Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
Water in basement raises sump pit worries
QUESTION: I live in a 26-year-old home with a sump pit and pump. The pump has been replaced once, but apart from that, the system has worked well every spring melt and rainstorm. In spring 2011, the pump went off only once. It was a very dry summer, but we checked the pump by filling the pit with a hose. The pump then worked fine. It has not gone off once since then and we have had some water entering the basement walls in storms.
My question is what other components of our drainage system should be checked, and by which type of professional? I am wondering if we should be concerned at all.
Thank you. Pat Lumsden
ANSWER: A sump pit and pump in a home of your age is an essential component, often overlooked or ignored. You are to be commended for being concerned about proper operation and I will try to provide additional guidance for proper use and maintenance.
While it is normally operational for a good portion of the spring and into summer, last year, the weather was so dry many pumps remained fairly quiet once the runoff from the melting snow disappeared. This continued into this spring due to the relatively light snowfall this past winter combined with the incredibly mild weather. Much of the snow cover melted and soaked into the parched soil during several heat waves early in the year. Because of this unusual phenomenon, I have seen many dry sump pits during the course of typical inspections this spring. I cannot remember seeing this many dry or almost-dry pits and it is undoubtedly due to the lack of moisture in the soil.
With that in mind, I would have said you have little to be worried about if your sump pump does not run sporadically now, except for your admission of seepage during the few storms last year. It would make sense that rain should not be able to enter your basement if the soil is very dry, without even enough water to activate the sump pump. If that were the case, it would follow there may be something wrong with the weeping-tile system if the pump easily activated when you partially filled the sump. There should be a relatively easy way to check if there is any significant blockage or damage to the drainage tile, but its necessity is questionable.
Most rooter technicians and many plumbers have equipment that can enter underground sewage pipes to remove debris such as soil or tree roots that may plug the lines. They also may have similar equipment that has the capability of videotaping the inside of these pipes as the snake enters. This can be very helpful in finding problems or damage within sewer pipes, but can also be used for your weeping-tile system. If you have not seen the pump engage on its own during or after the recent heavy rain, then further evaluation may be in order. Especially if you have had more water enter your basement in this recent wet weather, the video inspection is a good idea.
If the sump has begun to operate more normally, or if the seepage has stopped, then little more may be required. Even if the same thing is still occurring, there could be another explanation. There is a chance the soil around your home has become so dry that it has shrunk away from the foundation enough to leave a small gap. This gap could be allowing rainwater to run down the outside of the foundation, rather than being absorbed by the parched, hard soil near the surface. Deeper down, the soil may not be as dry and should easily absorb any moisture that penetrates the upper layers, preventing it from reaching the weeping tiles. If this is happening, some of the water running down the foundation walls may be forcing its way through small cracks or rusted snap ties into the basement. This is a strong possibility, as I have seen dozens of homes in the last year, including my own, where the soil has shrunk enough to leave gaps along the foundation.
The first thing to try, if you see a noticeable gap around the foundation or badly eroded soil, is slowly adding water to the soil directly around the home. Watering the lawn in this area for several minutes every day for a week or so may alleviate the worst symptoms of this problem. If the damp soil expands to fill the gap and you don't see any evidence of new moisture in your basement, only regular seasonal watering of the lawn may be required to prevent a reoccurrence. If the gap closes but the soil is significantly lower than previously, spreading new topsoil and seed to return it to the original height will help things get back to normal. Also, regular watering of the rest of the soil in your yard, until normal precipitation levels return, will help the soil absorb heavy rain when it does come.
Any time water is seen entering a foundation, which occurs in most homes over time, further evaluation and action is warranted. Often, minor items like improvements to grading and soil around the home or cleaning eavestroughs will prevent further problems. I would guess your slight seepage and dry sump could be alleviated by a few improvements in these areas. Video inspection of the entire weeping-tile system by a plumber or rooter technician should yield an answer if the straightforward maintenance doesn't help the issue.
Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the president of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors -- Manitoba (www.cahpi.mb.ca). Questions can be emailed to the address below. Ari can be reached at (204) 291-5358 or check out his website at www.trainedeye.ca.
trainedeye@iname.com
Renovation & Design
Hot water still cleans better
QUESTION: My son started washing his own laundry at home. He insists on using cold water to wash everything because he says hot water fades colours. I noticed when he pulls some of his T-shirts out of the dryer, they have mould stains all over them. Is this because he does not use hot water? (I never have this problem.) Rebecca, Portage la Prairie
ANSWER: First of all, good for your son that he is putting time and effort into learning the art of laundry care. After all, with the amount of money many people spend on clothes, it stands to reason that we want them to last! Cold water is a smart choice when it comes to water and energy conservation. It is also important to note that water temperature 27 C (80 F) or hotter is best for getting fabrics clean. It sounds as though you hit the nail on the head -- in order to get rid of mould on his T-shirt, he requires hot water. He may also want to experiment with detergents specifically designed for cold-water washing.
In order to avoid faded colours in fabrics, simply avoid the use of the dryer, because the heat of the dryer will fade colours quickly. Hang clothes or lay them flat to dry and iron them when damp or dry.
QUESTION: Do you have a solution for stainless steel flatware coming out of the dishwasher with what appears to be rust marks and stains? Brand new stainless sets come out of the dishwasher with these stains and they look horrible. In speaking with the manufacturer, they suggest insuring we wash the entire cutlery batch free of deposits. Why bother using the dishwasher then? We have older sets of cutlery that are more than 20 years old and this problem doesn't happen to them. Has the quality of stainless cutlery gone down or is the dishwasher responsible? Any advice would be appreciated. Ernie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It sounds as though you have purchased inferior, imported steel cutlery, because typical acceptable stainless steel flatware has a composition of 18% chromium and 10 per cent nickel, and true stainless steel should not rust easily. This will likely be an ongoing challenge. You can switch detergents from liquid to powder or powder to liquid and add rinse agent to the dishwasher. And you may be inclined to soak cutlery in white vinegar after taking it out of the dishwasher and then polishing each piece so it always looks clean. Avoid detergents that contain citrus as this can add to the rust. Your best bet, as you suggested, is to forget the dishwasher altogether for this cutlery.
Feedback from Manitobans who care:
Hello Reena,
I follow your column in the Winnipeg Free Press, mainly for cleaning tips. I thought I would share my tip for dealing with bathroom mould after reading your answer to Jacquie in your column of May 12. I have a tiled shower, and the grout was constantly growing unsightly mould. I grew tired of the constant cleaning, and my solution involves about 90 seconds of work performed after each shower: I keep a separate towel to wipe down the tile, and I haven't had a mould problem in years! Anonymous
Hey Reena,
Just wanted to share with you something that I discovered; I was at a party and looking great, when all of a sudden I realized the back of my earring had disappeared. I quickly pulled a pencil out of my purse and broke off the eraser on the end. I then used the broken eraser as a stopper for my earring and it worked perfectly! Linda
Frozen blueberry tips
- When it comes to using frozen blueberries in a recipe, do not allow them to thaw first. Adding them while frozen will preserve the texture and prevent them from bleeding into the other ingredients and changing the colour of your baking. Note: If the skin is not broken, a blueberry will not bleed colour.
- Before adding frozen blueberries to your pie, sprinkle the crust with 45 millilitres (3 tablespoons) of cornstarch right before adding the berries. This absorbs liquid and prevents a soggy crust.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org . You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
Renovation & Design
Upgrade windows for energy efficiency
UPGRADING windows is an investment that improves street appeal and makes a home more energy efficient.
Retrofitting with Energy Starrated windows will improve the comfort of your home, but there are a few items to consider when choosing them.
When looking for the right company to manufacture and install your windows, check for warranties that cover both manufacturing and installation defects and make sure you compare apples with apples. Some companies manufacture, sell and install, while others rely on separate warranties from manufacturers, distributors and installers. Check who holds the warranty and that the warranty is transferable. Ask for references.
Ensure that any contractor coming to work in your home has WCB coverage and third-party liability insurance.
