A Quick Guide to Fixing Your Sump Pump

You can fix a malfunctioning sump pump all by yourself. Here’s how.

Today’s how-to video is the first of a two-part series where Todd Hansen joins us at one of our model homes to show you how to fix a malfunctioning sump pump.

As you can see in the video, the first thing Todd checks in this situation is whether the pump itself is full of water, which it is. Next, he checks whether the GFI outlet is tripped (which it is) and resets it.

After this, he checks to see whether the pump will work by unplugging the float and pump cords from the outlet, disengaging them from each other, and plugging just the pump cord back into the outlet. After the pump starts running again, he unplugs the pump cord so the pump doesn’t continue to run and burn itself out, and then reattaches both cords to each other before plugging them back in.

"To check the impeller, you have to separate the pump from the discharge pipe."

If this doesn’t take care of the problem, there are a couple of potential issues with the pump: Either a piece of debris got sucked up into its impeller or the pump itself has burned out.

To check the impeller, you have to separate the pump from the discharge pipe. First, unplug both cords from the outlet and remove the water alarm from the pipe. Then, use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamps around the pipe. As you loosen the clamps, let the water drain out of the pipe.

Stay tuned for the second part of this series to find out what to do next. As an added safety measure, if you try everything we discuss in these videos and the pump still won’t work, use a utility pipe or a bucket to drain the excess water until you can get the pump fixed.

As always, if you have any real estate questions, don’t hesitate to call or email us. We’re here to help.

How to Apply Grout on a Backsplash

 

I’ve gotten a couple of requests lately for how to deal with the backsplash grout caulking separating from the countertop. That’s why today I’ll teach you how to apply grout on a backsplash.

You will need a grout sponge, a putty knife or scraper, a caulk gun, and the grout caulking. Begin by using the scraper to remove the old, dry caulking. Wipe the old stuff off the counter or use a vacuum. Sometimes it comes off in a neat string, and sometimes it comes off in bits and pieces.

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Fixing the grout is fairly simple.

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You want to keep your grout sponge as dry as possible. Get it damp and wring it out very well. If you put too much water on, the caulking will come out light-colored and watery-looking. Taking the caulk gun, cut the tip off an eighth of an inch. Apply a small bead between the backsplash and the counter and draw it across. 

Finally, take the sponge and wipe it across a couple of times. This keeps the line smooth so there’s not too much product on there.

If you have any questions, give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!

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The True Importance of Dryer Maintenance

Dryer maintenance is both simple and important.

Maintenance is an important aspect of homeownership. Today, I’d like to talk specifically about the significance of dryer maintenance. Along with manufacturer recommendations, you also need to make sure you are always clearing the dryer vent of lint and other obstructions.

Remember to check that air flow from the exhaust vent remains unblocked. A number of things, including inclement weather, can cause blockages for this vent.

Most ranch-style homes will vent low and close to the ground. On two-story homes, the vents are typically higher. If your vent is located on the roof, you may need to enlist professional help.

Checking this vent is not only important for ensuring that your dryer functions properly, but also because doing so can prevent fires. Checking your dryer vent at least a couple of times a year is critical.

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Checking your dryer vent at least a couple of times a year is critical.

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Most dryers these days will have an alarm or sensor to detect blockages, but this isn’t the case for all units. Even if your dryer does have an alarm, periodically checking the vent is still a good idea.

You can even hire a professional duct cleaning company to clear the vent for you. Otherwise, dryer cleaning kits are available at most hardware stores.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eight new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

How to Adjust the Controls on Your Sprinklers

Today I’m joined by John Brosh of Turfbuilder Irrigation Inc, to talk about a new control panel setup for your sprinkler system.

Today I’m joined by John Brosh, owner of Turfbuilder Irrigation Inc., and I wanted to go over a few questions that some homeowners have asked me about their sprinkler systems.

This year, there’s a new sprinkler control system that we wanted to go over with you. According to John, everything on the controller is pretty basic and easy to use. This control system comes with an automatic system that will run the sprinkler on the schedule that you set. Setting that schedule is easy and can be done from the same dial.

You’re able to set your start times and which days you want to water your lawn. We always recommend that you water your lawn in the morning so that it can dry throughout the day. You can also set the start times and how long you want each zone to run.

Because there are two types of sprinklers in your system, a rotor and a stationary head, you’re going to want to run each zone a little differently and for a different period of time.

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 In order to adjust the rotors in your yard, all you need is a small screwdriver.

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The other feature of this control panel that we wanted to show you is the manual station. You can manually start your sprinkler system during the off-season or when you need to cool down your soil during hotter summer days. The last feature of the system is an off-option, for days when there’s rain in the forecast and an extra watering isn’t needed.

While these are the basic controls, there are some add-ons that Turfbuilder Irrigation can provide you for a fee. These additional features include Wi-Fi and rain sensors.

In order to adjust the rotors in your yard, all you need is a small screwdriver. Each rotor has two stopping points: one on the left and one on the right. To find your left-handed stopping point, you turn the entire head until you have it where you need it.

Once you have it set, then you take a flathead screwdriver and turn the knob on the top of the rotor clockwise. The more you turn it, the bigger your radius will get. You can also use a screwdriver to adjust the spray pattern as well.

