When your sump pump isn’t working, it only causes problems. We can give you a few simple steps to determine the source of your sump pump’s problems and therefore give you an easier way to fix these issues. First, water and electricity are a dangerous team, since water conducts electricity and a sump pump runs off this power source. If your pump is submerged or even partially submerged in water, you are putting yourself in a dangerous situation by getting close to this water. Take every precaution, avoid accidents, and wear rubber boots that keep water from contacting your body. When checking your pump for the source of the problem, start with the pump’s power source. If your pump is not getting any power, check to see if your pump is plugged into a live receptacle and electrical current is flowing through this source. Make sure your hands are dry when doing this. Take a work-light or radio and plug it into the receptacle, if they work then the problem isn’t with your power supply. Lastly, check to make sure your pump’s power switch is turned to “on”.

If your pump is a common model with a float switch, check it. You can tell which is this switch by its egg shape, which should be connected to your pump by an electrical cord. Assure that it can move freely. Also, when the pump is functioning normally you will feel vibrations when you touch it. Check your pump for this vibration. If you feel this vibration, but the pump isn’t moving water, you can be assured the pump is receiving necessary power. Next, check the pump screen and the drainpipe for clogging. Check the intake screen at the bottom of the pump to see if there is something blocking the flow of water. Last, disconnect the drain pipe at the pump, then turn on the pump. If water begins flowing out, there is a clog between the pump and the area where the water empties from the drain pipe.

If you don’t find any problems in any of these areas, your pump may be defective and needs replacing.

Hey Mar-flex customers, are you looking for an easy way to find a distributor of Mar-flex products near you? Thanks to our new Distributors page and our new zip code lookup tool, it has never been easy to find a distributor of our products near you. Check out our Distributors page today.

Did you know that waterproof paint can help in preventing the formation of mildew in your basement. Basements are usually dark and musty environments, and because of this are often the place where mold and mildew grow. By using special waterproofing paint you can prevent moisture from getting in through the walls. When you can prevent moisture from seeping into your basement, mildew will have an extremely difficult time growing in the area.

In large structures, moisture seeps in through air that migrates into the environment from the climate outside. This leakage has the ability to bring more moisture into a large structure than could occur through vapor diffusion alone. This moisture can actually migrate far enough into a large structure to turn back to water. This liquid water corrodes metal, especially in the building assembly, which allows mold to grow and saturates building materials. This is why your large structure needs an air barrier. Air barrier systems are designed to stop infiltration of water vapor into the structure. Mar-flex’s air barrier systems are guaranteed to protect your building envelope from the harmful effects of moisture laden air. Choose Mar-flex for the effective, affordable, and reliable solutions you can depend on time and time again.

Dampproofing is the most widely used method of protecting basements from water penetration. Dampproofing is usually made of liquid asphalt that is painted over the outside wall when the home is still under construction. What most homeowners don’t realize is that dampproofing isn’t as effective as actual waterproofing on their homes. Dampproofing only slows water penetration, it does not prevent it. Also, dampproofing doesn’t protect against foundation cracks, which will allow water to seep into your basement. Although waterproofing is more expensive, it will pay for itself in time. This is because dampproofing doesn’t provide optimum protection, allowing water through. This water eventually damages foundation walls and causes mold and mildew saturation throughout your basement. The cost of repairing these problems are astronomical and time-consuming. Having effective waterproofing already in place guarantees that you are protected from the problems associated with penetration of water.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products retains its commitment to quality affordable products that are effective years after installation and backed by an industry-leading warranty. Mar-flex presents DampFUSION, which is a water-based acrylic dampproofing membrane approved for masonry, block, pre-cast and poured concrete wall foundations. This membrane stops water vapor and protects the foundation against leaks, which can damage the structure. DampFUSION sprays-on easily and dries as a seamless, monolithic coating. It can be applied to pre-existing damp walls and the tops of foundation walls. Like any effective membrane, it has no odor and dries to a gray color to seamlessly match concrete for added versatility. Choose Mar-flex products when you need easy installation, twenty four hours a day and seven days a week support, and products that are guaranteed to be effective, durable, affordable, and made of the finest quality materials available.

If you are one of the millions every year who are plagued by basement flooding during rain or snow, a dry basement system helps to prevent the moisture from damaging your basement. Sometimes water collects outside the house, near foundation walls and can seep into foundation walls through hydrostatic pressure. Making sure your gutters are properly regulating water away from your foundation is a good first step in combatting encroaching water. Also, make sure any cracks in the foundation wall are expeditiously repaired, as these give water an access point into your structure. If water is still flowing into your basement after you’ve taken the proper preventative measures then you need a dry basement system. There are two types of dry basement systems, waterproofing and sump pump systems. Waterproofing is the simplest solution as well as the least expensive. All you must do is reinforce the foundation and floor with waterproof cement, then assure any water under the slab is collected and not allowed to seep through the basement floor. Sump pumps automatically expel water that comes into the basement before it can collect into pools. This system uses specialized tiles and rocks to reinforce the floor and fence the foundation so that water that is collected is drained immediately to a basin located a distance away from the structure, usually buried at a lower point than the basement floor. The pump automatically turns on when water fills its basin, and discharges the water through a hose into a sewer. These systems are designed to ensure that water never collects to such levels as would allow hydrostatic pressure to build up, causing basement damage. These systems prevent further flooding and allow for a dry basement environment into the future.

When you find cracks in your foundation wall, they need to  be repaired as quickly as possible. These cracks allow water to leak through and saturate your basement. In order to extend the effectiveness of hydraulic cement make sure the area you are applying it to is clear of debris and cleaned thoroughly. Also, make sure to pour the cement on in thick amounts. This means at least one to two inches deep and a half inch wide. Finally, make sure to have everything ready, as hydraulic cement begins the hardening process just moments after application. Mar-flex has your hydraulic cement solution, and many other useful tools for sealing cracks, in its OneKit cement offering.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products held its monthly sales meeting last Monday July 25. The salesmen showed a drastic increase in sales since the last sales meeting in June, making the tone of the meeting a celebratory one. Mar-flex manufactures products with the focus on durability, reliability, and affordability. Mar-flex continues to innovate in a stagnating marketplace, introducing recycled products as well as solutions which are versatile and unique. Check out our new product brochure to see what everyone is talking about.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products offers a comprehensive selection of application equipment and tools to suit any size job. Mar-flex sells the pumps, spray nozzles, maintenance equipment, and accessories it takes to spray our heavy duty membranes for your next project. Mar-flex’s WaterKat Spray Unit provides a fast, simple system for application of membranes and Mar-flex’s many accessories make maintaining the unit simple as well as containing different hoses, pumps, and more that allow for a quick and easily accessible method of application.