Sumps pumps are an invaluable tool in keeping basements and crawl spaces free of moisture and (just like any other object that allows water to pass through it) can become frozen in the winter months. In colder northern climates, frozen sump pumps are more common than other areas, but frozen sump pumps still happen in the midwest. It is possible to completely avoid damage to the pump and your basement from frozen water. For instance, the discharge hose attached to the sump pump is likely to get blocked with ice if the water has a limited amount of space to pass through. DIY stores sell larger hoses that should be attached because they will give the water more room to pass through and stop blockages due to freezing. Another essential tip is to bury the end of the discharge hose in the ground before insulating the section that remains above ground. When the ground freezes, you want to make sure the pipe doesn’t freeze with it. So you should bury the pipe deep enough to bypass the full extent of frozen earth. Using heavy duty duct tape to insulate the pipe is an effective way to prevent freezing in the visible sections.
Another major sump pump issue is that when discharge hoses begin to freeze, motors are forced to work harder and quickly become at risk of overheating and failing altogether. Doing some work around your property’s foundation to redirect water away from your basement will greatly decrease the risk of burning your sump pump out. When possible, you should lay the discharge pipe at a point lower than the actual pump so that gravity can do all the work and keep the water flowing out and away from your home.
Connecting a freeze resistant hose to the end of your discharge hose can greatly increase the distance from your home to the discharge point, it needs to be at least twenty feet from the foot of the home. Also, heating your basement to a level where the water won’t be allowed to freeze is another effective measure you can use to combat freezing water and save your sump pump.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products is dedicated to our customers’ and contractors’ safety. For this reason Mar-flex offers a full-line of safety products, from the avid “DIY’er” to the professional, we have everything you need to safely complete a job. Mar-flex safety products include coveralls, shoe covers, pvc gloves, respirators, breakaway knives, footer brooms, cleaner, and more. Come check out our selection today!

When you are using DIY products to dampproof your basement, you must use caution as many of these products are considered toxic. When you are considered products to dampproof, educate yourself about the hazards of using said product. Most dampproofing paints have toxic fumes which should be inhaled in a closed environment. If you are going the DIY route with your basement dampproofing project, make sure to wear a respirator so that you can breathe fresh and safe air throughout the whole job. Its also important to ensure that your basement has proper ventilation, basement’s are often sealed up and there is no where for air to move. Running a central air system with a fan in the basement is perfect for ventilation. Also put fans in your basement to blow the fumes up the stairs, ensuring that air is continually circulating in the basement at all times. Make sure to take frequent breaks, breathing in the fumes for extended periods of time can be extremely hazardous to your health.

When your basement is damp and you want to waterproof it, the easiest way is to apply waterproofing paint. First, ensure that the wall and any area you are applying paint to is dry, and make sure you have sealed the source of the moisture (condensation from pipes, cracks in the wall, etc.). Next, apply a primer coat to the walls. This helps paint adhere to the wall more effectively and helps you avoid further issues in the future. When applying the actual paint, make sure you paint at least two coats over the primer. Most experts recommend applying a third coat on the wall to ensure effectiveness. Make sure to allow plenty of time for paint to dry between coats.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products introduces a new way to find distributors of Mar-flex near you! The new Mar-flex Distributors page allows customers to enter their local zip code and gives a list of nearby distributors for your convenience. Mar-flex knows easy access to our products is what our patrons want, and with this new page, its never been easier. Check out our new page today, for information on where you can find Mar-flex innovations on store shelves near you.

Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products presents another innovation in design and money-saving solutions. The Vortex vent wells are the future of foundation ventilation, and the last vents you will ever need. Vortex vents are versatile by design, with adjustable and telescopic functions, allowing the vent to fit several kinds of spaces. The vents allow users to adjust airflow using easy-to-access controls, and allow for unprecedented flexibility. Check out Vortex today, for vent solutions that are durable, versatile, and affordable.

At Mar-flex, we are always focusing on innovation through state of the art technology and green resources. If you find your basement has that damp basement smell which is caused by mold and mildew, you can solve the problems with eco-friendly items found around the house.

The first step to eliminating the smell is to clean everything out of your basement. This includes old carpet and cardboard which will contribute to the damp basement smell. Once this is accomplished, you can use vinegar, applied directly to affected areas, to clean up any mold and mildew. Lemon juice mixed with water is another good household cleaning solution. Lemon juice is known to tackle resistant strains of mold, it also takes care of the damp basement smell.

Baking soda is another household product use in cleaning basements. Spread baking soda over the affected area, and it will soak up the smell. You will still need to clean the area with another solution, but baking soda can make it bearable while you are deciding what other cleaning methods to use. Finish up any cleaning with soap and water, which will remove any remnants of mold. This will take away that damp basement smell permanently.

If you live in an area where your basement frequently floods then you most likely have a sump pump installed. How do you know when to replace this essential item? There are a few issues to look for that tell you when you need to replace a sump pump. If your sump pump is making loud noises the entire time its running, either the impeller is bent or the motor is going out. To check for this, turn your unit over and remove the screen, using a screwdriver. If the impeller is bent, you must replace the unit. If your unit has stopped working completely, assure the power is running to it, also make sure the breaker hasn’t tripped in the panel box. Manually operate the float to see if you can get the pump working again. If the float is working, the motor is burned out and needs replaced. If your unit gets power, but still doesn’t work, it could have broken wires on the inside. Check voltage with a voltage meter if possible, electrical problems can be dangerous around water so use utmost caution. Most times, its more convenient and safe to replace your sump pump than to try to fix it.

362 All Season Mastic is one of Mar-flex Waterproofing and Building Products’ newest products. This mastic is a heavy bodied trowel grade coating, excelling at patching tie holes, and filling in honeycombed areas in both rough and smooth masonry surfaces. This product is guaranteed to remain flexible during freeze/thaw cycles, can be applied during any season, comes ready to use, and is one of the most effective mastic solutions in the marketplace. Check out 362 Mastic for any masonry surfaces today.

Subsurface water is a threat to your basement and crawlspace if you haven’t planned for it. If your landscaping is sloped towards your home, this subsurface water will always run into your home. Also, homes that don’t have rain gutters allow buildup of water at the base of the structure. Another issue is downspouts that empty too close to the structure and cause flooding. If you check your basics (gutters, downspouts, and landscaping) you have already done as much as you can to prevent subsurface water from entering your home.