Consider Energy Star-rated lowE windows squared with argon gas. Low-emissivity windows (known as low-E) use an almost invisible metal coating to reduce heat loss, reflect outside heat in summer and block ultraviolet light, which fades draperies, carpets and furniture. Best of all: two low-E panes with an insulating gas like argon between them make them more energy efficient.
See if your supplier provides a “house-as-a-system” approach to energy efficiency, by providing a list of your home’s overall energyefficiency performance, including insulation levels, ventilation, draft-proofing and controls, and recommendations for other areas of home savings. This service will enhance the performance of your new windows.
Buying energy-efficient windows does not mean sacrificing style. All styles and sizes of windows can be more efficient, and it’s not just the glass. The casings, the installation and even the mechanisms can help increase efficiency. The right windows will enhance the beauty of your home and save you a considerable sum on your heating costs.
Check your new windows for premium locking systems. Safety glass can be used on main floors or sidelights of entry doors for extra security.
- Glass assembly: Are all units double-sealed using foam and a proven secondary seal?
- Hardware: Is it durable to ensure years of maintenance-free operation and enjoyment? Also, using a warm-edge white superspacer product will provide you with one of the best glass spacers available.
- Welding: Is the frame fused for strength and durability and will it eliminate water leakage on corners.
- Screens: Are screens springmounted into the frame for a secure fit and ease of removal?
- Energy Star is the international symbol of energy efficiency. It helps consumers identify home appliances and energy-using equipment that saves energy. With UV protection, energy-efficient windows can also minimize sun damage to the skin and eyes of the home’s residents.
There are grants available if you upgrade your windows through the federal eco Energy Retrofit for Homes program.
— Postmedia News
For more home-improvement information, to send Shell an email or to find a certified window-installation contractor in your area, go to www. AskShell.com
Renovation & Design
Worrying about radon justifiable
Something I haven't spoken about in a while is now suddenly a hot topic again. What's everyone asking about? Radon. Go figure.
Most people are scared of radon. The truth is not a lot of people know what it is. They usually think it's a soil problem, but it's actually a gas problem.
Radon comes from uranium in the ground. Uranium is everywhere. It's in all kinds of soil. And when it breaks down, it produces a radioactive gas that's odourless, colourless and tasteless. This gas is radon.
When radon gas is released in the air outside, it gets diluted. But if it finds its way into your home, it can accumulate. That's when it becomes dangerous.
How does radon come into a home? Through unfinished floors, pipes, windows, sumps, cracks in foundation walls and floors or even through foundation walls. Remember, concrete is porous. Radon is a gas, so it can come through the tiny holes in a home's foundation walls.
Being exposed to high doses of radon over a long period of time is a huge health risk. According to Health Canada, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. In fact, 10 per cent of all cases of lung cancer in Canada are caused by radon.
Is this serious? Let's look at the facts: It's estimated that 2,000 people die every year in Canada due to radon. Think that's bad? In the U.S., it's about 20,000.
Between 2009 and 2010, Health Canada did a cross-country survey. Turns out, about 7 per cent of Canadians are living in homes with radon levels above the guideline.
How much radon is too much? It used to be 800 Bq/m3 or 800 becquerels per cubic metre. (Becquerels are used to measure radioactive concentration.) Then in 2007, it was lowered to 200 Bq/m3.
The survey also showed different parts of the country have different levels of radon. For example, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and the Yukon had the highest percentages. Nunavut and Prince Edward Island had the lowest. Anywhere uranium is mined, you're going to have higher radon levels.
But regardless of where you live, there's no way of knowing if you have a radon problem -- unless you test for it. One house can have radon levels next to zero. You go to the house next door and the levels can be off the charts.
These levels also fluctuate. Depending on the weather, humidity, the home or the time of year, radon levels will be higher or lower.
For example, during the winter we keep our windows and doors shut. This lets radon accumulate in the home. That's why radon levels tend to be higher in the winter. And for that reason, it's also the best time to test for radon.
There are radon test kits homeowners can buy at big-box stores or from organizations such as Pinchin Environmental, but testing can be tricky.
