Choosing the Right Sump Pump: Pedestal vs Submersible
When it comes time to pick a sump pump, you’ll quickly run into two main types: pedestal and submersible. They both do the same job—keep your basement dry—but they do it in very different ways. As a handyman who’s installed and replaced more pumps than I...
Sump Pump Backup Systems: Battery, Water-Powered, and Dual-Pump Options
When the rain is pouring and the power goes out, your primary sump pump might go quiet—and that silence can lead to thousands in water damage. That’s where a backup system comes in. As someone who’s been in the basement during those worst-case scenarios, let me...
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Sump Pump (And What to Look for in a New One)
As someone who’s replaced more sump pumps than I can count, I’ve learned one thing the hard way: you don’t want to find out your pump is dead during a storm. Knowing the signs of a failing sump pump and what to look for in...
What to Do When Your Sump Pump Fails (And How to Minimize Water Damage)
If you’ve ever walked into your basement during a heavy rain and heard silence where a sump pump should be humming, you know the feeling. It’s panic. It’s frustration. And it’s the beginning of a race against water damage. As someone who’s helped more than a...
Where Should Your Sump Pump Discharge Water? (And What to Avoid)
One of the most overlooked parts of a sump pump system is where the water actually ends up. It might not seem like a big deal, but where your sump pump discharges that water can have serious consequences—for your basement, your neighbors, your foundation, and...
Sump Pump 101: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You Need One
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or someone finally tired of mopping up a wet basement, understanding sump pumps is a must. They’re one of the most underrated home protection systems, quietly keeping your foundation dry and your basement usable—even during the nastiest Northeast Ohio downpour. This...
Sump Pump Water Reuse: Is It Safe for Lawns, Gardens, or Cleaning?
As a handyman who’s spent years crawling through basements, solving drainage issues, and helping homeowners protect their properties, I’ve had this question come up more times than I can count: "Can I reuse the water from my sump pump?" The short answer? Yes—but not for everything....