19
votes
Why didn't flooded extension cord plug trip breaker?
Good thinking on the rubber boots, but next time call the power company, or find some other way to turn off the power.
Without a GFCI municipal water will not conduct enough current to trip a breaker, ...
- 23.2k
12
votes
Why didn't flooded extension cord plug trip breaker?
It probably did short to ground (and to neutral). But that doesn’t actually trip the breaker reliably unless it’s a GFCI breaker or the short draws enough current to hit the trip point on the breaker, ...
9
votes
Best way to prevent basement flooding
The ideal solution is to waterproof the foundation and that's best done during construction.
Since it's too late for that, your next best option is to waterproof after the fact. This is best done from ...
- 47.9k
9
votes
Accepted
Hot water heated T&P valve fully opened itself flooding my garage
Yes, it is safe to assume that the T&P valve has failed and needs to be replaced. Even without the flood, a constant dripping is a sign of a problem.
However, that leaves open the question of ...
4
votes
Accepted
For How Long can a Sump Pump Run Before Damage Occurs?
In my experience with sump and shallow well pumps, a short dry cycle will not appreciably affect the pump's lifespan. 12 seconds isn't enough time for residual water to vaporize and allow heat buildup....
- 144k
4
votes
Basement flooding only with heavy snow fall
Typically your first solutions would be sloping ground away and water spout drainage. The good behavior during heavy rain suggests that these solutions aren't useful in your case.
Pumping a well ...
- 10.5k
3
votes
Hot water heated T&P valve fully opened itself flooding my garage
This exact issue just happened to me: water heater pressure - temperature relief valve was completely open, gushing water.. We noticed the water was not super-heated, so a stuck thermostat was ruled ...
- 31
2
votes
Are carpet and pad salvageable with partial flooding?
If both the carpet and pad can be thoroughly dried prior to mildew growth, it should be fine to reuse. I had the same thing happen and laid out the carpet and pad flat, vacuumed it dry, elevated it ...
- 36.3k
2
votes
Flooding likely due to clay drainage tile broken; excavate to replace?
Repair will be a gamble. Before throwing $4000 at a plumber it might be well worth your while to dig a hole yourself and see if you have one broken tile, or many broken tiles. You can also do some DIY ...
- 223k
2
votes
How do I clean up after an upstairs washer flood?
If the insulation is fiberglass or plastic foam, I'd not be concerned (cellulose is another matter), since this is just a one-time dump of a few dozen liters. You've done a fairly thorough job of ...
- 8,319
2
votes
Solar Powered Sump Pump
There are several options that might work. If you're dead set on using solar for your battery recharging and maintaining, look for a secondary sump pump that runs off of 12V, and just hook that 12V ...
- 5,254
1
vote
Foundation sliding in, basement flooding, sediment seeping in between basement wall and foundation
For reducing water ingress: The simple things too often ignored: Make sure the ground all around the house slopes away from the house (1% minimum slope - 1/8" per foot) for at least 10-12 feet ...
- 223k
1
vote
Is my sewer line broken?
No. It isn't sewer. It isn't the water main.
The hole in your basement floor is your sump.
Your foundation looks like rubble at that point.
Generally the solution is going to be to dig up the ...
- 14.3k
1
vote
Would an external sump pit help prevent flooding until an internal drain system is installed?
The fundamental problem is water percolating through the soil next to the addition. There are two relatively cheap and easy steps you can take while you wait for the fix:
Make sure the gutters on ...
- 1,874
1
vote
Best way to prevent basement flooding
In general, the problem is nearly always outside, and quite often it is simple to correct.
The next time there is a heavy rain, put on your raincoat and hat and walk around the house:
Are any gutters ...
- 1,179
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