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Sump Pump Back-Up Battery Care.

Category: Prevent Flooding

Prevent Defense – HT Flood Controls

Sump Pump Back-Up Battery Care.

We supply Sump Pump Back Up Batteries.

Sump Pump Check Up
at 847-234-9440.

HT Strenger Plumbing Technicians can repair all Makes and Models of Sump Pumps and Battery Back Up Systems.

When Power no longer Supplies your home (Usually in a Rain Storm), the a battery back up system is designed to automatically send power from the batteries to the sump pump. It essential that your Sump Batteries(s) are always at Peak Efficiency – We can check the Life of your Batteries and make replacements and suggestions.

We can also repair all pump and discharge sizes and everything usually on the first service call. We carry a complete line of residential pump’s, pump-batteries, and back up systems, In Our Service Vans at all Times.

Contact HT Strenger

Simple Sump Pump Care Information.

Replace your Back-Up Battery every 2 Years.

Most homeowners understand they have a primary (AC powered) sump pump in their basement or crawlspace to protect them from flooding. That’s all well and good, but:.

Power to your Pump

IF/WHEN the power goes out (or the fuse blows, or the circuit breaker trips, or the power cord gets pulled out), your primary pump won’t run and you will flood.

Primary Pump Failure is Inevitable.

IF/WHEN your primary pump fails due to a clog or other mechanical problem, you will flood.

Check your Float Switch

IF/WHEN the float switch on your primary pump gets stuck or doesn’t activate, you will flood. If you don’t have a backup sump pump, you don’t have a sump pump at all! That’s because ALL sump pumps eventually fail, and without a good backup system, you won’t know the pump has failed until you have a flood! Everybody with a sump basin should have both a primary and a backup system.

Add an Additional Battery.

Having a second battery connected to your backup system will give you approximately twice as much run time without AC power. If you live in an area that experiences long power outages, this is a nice feature to have….

Contact HT Strenger

We Stand Behind Our Work.

H.T. Strenger Plumbing has been serving the Lake Forest area since 1911. We are a family-owned and operated business with a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable plumbing services. Our experienced technicians are experts in all aspects of plumbing and sewer repair, and we offer a wide range of services to meet your needs.

“We do everything we can to ensure all of our customers are satisfied with our work. We will work with each customer to resolve any warranty problems that may occur.” All of our service work carries a thirty day warranty on parts.

June 27, 2024
HT Strenger Plumbing Resolutions for 2024

2024 New Years Plumbing Resolutions to Keep your Home’s Plumbing Flowing.

If you are still looking for a few New Year’s resolutions? HT Strenger has a few to suggest for your residential plumbing system. Below are some that will keep your plumbing flowing through 2024.

1- Drain Care – Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain. These slippery foes can solidify and cause major clogs. Let them cool and solidify, then toss them in the trash, keeping your pipes happy and healthy.

Slow drains can mean something is wrong with your pipes. If it gets clogged, it can lead to dangerous sewage leaks that can damage your home. These leaks are sometimes in places you can’t see and can cause a lot of harm.

2- Be Kinder and Promote Cleanliness to the Garbage Disposal.
An easy way to start the new year is to monitor what you are throwing down the disposal – the fewer food items that go through the better. Properly dispose of as many food scraps into the trash as possible. Coffee grounds, pasta, and potato peels are better off composted or tossed in the trash. Let your disposal focus on its forte – handling the smaller, softer stuff. Run cold water while using it and for a few seconds afterward to keep things cool and flowing smoothly.
Now and then, your disposal deserves a refreshing spa treatment. Toss in some lemon or orange peels and grind them up with cold water. The citrusy goodness will neutralize odors and keep things smelling sprightly. Protect your Disposal with a Drain Stopper to keep unwanted items out of the disposal.

3 – Every Year is a Great Year for Water Conservation.
One way to reduce water use in your home is to install low-flush toilets. Conserving water with reduced Shower Use is the fastest way to reduce water consumption.

4- Check for Leaks – Broken Natural Gas Lines & Water leaks are a big problem and can cost a lot of money to fix. Checking the areas where pipes, gas lines, and plumbing are located, & inspected like cabinets and under the floor, is important to find potential leaks early. These areas are not often looked at, so it’s good to check them regularly.

5 – TOILETS – If you’ve noticed that your toilet seems to be continually running, it’s essential to address the issue as quickly as possible. Not only can a constantly running toilet waste a considerable amount of water, it can also lead to a significant increase in your water bills.

