Short & Simple • © 2018 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC • Created by MarketingZoo.com  Replacement. The cost of a sump pump can be as low as $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the model you choose. Larger capacity pumps cost more, obviously.   Installing a sump pump can be straightforward, simple. When you purchase a new pump, such as at your favorite hardware store, ask for instructions. Some of them come with the pump, but the experts who sell you the pump also know what to do. You can also call a plumber. That shouldn’t be too expensive as a professional will make quick work of the task. And you have the peace of mind that the pump is installed correctly and working as it is designed. Of course, if your pump ever fails you and your basement floods, you need professional help to clean up the mess. Call your favorite water damage restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Sump Pump Misery Sump pumps work to keep basements dry in certain geographic locations, and we trust our own pump will continue as a reliable sentinel of protection. Yet, failure will eventually happen. How long should your sump pump work? It depends on several factors, including how hard it works and the mineral content of the groundwater it is pumping out. The experts say that a sump pump should last an average of 10 years, so do the math. How old is your sump pump? It might be a good idea to consult a plumber (or do it yourself) and replace it before it fails. How they work. Sump pumps work on demand. When the ground is dry, they obviously don’t do anything. But when it begins to rain, or groundwater begins to rise naturally, the float switch rises and the pump starts up, removing water to the outside, usually to a storm drain. When the water level lowers, the float switch follows and turns off the pump. Sometimes, the float switch can become stuck in the “up” position, which means the pump will run continuously. Most people can hear their pump and if you notice it is running continuously, go look and check the float. If the float is down, and the pump is running, it is time to consider replacement. Over time you will get to know the normal sound of your pump and anything out of the ordinary will get your attention. Don’t ignore an abnormal sound. A flooded basement is no fun.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains Short & Simple • © 2018 Thinkshortcut Publishing, LLC • Created by MarketingZoo.com product is required. White vinegar is safe, easy-to-use, and effective for most mineral deposit issues. Use it as you would any cleaning product. Apply, allow a minute or two of contact time, and wipe away. But if the mineral deposit is heavy, and white vinegar doesn’t do the trick, then a formulated product from your department or hardware store is your next choice. These are stronger acid products and you must follow directions when using them. Applying them to certain surfaces can damage those surfaces so be sure to read the fine print. Always wear protective gloves and glasses, as skin and eye contact with any cleaning product can be hazardous. When you have cleaning questions or need professional cleaning services in your home, do the smart thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! How to Remove Hard Water Stains Hard water stains are common occurrences, yet often challenging to remove. If you don’t get to them quickly, they become even tougher to tackle . What are they? Hard water stains, often called lime deposits, are basically limestone, calcium and magnesium, among other mineral substances. They all come from ground content. The more minerals in the ground, the harder the water. Certain areas of the country have more mineral content than others, and without a water softening system in a home or business, the result is a buildup of hard water stains anywhere water stands and dries, such as around sinks, underneath water fountains, and on bathroom floors. They can also be a problem in toilets and other receptacles that hold water. Mineral deposits can also affect appliances, such as coffee pots. If you have ever washed dishes, your car, or other shiny surfaces, and the water is hard, you can easily see the issue. White “scales” of minerals are a problem. How to remove them. Obviously, the best way is prevention. Wiping up water from surfaces before it dries keeps water stains at bay. But when they do occur, you need to consider which type of cleaning product will react with the mineral stains. The most common mineral stain cleaning product is white vinegar, which is acidic. Since mineral stains are alkaline, like rust, an acid-based cleaning