Do it Yourself: [DIY] Re: Water in Floor Drain Basement

13 December 2012

[DIY] Re: Water in Floor Drain Basement

Thanks to all who responded.

Well, my handyman (electrician; plumber; painter; carpenter;
appliance maintenance, etc) came and discovered that not only was the
drain pipe full but the main drain was full.
Why I looked into that drain in the first place remains a mystery but
so glad I did. He said that was full and the pump was not
working. It, too, was full to the top. Only a matter
of hours and the basement would have had water and there are 4 rooms
down there with furniture and appliances.

This is not the same as the sump pump but the main drain that pumps
the waste from the first floor bathroom; washer and utility tub in
the basement. It was completely full and
he said I know what it is. The pump has quit working. Sure enough,
it had BUT instead of needing a new pump he said we needed a new
switch. He also found that a pipe that
carries water from the AC was leaking as well. When he tested the
pump manually, it immediately pumped ALL the water from both spots.

We have only lived here 4 years although the house was built in the
early 80's. I didn't even know what that big cover over the hole was for.

So once again we are in fine shape. Oh,and based on recommendations
from this list, I asked about a water alarm. He also installed one
of those which will catch any water
from that pump, water heater and utility tub. What a wonderful
relief. I asked about getting a new pump (he could have told us we
needed a new one and made a lot more money
installing it) since this has to be the original one, he said they
usually make these very well since they have to remove solid
waste. So he said that we really didn't need one since
the switch is now working. What a guy!

Again, thanks. Love this list.

Jeanne