6 – SUMP PUMP TUNE UP – Sump Pump Systems protect your home by removing excess water that surrounds it before it accumulates and causes severe damage to basements and crawlspaces. Ignoring a regular Tune-Up and upgrades is the #1 cause of flooding and structural damage due to Pump Failure.

7- WATER HEATERS – Basic maintenance can go a long way to an efficient running water heater. If you have not reduced sediment buildup in the tank recently now is probably the best time.

Plus checking your water heater periodically can help identify leaks that might occur unexpectedly and cause costly water damage.

Maintaining a regular schedule to drain and remove any sediment buildup can also help improve the heater’s energy efficiency.

8- WATER PRESSURE – Water flow with too much pressure can damage and break your plumbing equipment earlier. The excessive force of water can cause leaks or ruptures in pipes, fittings, and hoses.

9 -WATER FILTER SYSTEMS – Regular water filter maintenance is key to maintaining clean and safe water, avoiding a loss of service, or damaging filter equipment or other plumbing fixtures and appliances beyond economical repair.

10- Keep your Pipes from Freezing in the Winter.

11- Fix any small Plumbing Problems now before they become bigger problems.

10- JOIN the ANNUAL CLUTCH CLUB for comprehensive cost-effective plumbing services and Annual Inspection.

The HT Strenger Plumbing Clutch Club Plan provides you with an opportunity, after paying an annual fee starting at $249.00 plus a $25.00 one time set-up fee, you will receive an annual home inspection of your home’s plumbing system at no extra cost. Following our inspection, we will provide you with a free estimate of any repairs which may be necessary, which will be performed by us at your preferred program rates and times.

January 15, 2024
Common Questions about your Home’s Sump Pump.
HT Strenger answers some questions about Sump Pumps in Chicagoland.

Is a mysterious puddle greeting you in your basement?

Don’t let water seep in and wreak havoc on your home! Water damage can be a costly nightmare, impacting everything from your foundation to cherished belongings. The good news? There’s a superhero waiting in the wings: the sump pump.

Sump pumps are lifesavers for basements, but many homeowners remain unsure about their inner workings and maintenance needs. This blog post will shed light on these essential systems, explaining how they keep your basement dry and what you can do to ensure they run smoothly.

If you have questions HT Strenger has answers to your sump pump qustions.

1. Sump Pump 101: What They Do and How They Work.

Imagine a superhero for your basement – that’s what a sump pump is! It lives in the lowest point of your basement, like a secret lair. When sneaky water tries to seep in and make a puddle, the sump pump jumps into action! It uses a built-in pump to suck up that extra water and send it packing through a discharge pipe away from your house. No more wet basements, thanks to this little superhero!

2. Are all Sump Pumps the Same ?

Not all sump pumps are created equal! There are three main choices, each with its own superpower.
- Submersible: This quiet ninja lives right in the water basin, saving space in your basement.
- Pedestal: This workhorse lasts a long time and is easy to get to for maintenance.
- Battery-powered: This backup hero keeps your basement safe even if the power goes out.
Wondering which one is the perfect fit for your home? Our team is here to help you pick your basement’s personal superhero!

3. How much Maintenance is involved with a Sump Pump?

Lke a superhero – it needs a little tune-up now and then to stay in top shape! To make sure your basement’s protector is always ready for action, we recommend checking it out every three months or so. It’s a quick and easy process that’ll keep your home safe and dry.

4. Can a Sump Pump Fail to Work ?

Even superheroes need a break sometimes! There are a few reasons a sump pump might sputter: clogged-up parts, freezing weather, power outages, or even being a tad too small for the job. But fear not! The friendly folks at HT Strenger Plumbing can diagnose the problem and get your basement’s hero back in action, whether it needs a repair or a new sidekick.

5. Will My Home be Dry with only one Sump Pump System?

Sump pumps are like umbrellas: you never need them until you really, really need them. And if yours hasn’t been checked lately, it might be out for the count when the storm hits. That’s why we recommend having a backup sump pump, like a battery-powered one, as your basement’s superhero sidekick. It’ll double your protection and keep your peace of mind dry!

To learn more about the Clutch Club Savings Program, or to schedule an HT Strenger technician for a home visit, call us at 847-234-9440 or schedule online.

Contact HT Strenger
April 10, 2024
Possible Reasons why your Home Drains are Clogging.

Prevent Clogs in Your Home Plumbing System and Drains.

