Choosing a Sump Pumps For Your Basement

Warmer spring weather is melting all that snow, but with melting snow also comes soggy soil and wet basements. Wet basements are common during spring rain storms and are little more than a minor nuisance for many thanks to their sump pump.

A sump pump is a device that pumps water from the sump in your basement out of your home, either through a hose or your sewer system. The pump can run on either electricity or batteries, and has either an automatic or manual switch for turning it on. There are other varying features your sump pump might have based on the make, model and type if pump.

How does a sump pump work?

Contact Us for Submersible Pump replacement

Water can seep into your basement through the foundation, especially when the soil surrounding your home is saturated. Your basement sump is designed to collect this water. As water fills the sump, many pumps have a “float switch” or a mechanism which senses the rising water and tells the pump to turn on when water reaches a certain level. Others have switches that require the homeowner turn the pump on manually.

Submersible pumps sit inside the sump and are a common choice because they are out of the way when not in use. A pedestal pump has a motor that sits just above the sump and is more visible. Both kinds of pumps have an impeller, which is a fan-like mechanism on the bottom of the motor that creates the force needed to suck up the water and funnel it through the discharge pipe. The discharge mechanism is made up of a cylindrical tube open at both ends for funneling water into the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe can be made of a number of materials from a copper pipe to a garden hose, however, long-lasting PVC is the most common choice.

Primary or Backup Sump Pump?

Chances are you already have a sump pump in your basement that’s worked well for you in the past during rain and thaws. This is likely your primary pump, a hard-working sump pump run on electricity. This is usually enough for people who live in areas that seldom lose power, but rural homeowners might want to consider investing in a backup sump pump, which runs on batteries, just in case. Heavy rain storms can bring wind, knocking down trees and power lines. The last thing you want is to lose your sump pump during a heavy spring storm. Basements with even just an inch of water can sustain heavy damage from mold and that hard-to-remove musty smell.

What to consider when buying a sump pump?

First, think about the type of pump you want to buy. Will it serve as your primary or backup pump? Do you want a submersible pump that’s out of sight? Do you prefer an automatic float switch or more control with a manual switch?

Next think about buying a pump made of quality materials. Specially engineered PVC, thermoplastic and cast iron are the most durable, although, iron pumps should be baked in epoxy paint to prevent corrosion. Internal parts should also be made of metal, although some makes with plastic parts do get good reviews. Power is another consideration. Any pump with ¼ horsepower (HP) to ½ HP motor should be fine for the average home, although homes in flood-prone areas might want to consider going with a pump with a motor up to 1 HP.
Deciding on a brand is the final choice. This is usually the toughest decision, since most homeowners only buy one to two sump pumps in a lifetime and aren’t sure which brand provides the best quality. There are a number of websites that offer reviews of products and recommendations, including sump pumps by Zoeller, the brand Skillings & Sons prefers. Zoeller’s Might-Mate 50 Series is durable and long-lasting in our experience, as well as moderately priced.
 

If you have questions about sump pump types and brands, call a Skillings and Sons water technician for more information and if you need a sump pump installed, we are glad to help. Our large trucks are rolling warehouses stocked with everything we need to install a sump pump without having to make additional trips.

Look for a motor between ¼ HP and 1 HP to ensure it can keep up with your water removal demands.

If you suspect water in your basement may become an issue this spring, don't hesitate. Contact Skillings and Sons and speak to one of our technicians. We can recommend the right sump pump for your home.

Skillings & Sons Co-owner Gives his Expert Take on Geothermal

Science Cafe NH Geothermal Lecture

Skillings & Sons has been drilling geothermal wells for nearly 25 years, so it makes sense that the co-owner of the company, Roger Skillings, would be asked to sit on an expert panel on geothermal energy.

Roger Skillings was one of three geothermal experts to speak at the Science Café New Hampshire forum in Nashua last week, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of this green geothermal home heating options.

Geothermal heat pumps do not use fossil fuels but instead draw energy from within the earth to heat the home in the winter and cool it in the summer. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, geothermal heat pump systems use 25 percent to 50 percent less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems. They don’t use fossil fuels either, which means homeowners save hundreds to thousands of dollars each year by giving up home heating oil, propane or natural gas systems.

The cost of installation can be a factor for some, but Roger Skilling told the forum that homeowners would find there is a relatively quick return on investment. He said switching out an old system for a new geothermal system in your home usually costs around $30,000 to $35,000, but if the system is installed before the end of 2016, there are federal tax incentives and state credits available that can drop the price to about $10,000.

