainage areas. The convenient way of controlling water pressure is through the use of effective and durable water motors. When the water pump has a strong horsepower, it can perform effectively whenever we use it for any purpose. Today, we now have modern water systems which are installed within houses, offices, factories and to any other private establishments. Distribution of water is made even better and faster nowadays. People will not anymore need to go in pumping stations for them to get water that they need.
Water pumps must be checked regularly, most especially after using it, because of the tough jobs that it performs during operations. Its electric motor needs proper maintenance and should be cleansed thoroughly. For longer use, we should know how to safely operate the motor pumps as well as the vacuums. Too much of constant operation can harm the pumps and vacuums because it may cause overheating problems. The motor of the pumps and the vacuums will probably have their efficiency decreased if they suffer from extreme heat due to non-stop usage. Learn to take care of your pumps and vacuums because you are depending on both of them to get you daily supply of water for your household.
Submersible water pump is now being revolutionised for an advanced water pumping system. The development of modern technology to create advanced products is already in our hands. Breaching the limitations of humanity is almost happening because of thorough research, engineering facilities and the reincarnation of the previous inventions. Water and Vacuum pump are products of modern technology. Along with electricity as an energy source, water motor pumps and vacuums are efficiently giving us more convenience and allowing us to save time and effort. Before buying pumps and vacuums, you should consider specifications, models, and electric motor horsepower and also take note of the warranty policies.
Since a sump pump is used to keep your basement dry, you should expect it to work all of the time. The only problem is that when it rains and/or storms there is a possibility for the power to go out, especially during a lightning storm. If your sump pump stops working due to an electrical short during a storm, you will get a lot of rain coming into your basement without a way for it to get out. This particular type of water retention is called flooding. The best way to make sure that it never stops working is to purchase a battery backup sump pump.
Sump pumps may sound like they are easy to install but that would be wrong. It is possible for you to personally install your own, but it will take several weekends of manual labour to get the pump installed. After that, you won’t have a direct guarantee that the pump will even be able to keep your basement dry. With that being said, it is a better idea to get a professional to install the sump pump for you. You will be able to purchase one from any hardware store, but it is extremely important that you do your research on which pump would be the best fit for you and what price you’d be willing to spend.
Even though you will be able to buy a battery for your sump pump, another suggestion is to purchase a battery operated pump. The main difference between the two is that the battery operated pump is designed to do the exact same job as an electrical pump and the battery attachment is not. The problem with attaching a battery to your sump pump is that it can severely reduce the amount of work that your pump originally did because it will not be connected to the electricity in your house.
Sump pumps may seem like a useful tool but you have to remember that maintenance is an important part of keeping it working. There are some steps that you should follow in order to make sure that your pump won’t break such as: listen for any weird noises coming from the motor, replace the battery on the back up pump every year, and go outside of your house to make sure that it is actually pumping out the water.
A lot of people have issues with hitting the water table in their basement which can lead to water coming into the house. Homeowners with this challenge are usually known to buy basement pumps that pump out all of the excess water from their basement. When the power goes out it is very important to make sure that the pump doesn’t die so getting a battery backup one is very important. Being able to feel safe in your own house is an important part of life and battery backup sump pumps can provide that feeling to homeowners.
Indeed the American dream is to drive past the gas pumps and keep on riding. Electric bicycles and electric scooters are becoming the ride of the times.
In fact electric moped motorcycles cost pennies on the dollar to charge and they are a great means of ecologically friendly transportation. Some of them can also carry two riders for a quick trip to the beach, Ballpark or check out the bike trail with out the strain. There’s something about being on an electric scooter that can take the stress right out of your life. The driving distances can be up to 85 miles on a single charge. No gas needed.
Imagine the smile’s on people’s face’s when you ride your electric bicycle past them in the park or at the beach, with the wind blowing through your hair enjoying your ride.
It’s important to realize that with electric bicycles you can pedal or you don’t have to, because you can let the battery do the work for you. You can also use it for your commute to your job so you don’t have to take the bus or the train. On the other hand if you want to ride to work but don’t want to get all sweaty you can let the electric bicycle do the work for you on the way there, then on the way home you can pedal and get your work out for the day with out going to the gym.
In fact if you’re not used to riding because of your health an electric bicycle is a great way to get your body used to exercising because you don’t have to pedal if you get tired or sore. You have the option to pedal or use the battery power feature allowing you to enjoy a bike ride with your partner or grandchildren to the park or the bike trail without the pollution or the thought of having to buy gas every time you drive you car out of the driveway.
The way gas prices have skyrocketed there have been stories of people buying an electric bicycle or electric scooter, selling one of there vehicles and save anywhere from three to five hundred dollars a month for a couple of years. As a result then found out they like saving so much money they have been able to take vacations and went another two years without a second vehicle.
People are becoming more environmentally friendly and going green. We can do our part in lowering greenhouse gas emissions with an electric bicycle or electric scooter which runs on batteries and doesn’t burn fossil fuel.
In a water system, certain limits are set to stop damaging results from the flow of the fluid velocity. These limits should never be exceeded by the fluid flow velocity. Here is a list of the some of the most important fluid velocity limits that you should know, and a brief guide to using the right pumps.
Maximum Velocity for Water Systems
Here’s a list of the maximum velocity limits for commonly used water systems. Note that flow velocity is usually measured in m/s, or meters per second or ft/s, foot per second. Below, both measurements are listed for easy reference.