As a homeowner, few things are as frustrating as dealing with drain clogs. They always seem to occur at the most inconvenient times, precisely when you rely on your drains the most. Unfortunately, these issues often linger without quick resolution.

Even if you successfully unclog a drain using plungers or chemical cleaners, it may only be a temporary fix. The root causes of clogs remain unaddressed, particularly when it comes to chemical drain cleaners, which can even harm your pipes in the long run.

Take a look at some of these culprits of common household-drain clogs.

Hair, Dirt & Soap Residue.

Over time, shower and bath water combined with hair, soap scum, and dirt accompany everything down the drain. Ideally, all of this would flow smoothly into the sewer system. However, reality isn’t so perfect. Accumulation occurs, trapping additional debris as it journeys through the drain. Eventually, this buildup leads to stubborn clogs that require a professional plumber with hydro- rodding or jetting services for effective clearing.

Food & Organic Waste.

When your kitchen sink clogs, it’s likely due to an accumulation of excessive food waste in the drain. While it’s best to prevent any food waste from entering the drain—even if you have a garbage disposal—sometimes it becomes unavoidable. Certain types of food waste, such as coffee grounds, tea leaves, grease, and oil, are particularly prone to causing clogs. Unlike other organic matter, these substances don’t readily degrade; instead, they compact over time, solidifying and obstructing the flow.

Mineral Build-Up Over Time.

If your home has hard water, mineral buildup can gradually accumulate in your drains. Over time, these minerals—such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium—cling to the interior of pipes, potentially constricting the flow. Additionally, this buildup can trap substances that typically flow down drains, leading to further accumulation.

To manage mineral buildup, consider regular descaling. This process involves removing sediment and excess minerals caused by hard water.

Remember, addressing mineral buildup promptly can help maintain efficient drainage and prevent costly plumbing issues.

Flushed Items – Paper & Disposable Wipes.

When we use excessive toilet paper in a single flush, we’re well aware of the potential consequences (for the uninitiated, it’s almost a guarantee of clogging!). While plunging usually resolves this issue, not all toilet paper that enters the drain reaches the sewer.

Stray fragments of toilet paper can adhere to the drain walls and accumulate over time. This gradual buildup leads to more frequent clogs and may even result in toilet overflow. Fortunately, a plumber can inspect and clean your drain to prevent this recurring problem.

Just like any other items that find their way into drains, objects that clearly don’t belong there—such as sanitary napkins, disinfecting wipes, toys, clothing, and even rocks—can lead to clogs. When faced with such situations, homeowners invariably require a plumber’s assistance. Removing an object from a drain can be a complex process, often involving the disassembly or removal of toilets and drain traps to access the lodged items and clear the stubborn clog.

Tree Roots & Growth in Exterior Drains.

Surprisingly, roots from trees, shrubs, and other plant life can lead to drain clogs. These roots naturally seek moisture underground and grow toward its source. Even minor cracks in your drainpipes, allowing a tiny water leak, can attract these roots. Once inside the pipes, roots rapidly expand, obstructing the proper flow of wastewater and sewage.

Call HT Strenger Plumbing in Green Oaks for any plumbing questions you may have.

847-234-9440

April 11, 2024
Warning Signs your Main Sewer Line may be Failing.
Warning Signs your Main Sewer Line may be Failing.

While your plumbing system is designed to carry waste and debris downstream, sometimes they just become clogged with grease, hair and other debris.

Residential Plumbing issues and specific Main Sewer Line Blockages can be a major headache.

Ignoring warning signs will worsen the problem, the sooner you recognize the warning signs of a Main Sewer Line Catastrophe the better.

Main Sewer Line repairs can be costly and in some situations expose your family to contaminated water.

Read about these common Main Sewer Line warning signs…

#1 – Water Backing up in Shower/Bath drain when Flushing Toilet.

If you notice that water backs up in random places as you’re using water fixtures, you likely have a blockage in the main sewer line.

Two common examples of this include:
- When you flush your toilet, water backs up into the bathtub/shower.
- When you run your washing machine, sinks or toilets start to overflow.
A clogged main sewer line means wastewater is trying to exit your home now has nowhere to go and is forcing back up other drain lines.

#2 – Seweage Odors – Floor Drains are Wet.

Most homes built today are required by local code to have floor drains that lead to a collection pit where a sump pump carries the water to the surface. Many times the floor drains are located on the base level floor or in basements.