When oil prices were higher, the return on investment for installing a geothermal system could be as little as five years, Skillings said, but now that oil prices have dropped a bit, homeowners can expect to cover their costs for the system in roughly 10 years – a pretty quick turnaround when considering that the system can last upwards of 30 years.

Installing a geothermal heat pump system is an more affordable option for people looking to move away from heating with fossil fuels and onto a renewable energy source. Another panelist noted that Forbes magazine called geothermal energy the greatest return on investment for green heating technology available today.

Geothermal systems are also gaining in popularity because they not only deliver heat in the winter but can also create cooler air during the summer. Here’s how it works: A geothermal system is made up of a heat pump, a ground heat exchanger, and the delivery system. The ground heat exchanger is a series of pipes buried in the ground that transfers the warmth from the earth into the home. The heat pump connects the ground portion to the inside of the building and delivers hot or warm air into the home through the ductwork or radiator.

In the winter, water flows through the heat exchanger and absorbs warmth from the earth’s constant temperature deep within the ground. The warm water is transferred into the building and the heat pump inside the building concentrates the energy from the water into warm air for distribution throughout the home. During the summer, the process is reversed. Heat is absorbed from the building and transferred back into the earth. Some geothermal systems can also provide hot water.

Skillings told the forum that permitting for residential units is relatively easy in New Hampshire, but that the well drilling required for installing the ground loops must be reported to the state’s Department of Environmental Services. Geothermal units can be installed even on small lots in suburban areas, not just big parcels in the country, and they take up a relatively small amount of space compared to other heating units.

If you would like more information about geothermal heating systems, please contact a Skillings & Sons geothermal expert at 1 (800) 441-6281. We have extensive experience in installing geothermal systems in both residential and commercial properties, and for both new construction and retrofits.

NH's Proposed Gas Pipeline and Your Water Well

The proposed New Hampshire gas pipline andwater wells

What you need to know about your water well and the natural gas pipeline proposed to go through your town in New Hampshire

If you live along the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border, chances are you’ve heard about the natural gas pipeline proposed to run from the Berkshires into New Hampshire and across the border again into Dracut, Mass. Building a project of this size takes months and sometimes years to complete, however, knowing a little about how these projects are constructed can help you stay on top of the process and informed about any potential risks.

Regardless of the project, whenever there is large-scale construction near your home, it could impact your home well water supply. At Skillings & Sons, we recommend homeowners test their water whenever they notice a change in quality, such as a new strange taste or smell, or the presence of sediment. We also suggest homeowners test their water if there has been a massive construction project ongoing nearby. Here’s why:

Large-scale construction projects often require blasting

Granite ledge is a common geological feature in this part of the country. Large formations of bedrock provide us with an ample supply of clean, great-tasting water. But it also means that whenever a road, large new development, or pipeline is built, there will likely be some blasting.
According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, blasting can cause silt, sand, and rock particles to shake loose into bedrock fractures that carry water into nearby bedrock wells. This sediment then travels into our home water supply, increasing what is known as “turbidity.” High turbidity is not only unpleasant to drink, but it can also damage a home’s water fixtures and appliances.

Homeowners should be aware that high turbidity can sometimes carry with it other harmful contaminants such as metals or blasting chemicals. Detonator and explosive materials are sometimes not entirely combusted during the blast and are then released into the groundwater. This includes residual chemicals left behind on the blasted rock materials, both within the ground and removed and stockpiled on the construction site. Blasting contamination is often associated with increased levels of nitrate or nitrite, and in some rare cases, volatile organic compounds.

Construction and the flow of groundwater

Blasting on a large-scale construction site can temporarily disrupt the flow of water into your home’s well, but is unlikely to damage it. Studies of wells near blasting zones show there is little likelihood of a blast damaging a well, well casing or pump, especially in areas where people live and lower charges are used.

There is a chance that the well could see a drop in flow because loosened rock and sediment are blocking the flow of water to the well. This problem can be solved with a technique called hydrofracking. This process sends a highly pressurized blast of water deep into the well, loosening and eliminating the rocks and debris blocking the flow of water into your well. This technique is safe, uses no chemicals and works so well, Skillings & Sons offers a guarantee. 

