Buying a new home is a major life decision, one that requires careful consideration of all the factors involved. One of those factors is the sump pump, which is an important element in a home. Many home buyers consider a sump pump means a red flag because that means the basement has flooded in the past, however, that is not always the case. Below, Douglas Cooling & Heating explains what you should look for in a new house that comes with a sump pump and why sump pumps are a useful part of the home’s plumbing system.

What Is a Sump Pump?

A sump pump is a device used to remove water from basements and crawl spaces to prevent flooding. The pump is usually located near the lowest point in your crawl space or basement floor and collects water via drain pipes connected to the foundation walls or floor of your home. The collected water is then pumped out of the basement or crawl space through a discharge pipe, which typically leads outside away from your home’s foundation.

It’s important that you have a battery backup for your sump pump because it can help protect your home during times of extreme weather or power outages. With a battery backup system, the sump pump will still work in the event of a power outage. Often storms heavy rains and high winds can cause you to lose power and cause flooding. A battery backup ensures that your basement or crawl space won’t flood even if there’s no access to electricity from the grid.

What to Look for When Buying a Home with a Sump Pump?

• When buying a home with a sump pump already installed, verify that the system is operational and in good working order. You should look out for signs of wear and tear on the system.
• Furthermore, confirm that the drainage pipes connecting the sump pump to the outside valves are clean and operational. Your home inspector should warn you of any issues they notice when looking at a house with a sump pump. If you are serious about purchasing the home, you can have these issues addressed by the seller before closing on the property so that you don’t have to worry about them later down the line.
• You should also ask about how often the system was serviced and who performs regular maintenance on it; this information can help you plan ahead for future maintenance costs and avoid unexpected expenses down the road. You can also ask how old the sump pump is, and when was the last time key components like the float switch and pump pit were replaced.
• Prior to making the purchase, check that its circuit breaker is functioning properly, and make sure all the electrical connections are secure. Additionally, if possible, aim for a model with a sump pump alarm system so that you’re alerted if water levels rise too high in the sump pit.
• If you see a sump pump installed in a home, carefully look for signs of water damage or foundational damage. These clues can tell you if there was a flooded basement or crawlspace in the past.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Sump Pump Maintenance, Repair, and Installation

Sump pumps are essential components in any home because they help prevent flooding in basements and crawl spaces by removing excess water from these areas. Often it’s better to have a sump pump system in place than to be without one. It’s important that you look for backup power systems when buying a house with an existing sump pump, as this helps to prevent flooding in the event of a heavy storm that knocks out your power. For sump pump repair, maintenance, or installation in your current home or new residence, call Douglas Cooling & Heating today!

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If you’re considering installing a water softener, you may be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn’t vouch for the benefits of having one. However, there’s definitely more than meets the eye when it comes to their use. In this blog post from Douglas Cooling & Heating, we’ll dive into the water softener pros and cons—allowing you to make an informed decision about investing in one for your home. Read on for expert insight so that your investment is guaranteed money well spent!

What Does a Water Softener Do?

Water softeners work by removing the high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions in hard water from your entire plumbing system. The ion exchange process takes place inside the softener, where sodium ions are exchanged with calcium and magnesium ions that make water hard. In a water softening system, water sits in a brine tank that is filled with salt. This is where the calcium and magnesium changes take place. The resulting softened water has fewer minerals, which is preferred by many homeowners.

Water Softener Pros and Cons

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to install a water softener system in your home. The water softener’s pros and cons can vary depending on your individual needs and circumstances. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top water softener pros and cons.

PROS:

• Softened water can extend the life of your pipes and appliances by preventing mineral buildup
• Softer fabrics and less soap are needed for laundry
• Soap and shampoo lather better and skin feels softer after bathing
• Soft water eliminates mineral deposits which cause spots on glasses and stains in toilets and other appliances
• Coffee, tea, and vegetables boiled or steamed in water will taste better

CONS:

• Potential maintenance concerns if not properly installed or maintained
• Some people prefer the taste of hard water
• Additional cost for installation and annual maintenance

Benefits of Soft Water

Now that you know some of the key water softener pros and cons, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of softened water. One of the biggest benefits is that it can help extend the life of your pipes and water-using appliances like washing machines. This is because softened water prevents calcium and magnesium minerals can buildup in appliances which can eventually lead to clogs and other problems.

Softened water also saves money on laundry costs by allowing you to use less soap and resulting in softer fabrics. And, because soap lathers better in softened water, you’ll use less soap overall which can save you money in the long run. Laundry and general cleaning will be generally easier with softer water. Dishes washed in softened water will come out cleaner and glassware will be spot-free. Hardness minerals that appear in toilets and other appliances that come from your hard water supply will disappear when you have a water softener installed.

If you enjoy drinking coffee or tea, you’ll notice that it tastes better with softened water as well. Overall, there are many potential benefits to installing a water softener in your home. Weighing the pros and cons carefully will help you decide if a water softener is right for you.

Are You Ready for a Water Softener? Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating

When it comes to water softener pros and cons, overall, the pros of water softeners outweigh the cons. The benefits of softened water make it a worthwhile investment for many homes–especially those with hard water. If you’re considering a water softener for your home, Douglas Cooling & Heating can help. We are experts in installation and maintenance and would be happy to answer any questions you have about softened water. Give us a call today!

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