If your main sewer line is clogged, all the sewage and waste water sitting in the pipes have nowhere to escape. This means, eventually, the sewage will force its way into a secondary drain. And when this happens, you’ll soon be able to see (and smell) sewage coming up from floor drains that are commonly located in bathrooms, kitchen, laundry rooms, and basements.

#3 – Sewer Clean out has Sewage in it.

If you see sewage standing in your yard you likely have a main sewer clog.

#4 – Multiple Drains Backing-up at the same time.

Your home’s drain lines carry wastewater away from and out of your home and exit into into your main sewer line

All water fixture’s drain into the main sewer line, blockage in that main line will affect all the drains in your home.

Drain lines carry wastewater away from your home. Every water drain eventually connects to the main sewer line.

Contact HT Strenger
April 16, 2024
Why Regular Plumbing Maintenance is Important.

Eight things you can do to prevent unexpected plumbing costs?

Having a plan in place is essential when checking your plumbing system. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, your plan should cover these critical areas.

1- DRAINS – Drains that are slow can mean something is wrong with your pipes. If it gets clogged, it can lead to dangerous sewage leaks that can damage your home. These leaks are sometimes in places you can’t see and can cause a lot of harm.

2- LEAKS – Broken Natural Gas Lines & Water leaks are a big problem and can cost a lot of money to fix. Checking the areas where pipes, gas lines and plumbing are located, & inspected like cabinets and under the floor, is important to find potential leaks early. These areas are not often looked at, so it’s good to check them regularly.

3 – TOILETS – If you’ve noticed that your toilet seems to be continually running, it’s essential to address the issue as quickly as possible. Not only can a constantly running toilet waste a considerable amount of water, it can also lead to a significant increase in your water bills.

4 – SUMP PUMP TUNE UP – Sump Pump Systems protect your home by removing excess water that surrounds your home before it accumulates and causes severe damage to basements and crawlspaces. Ignoring a regular Tune-Up and upgrades is the #1 cause for flooding and structural damage due to Pump Failure.

5- WATER HEATERS – Checking your water heater periodically can help identify leaks that might occur unexpectedly and cause costly water damage. Maintaining a regular schedule to drain and remove any sediment buildup can also help improve the heater’s energy efficiency.

6- WATER PRESSURE – Water flow with too much pressure can damage and break your plumbing equipment earlier. The excessive force of water can cause leaks or ruptures in pipes, fittings, and hoses.

7 -WATER FILTER SYSTEMS – Regular maintenance of your water filters are key to maintaining clean and safe water, avoiding a loss of service, or damaging filter equipment or other plumbing fixtures and appliances beyond economical repair.

8- JOIN the ANNUAL CLUTCH CLUB for comprehensive cost-effective plumbing services.

Choose a Plan and Start Saving Today !

The HT Strenger Plumbing Clutch Club Plan provides you with an opportunity, after paying an annual fee starting at $249.00 plus a $25.00 one time set-up fee, you will receive an annual home inspection of your home’s plumbing system at no extra cost. Following our inspection, we will provide you with a free estimate of any repairs which may be necessary, which will be performed by us at your preferred program rates and times.

December 22, 2023
Easy tips to maintain your Sump Pump

Prevent Water Damage from a Faulty Sump Pump System.

Routinely Test your Sump Pump.

Test your pump every 90 days. In Chicagoland weather changes and temperature fluctuations dramatically influence the water surrounding your home’s foundation.

This one tip can make sure your pump at a minimum will be ready to drain water away from your home.

Simply fill your pump pit with water and monitor the pump discharging the water. Watch and listen for broken or clogged pipes. Watch for secure water flowing through the system. The pump should activate smoothly and with little effort. Listen for a smooth transition to the resting non-discharge state. If your pump does not properly discharge the water, contact HT Strenger Plumbing for immediate service.

Clean the Pump and Remove Debris from the Pit.

Carefully unplug your Sump Pump power cord. Remove the sump pump pit cover to gain access to pump and pit basin. Look for and remove debris and dirt, sand, or any item that can impede the flow of water into and out of your sump pump or preventing your float switch to move freely vertically.

Check for Worn, Loose, or Broken Parts.

Look for abnormally corroded parts, test fittings for tight fits and possible weak spots in materials leaking water.

Inspect water discharge lines.

Visually inspect for simple discharge pipe angles and listen for water possibly returning back into the sump pit from a faulty worn out valve.

Check Back-Up Battery Voltage and Battery Age.

Battery backup systems depend on the stored strength in the Battery that powers up your Pump when your home loses electrical services during strong rain storms.