There are specific requirements when you test for radon. For example, you need to place the detector in the lowest part of the house that's occupied for at least four hours a day. It can't be anywhere where there's humidity, like the kitchen or bathroom. It can't be near any vents. There can't be any objects around it. It needs to be a certain distance away from interior walls, exterior walls, below the ceiling and above the ground. If you don't follow these instructions carefully, you mess up the test.
That's why there are professionals who know how to measure for radon. Who's a pro? Someone who is certified by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) or National Radon Safety Board (NRSB).
There are short-term and long-term tests for radon. Short-term is usually over two to seven days and long-term is anywhere from one to 12 months. The longer you test the better. Health Canada recommends a minimum of three months.
But what if there is a radon issue? Should you be waiting for months to find out?
Your best bet is to do a short-term radon test in closed conditions. That means keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible -- some homeowners do it while they're away on vacation. And if the results show you've got radon levels higher than 200 Bq/m3, call in a pro to verify.
If you have a radon problem it can cost $1,500 to $3,000 to fix it. You need to call in a contractor who has experience in dealing with radon mitigation, with certification from the National Radon Proficiency Program.
Capping sump pumps and sealing foundation cracks help, but the most effective method is drilling a hole through the basement floor and installing a pipe with a fan.
Is radon something we should think about? Yes. Should we panic? No. Is it more serious than something like mould or asbestos? As far as I'm concerned, they're all bad. If you have high levels of radon in your house, it's bad. If you have asbestos or mould in your house, it's bad.
Bottom line: Whether it's mould, asbestos or radon, any time our health or our family's health is compromised, we need to be concerned.
-- Postmedia News
Renovation & Design
Upgrade windows for energy efficiency
UPGRADING windows is an investment that improves street appeal and makes a home more energy efficient.
Retrofitting with Energy Star-rated windows will improve the comfort of your home, but there are a few items to consider when choosing them.
When looking for the right company to manufacture and install your windows, check for warranties that cover both manufacturing and installation defects and make sure you compare apples with apples. Some companies manufacture, sell and install, while others rely on separate warranties from manufacturers, distributors and installers. Check who holds the warranty and that the warranty is transferable. Ask for references.
Ensure that any contractor coming to work in your home has WCB coverage and third-party liability insurance.
Consider Energy Star-rated low-E windows squared with argon gas. Low-emissivity windows (known as low-E) use an almost invisible metal coating to reduce heat loss, reflect outside heat in summer and block ultraviolet light, which fades draperies, carpets and furniture. Best of all: two low-E panes with an insulating gas like argon between them make them more energy efficient.
See if your supplier provides a "house-as-a-system" approach to energy efficiency, by providing a list of your home's overall energy-efficiency performance, including insulation levels, ventilation, draft-proofing and controls, and recommendations for other areas of home savings. This service will enhance the performance of your new windows.
Buying energy-efficient windows does not mean sacrificing style. All styles and sizes of windows can be more efficient, and it's not just the glass. The casings, the installation and even the mechanisms can help increase efficiency. The right windows will enhance the beauty of your home and save you a considerable sum on your heating costs.
Check your new windows for premium locking systems. Safety glass can be used on main floors or sidelights of entry doors for extra security.
-- Glass assembly: Are all units double-sealed using foam and a proven secondary seal?
-- Hardware: Is it durable to ensure years of maintenance-free operation and enjoyment? Also, using a warm-edge white super-spacer product will provide you with one of the best glass spacers available.
-- Welding: Is the frame fused for strength and durability and will it eliminate water leakage on corners?
-- Screens: Are screens spring-mounted into the frame for a secure fit and ease of removal?
Energy Star is the international symbol of energy efficiency. It helps consumers identify home appliances and energy-using equipment that saves energy. With UV protection, energy-efficient windows can also minimize sun damage to the skin and eyes of the home's residents.
There are grants available if you upgrade your windows through the federal eco Energy Retrofit for Homes program.
-- Postmedia News
For more home-improvement information, to send Shell an email or to find a certified window-installation contractor in your area, go to www.AskShell.com