While most of this post has addressed potential damage to bedrock wells, those homes with shallow wells should also be on alert when construction is taking place nearby. Disruptions in the soil around your home and well can lead to bacteria contamination.

Skillings & Sons recommends water testing and shock chlorination if warranted, to fully eliminate the risk of contamination after construction. 

Removing Radon From NH and MA Well Water

Testing for Radon in Well Water

Water Treatment for Radon Found In NH and MA Well Water

In New England, we’re famous for the beautiful rustic stone walls found throughout the region. New Hampshire is even nicknamed the Granite State thanks to our unique geology.  Radon, a colorless, odorless radioactive gas is produced by the decay of the element radium, which is naturally occurring in our rocky New England soil. 

Most homeowners or first-time buyers are aware that radon can be found in the air, entering homes through cracks in a home's foundation. One standard contingency when purchasing a home in New England is a radon test. Exposure is a health risk that’s been linked to lung and other cancers. The risk increases if anyone in your family is a smoker. Many may be unaware that the gas can also dissolve into the groundwater and later enter the home through the water supply. The good news is that most issues can be easily and efficiently resolved to remove the risks.

Test, Diagnose and Reduce Radon

The first step to determine if your home is at risk is a simple test. The EPA recommends implementing reduction procedures in residential water wells testing higher than four picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Levels below this threshold can still pose a risk, and in many cases can be significantly reduced. For a reasonable fee, a qualified contractor can test to determine levels and offer affordable mitigation techniques that can reduce or remove the threat. The first step is to contact your state radon office. Many states require certification and your state office can provide a list of qualified specialists in your area.

Reduction systems are very efficient. In fact, some mitigation systems can reduce levels by up to 99%. The cost is in the range of other common home repairs and will vary depending upon the levels present, the design of the home and the method employed. A certified mitigation specialist can handle all aspects from testing to installation.

TREATMENT FOR Radon in Well Water

While not as common or dangerous as from soil decay, radon can be present in well water. It’s released into the air when water is used for showering or other household chores. Most public water systems already test and treat before delivery so the risk is extremely low if you receive water from a municipal system. While risk is significantly lower, if you're concerned and receive water via a private well, you should consider testing. The good news is if your test detects questionable levels, the problem is easily remedied. There are two primary systems used for mitigation when it comes to removing radon from your well water. They are “point of use” (POU) and “point of entry (POE).”

A POU system treats a single faucet while a POE system treats at the source can effectively remove any radon from your entire supply before the water enters your home. POE systems employ granular activated charcoal filtration or aeration. While GAC filter systems are less costly than aeration, the filters can become slightly radioactive over time and may require special disposal.

If you feel you may have a problem, the best course of action is to consult a certified mitigation contractor such as Skilling & Sons. They will test and interpret results, explain your options and any costs involved and install a system.  It’s an easy fix that can protect your family’s health and provide peace of mind.

Realtor Education Types of Water Wells Pros and Cons

What real estate agents need to know about homes with wells

If Your Real Estate Agency Would Like Skillings & Sons To come to Your Location To discuss Water Wells and Water Quality, Call Us at 1 (800) 441-6281 To Schedule a Time. We'll Even Bring Lunch!

Using well water for home use goes without much thought for many people in New England. But for first-time homebuyers and those used to living along public water and sewer lines, buying a home with a well can be intimidating. Understanding the benefits and challenges of the different types of residential wells can help real estate agents provide homebuyers with the information they need and put minds at ease.

Types of wells

Homes draw water from one of two types of wells: bedrock and shallow. Knowing what type of well a home has will help a real estate agents and homeowner determine what kind of problems could arise over the course of their ownership.

Bedrock wells

Most of the wells in New Hampshire are bedrock wells, also known as artesian wells. These wells are drilled deep into the ground and draw from water that flows through fractures in the bedrock. From 2000 to 2010, an average of 4,350 bedrock wells were drilled in New Hampshire each year.

Bedrock wells have very few incidents of bacterial contamination, but are more susceptible to naturally occurring contaminants, like radon, arsenic or hardness. Bedrock wells can also be more expensive to drill and run because of their depth.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services recently issues an alert, recommending homeowners with private wells get their water tested. A  U.S. Geological Survey revealed that up to 80,000 residents in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Strafford counties alone may have unhealthy levels of one or more toxic metals in their drinking water. These are naturally occurring contaminants, such as arsenic, that are harmful at certain levels. Arsenic is known to cause cancer of the skin, lung, bladder, liver, and kidneys, and other serious diseases. Parents should be especially careful of naturally occurring water contaminants, since some have shown to cause cognitive problems in children.
The NH DES recommends homeowners, even those with water softeners, get their water tested every 3 to 5 years.

