Dave Your Home Inspector

Sump pumps are a normal topic of discussion during most home inspections. As home designs have changed, new building standards have been introduced and components added to increase the reliability of systems. A home’s foundation system includes weeping tiles and sump pumps. They are not just an afterthought, but an integral part of the home’s defense against its number one enemy. That enemy is water.

One of the biggest discussions involving sump pumps is the need for a battery backup system. There are many different brands on the market that all provide different levels of protection. Obviously these products all come with a price tag. I have noticed a vast range of prices for these systems. You can get one starting at $159 with retail prices going up to $2000 and more. How do you decide which one best suits your needs?

There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding on a battery backup system.

• Monitor the pump. Keep track of how often it runs under normal (no rain) conditions.
• See if that number changes during a steady rainfall.
• Determine if there is a big difference during a heavy rainfall.
• How often do you lose power?
• Make sure the pump and its check valve are operating properly.

Depending on the water table in an area, there are some homes whose pumps very seldom or never turn on. There are others that seem to run all the time. If your pump is one that runs a lot, you may want to think about adding and maintaining a battery backup system for your own ‘Peace of Mind’.

Thanks for reading! If you would like to talk more in depth about sump pumps, battery backups, or any other home maintenance call our office today. Our number is 847 669 9040.

David Novalinski Sr.
About Your Home Inspection, Inc.
847.669.9040

A Vacation Inspection is a service which provides ‘Peace of Mind‘ to home owners that are away from their homes for long periods of time.  A perfect example would be a couple that resides in a retirement community here during the summer and spends the winter months in a warmer climate.  Our goal is to allow our clients to enjoy their vacation and not have to worry about their house.  We worry about it for them! 

While the home owner is away, we make weekly visits to their home and perform a mini home inspection.  We begin with a walk around the exterior of the home looking for any weather related damage to the roof or siding and for any signs of intrusion.  

Once inside we verify proper operation of the furnace and test for any combustible gasses near all the gas powered appliances.  A lot of emphasis is put on water supply and drain lines.  Even a slow leak can cause major damage if left un-repaired.   Any obvious changes are noted and relayed to the homeowner either via text message or e-mail.  If there is an issue which requires immediate attention, we will work together with the home owner to make it happen. 

We’ve all heard the horror stories about people returning home from vacation only to find water damage, frozen pipes, and ‘unwanted guests’.  Don’t become the next subject in that story!