We suggest replacing your Sump Pump between 3 to 5 years of service if your pump works regularly during the year.

If you observe water on your basement floor or wet carpeting, strong odors, or noise from the Sump Pump Pit.

Contact HT Strenger at 847-234-9440.

Prevent Water Damage in your Home !

Despite the frequency and impact of preventable water damage, many homeowners are un-prepared, according to insurance companies data.

Click for More Information

June 27, 2024
Battery Back Up WIFI Connected Sump Pump Systems for your Home.

Protect your home against the cost, lost property and despair of plumbing leaks

This is the premium leak detection and automatic shutoff solution built for your peace of mind.

The FloLogic System identifies leaks when they start, as small as 1/2-ounce-per-minute, stopping them automatically to protect property and alerting you through the app. No other system comes close to quantifying leaks in real time as accurately and comprehensively as the FloLogic System. And FloLogic’s low temp alerts and auto shutoffs proactively guard against frozen pipe damage. Superior peace of mind starts here.https://youtu.be/aImgNO5_GOA

Smart Leak Control Provides Constant Protection and Connection.

Smart Shut Off Valves operate out of sight and won’t interrupt your normal water use. The system only intervenes when a leak is detected or the temperature drops to a critical level. Using a secure cloud connection, the Connect Module sends alerts and allows you to control the system through your iOS or Android app. It constantly detects leaks as small as .5 ounce per minute (just one tablespoon). This advanced capability makes it the trusted and preferred brand among home insurers, plumbers, and security professionals.

Get peace of mind from premium leak control technology.

Call 847-234-9440

October 23, 2025
Sump Pumps and Battery Back Up Systems.

Our technicians at HT Strenger have the skills to fix any kind of sump pump or battery backup system you have, no matter the brand or model.

When Power no longer Supplies your home (Usually in a Rain Storm), the a battery back up system is designed to automatically send power from the batteries to the sump pump.

It is essential that your Sump Pump Batteries(s) are always at Peak Efficiency – We check the condition of your Batteries and make replacements and suggestions.

We can also repair and tune-up your pump systems and on the first service call.

We carry a complete line of residential pump’s, pump-batteries, and back up systems.

And our Service Vans are fully stocked and prepared for all service calls. Call us for a Sump Pump Tune Up.

Sump Pump Care Tips – Sump Pump Tune-up.

Most homeowners understand they have a primary (AC powered) sump pump in their basement or crawl space to protect them from flooding. What happens if you lose power ?

Are you prepared with a Sump Pump Back Up System ?

Replace your Back-Up battery every two years with a New Battery.

IF/WHEN the power goes out (or the fuse blows, or the circuit breaker trips, or the power cord gets pulled out), your primary pump won’t run and you will flood.

Primary Pump Failure is Inevitable.

IF/WHEN your primary pump fails due to a clog or other mechanical problem, you will flood.

Check your Float Switch

IF/WHEN the float switch on your primary pump gets stuck or doesn’t activate, you will flood. If you don’t have a backup sump pump, you don’t have a sump pump at all! That’s because ALL sump pumps eventually fail, and without a good backup system, you won’t know the pump has failed until you have a flood! Everybody with a sump basin should have both a primary and a backup system.

Add an Additional Battery

Having a second battery connected to your backup system will give you approximately twice as much run time without AC power. If you live in an area that experiences long power outages, this is a nice feature to have….

Call an Expert Sump Pump Technician.

HT Strenger is the leader in affordable emergency Sump Service and Sump Pump Installation in Lake Bluff, Illinois. We are expert plumbers regarding all sump pump problems. Most people never want to experience water in your finished basement, soaked irreplaceable carpeting, or wet walls and drywall. Don’t let this happen to you.

We also can service your home with these valuable services:

Sewer and Drain Professionals

Keep your drains unclogged and water flowing freely. We are Expert Sewer and Drain technicians that can your sewer drains flow free away from your home. Debris, Tree Roots and Minerals can build up over time – Clogging and Damaging your System.

Hydro and Jet Rodding

Hydro-Jetting utilizes high-pressure lines capped with a nozzle that disperses jets of water in all directions.

Service’s you can trust !

Our skilled experts know their business. Rely on them, and our reputation to give you fast dependable and fair service.

plumbers on call and ready.

“Our expert plumbers are ready to tackle your plumbing problem right away.
Call 847-234-9440 to schedule today.”

Contact HT Strenger

October 12, 2023