· Average tap water: 1.0 - 2.5 m/s or 3.3 - 8.2 ft/s total
· Tap water with a low noise: 0.5-0.7 m/s or 1.6 - 2.3 ft/s maximum
· Heating circulation: 1.0-3.0 m/s or 3.3 - 9.8 ft/s total
· Cooling water: 1.5 - 2.5 m/s or 1.6 - 2.3 ft/s maximum
· Suction boiler feed water: 0.5 - 1.0 m/s or 1.6 - 3.3 ft/s limits
· Condensate: 1.0 - 2.0 m/s or 3.3 - 6.5 ft/s limits
Using a Water Velocity Pump
Now that you know what the maximum velocity limits are for common, everyday use water systems, it’s important to know just how to control it so it will remain within limits. For pools, boats, ponds, basements, and on-site construction, your key in maintaining and keeping water velocity is a water pump. This will move unwanted liquid and mud out of the designated area. Here’s what to look for when you need to maintain water velocity and buy a water pump.
For outdoor projects on your boats, pools, ponds, and basements, where you are looking to keep the water out, you need a submersible pump. You should look for no electrical parts or separate moving parts. Using a water velocity pump that requires electricity or has a lot of small moving parts can cause harm through electrical shock, or damage to the pump itself by losing the moving parts.
If you need a pump for a construction project, look for something that can connect to a hose and has a long discharge height. It should be portable and versatile for easy use. For construction sites, you might be looking into a standard electrical submersible water pump. However, you should also consider one that does not require electricity. The V-pump is a brand that offers quality water velocity pumps, sold at a fraction of the cost of your average electrical water velocity pump.
Chemical resistant drum pumps are incredibly valuable assets and it is important that you invest in these to ensure you do not endanger those in charge of handling the liquids and using the drum pumps. You should check that each of your drums are chemically compatible with each liquid that it intends to hold. Some devices cannot safely hold various blends of chemicals and a different model may need to be purchased. There are many different models on the market that are designed by the manufacturer and then bought by the consumer because of their mechanical performance under specific conditions. Chemical resistant models are one such design. When deciding on what features your device should have you should consider things such as the containment of pressure, fluid sealing, pumping capacity, reliability, ease of use and the variety of different chemicals that your device can handle. This includes corrosive materials that are characterised by high levels of alkalis.
Most metal pumps are able to handle corrosive liquids such as chemicals but you need to be certain that the device you purchase is able to handle the chemicals you intend to store in it. Pump producers create a limited range of models that are able to handle a variety of liquids such as oils and non-corrosive liquids to extremely corrosive chemicals. The demands of keeping costs down has driven producers to only create a limited range but they do manufacture drum pumps that are chemically resistant to ensure that safety of those using them and to also safeguard against the fluid becoming contaminated with the various elements that make up the device that might cause corrosion. When you are using chemicals you must always ensure you use specialised chemical resistant drum pumps.
These specialised models are higher in the price range but they are very valuable as they integrate the longevity of the chemically resistant drum pump with the reliability of the equipment that will make certain liquids will be pumped at correct measurements and times, safely and efficiently. It also ensures the decreasing of downtime for the repairs when malfunctions occur and the safety guidelines and regulations that must be followed make the equipment absolutely reliable and safe to use. The extra amount you have to pay for a chemical resistant drum pump pays off in the sense that you receive a quality and reliable product. Well worth the investment in terms of reliability, safety and longevity.
A recent survey revealed that most homeowners with a sump pump in their basement do not have a backup battery system installed. This statistics is quite alarming and most of these folks are taking a lot for granted, knowing that any unstable weather condition with severe thunder and lightning can easily take an entire power grid down. Without power the sump pump cannot function and the property would be fully exposed to flooding especially if the storm is a heavy down pour, torrential rain or a hurricane. A battery backup sump pump can easily eliminate this risk and prevent any unwanted water damages in your basement.
It is recommended that the battery backup pump be a secondary pump in the basement which should operate independent of the primary pump. Firstly, it should automatically activate if the primary pump fails due to a power outage or a mechanical failure. Most importantly, it should be configured also to work simultaneously if there is a presence of excessive water in the sump basin and the primary pump is overworking and unable to discharge water quickly. Homeowners who live near flood threatening areas along rivers or hurricane regions should seriously considered installing this system. Not only will it protect your property from flooding and water damages but it will save you from the mess and clean up that usually follows.
To determine which type or model may be suitable for your home, first you may want to do some research online or go to a store and talk to a sales representative. Make a note of the home location, outside yard gradient, square footage of your home and the size of your basement. This information will be the key factors for a professional to determine the best choice of pump for your house. A good battery back up pump should be able to discharge more than 10,000 gallons of water on a single charge. It should come with built-in technology such as an in-house audio alarm and has the capability to be integrated with your alarm system. The alarm feature is critical because you would want to be notified if something is wrong with the pump when you are at work or on a vacation.
How long will the battery last for? This is a popular question asked by many homeowners when purchasing a battery backup sump pump. It is a trick question and there is no straight answer. Batteries from a reputable manufacturer tend to have a higher rating and this is based on their customer reviews. A little online research would be helpful as you would surely want to get a good and dependable battery to protect your property. A battery with a good rating should be able supply the pump with power for about 4 hours or more.
For peace of mind, when choosing a battery backup system for your basement, it should be one of good quality and reliable. For a few more dollars it would be more pleasing to know you have invested in a battery backup pump that is your first line of defence against a flood.