Shallow wells

Wells that are less than 50-feet deep and are constructed above the bedrock are called dug wells. They are also referred to as shallow wells, wash wells or gravel wells. Drilling an effective dug well depends on the soil type – they are often surrounded by sandy gravel.
The good news is that shallow wells are less likely to experience naturally occurring contamination from radon or arsenic. The bad news is they are more susceptible to bacteria contamination. Shallow wells can also experience iron, manganese and taste and odor problems.
Since shallow wells take water from the highest water table, they are sensitive to activities that take place on the ground above. Improperly applying fertilizer or pesticides, inappropriate disposal of motor oil, solvents, and other harmful substances, or living close to an industrial area could all put your well at risk.

Testing and treating private well water

Testing water for contaminants is easy for new homeowners and many well water treatment options are relatively affordable and easy to maintain. The state laboratory can test for 13 water quality factors, such as bacteria and radon. It takes about three weeks to process in the summer and two weeks the rest of the year. Skillings & Sons can advise homeowners on how to take the samples, the containers to use and other questions they have.

Skillings & Sons can also discuss water treatment options with homeowners if contaminants are found and recommend maintenance and testing schedules to make sure the system they choose is working effectively for years to come. Finding the proper treatment options to remove the specific contaminants is important, so real estate agents should recommend hiring a professional water system expert when making this important decision.

Would you like a representative from Skillings & Sons, Inc. to visit your real estate firm?
At our free lunch and learn you will learn about;
• FHA flow rate requirements
• How to find and spot a problem well
• Solving poor water pressure problems
• Eliminating bacteria, arsenic and radon
 

This Old House The Essex House Geothermal Project

Whether you are environmentally conscious or just cautious about what you spend, you’ve likely heard about the energy and cost saving potential of a geothermal heating system. This quickly growing option for heating and cooling a home has been used for many years, however, it’s still a new technology to many homeowners.

Skillings & Sons has extensive experience drilling wells for geothermal systems and can advise homeowners on the potential cost savings and reduced fuel consumption that come with these systems. Skillings & Sons was even featured on this recent episode of the PBS home improvement show “This Old House” where a geothermal system was installed.

Skillings & Sons drilled the well for a closed-loop geothermal system in a cottage home in Essex, Mass. As this episode explains, a closed-loop system circulates a water solution through plastic pipes buried underground, absorbing heat from the earth. The heat pump exchanger takes that warmth and brings it into the home heating system.

The system required two 350-foot deep bore-hole wells on the property, which Skillings & Sons drilled using the same rig used for water well drilling. Long plastic pipes are then inserted into the well and filled with a water solution, typically non-toxic antifreeze, and sealed.

In the winter, the water solution absorbs heat from the earth and carries it into the home or building. The heat pump, also known as the heat exchange system, concentrates the earth’s thermal energy and circulates the warm air through standard ductwork. The process is reversed in the summer months, extracting heat from the air inside the home and transferring it into the ground. Geothermal systems require no fuels like oil or natural gas to run the heat exchange. The only external energy needed for a geothermal exchange is the small amount of electricity needed to operate the ground loop pump and fan.

At the Essex House, the well drilling went smoothly, but the project hit a snag when the 5-foot deep trench needed to run the loop system to the home from the well hit ledge and the blasting crew was called in. As you can see in this episode, the “This Old House” team made quick work of that rock.

Skillings & Sons was happy to work with the “This Old House” team in the filming of this episode and highlight the benefits of geothermal heating. As renewable energy specialist Ross Trethewey explains, geothermal heating and cooling is 30% to 50% more efficient than traditional systems.
The show also shows how these wells take up on the property fit into the layout of a New England property. Although Trethewey calls the Essex house the perfect property for geothermal, we’d say there are many different kinds of homes and buildings that are great candidates for geothermal. If you have a small yard or an older home, you still may be able to take advantage of the savings a geothermal system can bring.

If you would like to learn more about geothermal heating systems and if your home is a good candidate for a geothermal system conversion, contact Skillings & Sons for a consultation.

Click Here To View The This Old House Episode