If you have any additional questions for John, you can reach him and Turfbuilder Irrigation at (402) 592-7100.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in our area, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to working with you.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eight new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

How to Set Your Sprinkler System for Every Season

When using a sprinkler system, homeowners should always remember that different times of year call for different settings.

Recently I had a conversation with Turfbuilders Irrigation, Inc., owner John Brosh about some of the questions homeowners tend to ask about sprinkler systems and how to use them.

After the first year or so, once a homeowner has an established yard, there are a few things John says people need to consider when setting their sprinklers throughout the year.

One of the main factors homeowners should keep in mind is the changing of seasons. Sprinklers should be used differently depending on the time of year. In spring, for example, John says they should be set to a more moderate watering schedule—starting with three or so days per week, as grass and soil tend to be much cooler than they may be in later months.

Also, as a general tip, it’s important to always water your lawn in the early morning so that it can dry throughout the day. Avoid watering later in the day or in the evening, as doing so can lead to mold and fungus in your yard.

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 Sprinklers should be used differently depending on the time of year.

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In summer, though, yards do require a little more attention. “Each yard is a different beast,” John says, but a good place to start is by setting the sprinkler to four times a week for those hotter months. On days that are especially scorching, five times a week can be acceptable as well. In some instances, homeowners will simply have to use their best judgment.

Additionally, because the grass is prone to becoming warm and drying more quickly during the summer, running your sprinklers again for a few minutes at the hottest point of the day—around 4 or 5 p.m.—can help alleviate those high temperatures.
But over-watering can damage your yard and lead to poor-draining soil. Water should be absorbed into the soil rather than simply rolling off of it.

Once fall arrives, watering should be tapered back in preparation to winterize. The process of winterizing can be tricky to do just right, but Turfbuilders Irrigation, Inc. can help. John recommends people start calling in for winterization services around mid-September so that there is plenty of time for things to be done correctly.

John also says not to worry about the weather warming up again after you’ve winterized your sprinklers. If this happens, all you need to do is water the yard manually with a hose sprinkler.

If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our eight new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

How to Prevent Water Damage

We’ve been getting a lot of rain lately, and this always reminds us that we need to check out our sump pumps. Just after a big rainstorm is the best time to check, and we’ll be showing you what we need to look at.

Your sump pump will be located in your basement, and we install one to two sump pits that allow water from the outside to drain into. It’s a collection point, and any water that falls into the pit must be removed via a shop vac or a sump pump. If your home has a sump pump, pay attention to the electrical outlet. It must be a GFCI outlet with a test button. It’s important to have a power test button so that your pump doesn’t stop functioning during a storm. You can use an outlet tester or simply plug in a night light to ensure that the bulb remains lit. You have to make sure that you’re maintaining power to the pump.

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The best time to check your pump is directly after a storm.

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Another recommendation is a flood alarm or a water sensor. This will detect when your sump pit is reaching the maximum level and you are coming close to a breach that will flood your basement. The sump pump motor floats in the water, and once it reaches a certain level, it’s activated and will start pumping again until it goes back down to an appropriate level.

You should also walk around your basement after a storm to check for any seepage around your walls and windows. Walk along the perimeter of your basement and investigate for any signs of moisture. If you see anything, investigate it further or call a professional.

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? 

If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our 8 new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

What Should Be on Your Spring Checklist?

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our 6 new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

Today we wanted to take a moment to discuss our spring home exterior checklist. People are always excited to do spring cleaning indoors, but often neglect the outside of their home in the process. A lot of damage can happen to your property over the long winter, so let's run through a checklist to make sure your home is prepared for the summer. 

• Check the caulking and sealing on the cracks in your driveway and see what effects the winter months have had on your concrete.
• If you have stone or mortar walls on the outside of your home, check for cracks. Also, check the seals on your windows for any possible leaks.
• Double check your downspout extensions. Winter weather and high winds can often cause these to become separated. Reconnect them if you need to.
• You definitely want to check the sealing on both your air conditioning and your fresh air exhaust and intake. If they have separated, reseal them with putty.
• Sump pipes can be disconnected. If yours came undone during the winter, you want to get that water away from your foundation. 
• If you have areas of sod that need some sprucing, overseed with a bluegrass/fescue mix and those areas will come back over time.

Over the winter, a lot of things can  happen to the outside of your home. Hopefully, this list will help you have less worry when it comes to getting your home ready this spring. If you have any questions, we are just a phone call or email away!

How to Treat Your Sod

Know anyone who's interested in building a home? If you have any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to own their first or second home - would you forward this message to them? We'll be happy to show them our 6 new construction home plans along with the benefits of owning a Charleston Home so they can make a decision that's right for them.

Welcome back, everyone. Today we are going to talk about how to treat your recently installed sod. If you are living in a new home or a home with new sod, you probably got it put in last fall or winter. With the weather getting better and the ground unfrozen, people are going to start watering their yards. 

While the grass has some roots, it probably hasn't fully taken hold yet and the roots aren't fully into the ground. To do this, you'll need to do some watering. But be careful that you don't leave your sprinkler on when the temperature dips below freezing. 

One more thing you can do with your new sod is apply a light layer of starter fertilizer to get the grass going. 

One thing you definitely don't want to do is put any kind of weed killer on your sod if it's not rooted yet, because that can hamper its growth. 

If you have any questions about protecting your sod, or anything else real estate related, give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help out.