Your Sump Pump has Feelings Too!

Did your sump pump throw a temper tantrum after having too much to drink? A few all nighters of consumption will do that.

The last few days has provided such an opportunity for the sump pump to cut loose. Steady rainfall for hours makes us quite nervous, considering the flooding we had in the upper Midwest last year at this time. 

You might as well nudge your sump pump to the top of the spring cleaning and check-up list. Spring rains can be unpredictable, and will for sure put pressure on Mr. Sump Pump.

So before you get swept up in the fun of barbecues and sunny weekends, take a few minutes to make sure your sump pump is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

Here’s how to check your sump pump like a pro:

1. Test the Pump

Before you dive into anything too serious, give the pump a quick test. Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit (or wherever your pump lives) and see if it turns on and does its thing. If it starts working and the water drains out, you're in business! If it doesn’t, well, that’s your cue to grab a wrench and maybe a little Google search.

2. Clear the Pit

Your sump pump is a professional at keeping things dry, but it’s not a miracle worker. If the pit is full of debris (dirt, rocks, leaves, whatever the winter storm dragged in), the pump might get stuck. Clear it out! Think of it like a mini spring cleaning for your pump’s home.

3. Check the Discharge Pipe

The discharge pipe is where the magic happens…this is the pipe that sends water outside your house. If it's clogged or has any damage, it may be like trying to flush a toilet and you find no handle. Take a look at the pipe, make sure it’s free from blockages, and ensure that it’s draining water away from your foundation. No one wants a soggy basement or, worse, water being redirected back into your home.

4. Look for Signs of Wear

Sump pumps, like any household appliance, have a shelf life. After a few years of hard work, parts can wear out. Check the float switch, which tells the pump when to turn on and off. If it's stuck or looks like it’s been through the wringer, it might need replacing. Also, take a glance at the power cord and ensure everything is plugged in and intact. You don’t want your pump to take a break just when you need it most.

5. Test the Battery Backup

In case of a power outage you need to make sure your battery backup works. Test it by unplugging the pump, and if the backup kicks in and runs smoothly, you’re good to go. If not, time to replace the battery and keep the water at bay. 

6. Consider an Annual Inspection

If your sump pump has been a reliable friend for years, it might be worth scheduling an annual inspection. Just like we go to the doctor for regular check-ups, your sump pump deserves some TLC too. A pro can make sure everything’s functioning properly and can give you peace of mind for the season ahead.

Why It’s Worth the Effort:

Checking your sump pump now could save you a lot of headaches later. Dealing with water in your basement is no fun. Frankly, I’d rather ride a mule to work for the next year over mildew taking my basement hostage. 

So, next time you grab your broom and dustpan, don’t forget to show some love to your sump pump. It’s the quiet hero of your basement, and it deserves some attention too. 

May your basement stay dry!

-The Weatherized Brat 🛠

Grow with Fighter Jet Confidence, Class of 2025!

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." - Helen Keller 

As I sat in my office to wrap up the work week after being in the field on energy-audit inspections, furniture upgrades were going on in other office spaces of the building. A distinct noise rolling down the main hallway triggered some serious nostalgia. 

Through the block wall next to me, I could hear the workers using rolling carts to transport the office furniture down the marble floor hallway. The rumbling started from a distance and got closer and louder. I immediately had a nostalgic feeling of sitting in high school class at Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. 

The airbase flight line was maybe a mile or two from the high school. The sound of rumbling vibration of this cart rolling down the hallway sounded like the F-16 fighter jet in the great distance speeding down the runway, engine a-blast. 

The fighter jets went on training missions regularly, so it wasn't uncommon to hear them during the school day. Hearing fighter jets to this day gives me goosebumps. I love the sound, and frankly miss being around it. It’s a sound of power and freedom. That’s the way we looked at it as a military family. 

The summer of 1987, going into my senior year, I was lucky enough to work a summer job around the flight lines. I was a general maintenance worker. Mowing grass, helping to clean aircraft hangars, and other odd jobs the Sergeant found for us.   

It was labor work, but included a fair share of fun and clownish behavior. I won’t get into the mischievous affairs. Let's just say national security was never endangered. If I knew how to fire-up the F-16, well then, we may have had a different story on our hands. Just kidding! 

The reality... luckily we weren't foolish enough to encroach on an F-16 without permission and supervision. Graciously though, we were able to sit in one and have a close up tour under a pilot’s supervision. Shooting the breeze with the pilots was great. One would think I'd pursue a fighter pilot career...I was so intrigued. 

When I think back on the idea, it really comes down to a lack of confidence. Sure, I was confident on the athletic field, but to be a fighter pilot? I’m sure I told myself, I’m not capable of that. 

My simple message to graduating seniors…don’t dismiss thoughts of intrigue and excitement of a potential career due to lack of confidence. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.”  

Surround yourself by those in the profession you're intrigued by. Talk to them, learn from them, and create great relationships. I am confident they will mentor and empower you.

 

Building confidence in a challenging profession is a marathon, not a sprint. The confidence will grow from determination, dedication, and discipline. 

Be disciplined...become confident! And yes...the Air Force is always in need of more pilots!! 

Congratulations Class of 2025!

-The Weatherized Brat

(A special shout out to my son graduating from high school this weekend…..and thoughts of gratitude for my oldest son, serving in the United States Air Force, who will be able to join us for the celebration.)

Water--Part Deuce: Plumbing Leaks

 Happy Friday from The Weatherized Brat! 

(Your brassy source for comfy, leak-free living.)

Don’t Let Your Pipes or Toilet Take a Dump on You: Show Them Who's Boss

Hey there, you hard-working homeowner, renter, DIY dreamer, or person just here for the plumbing puns...welcome back to The Weatherized Brat! It’s Fun Friday, which means two things:

1. You deserve that sweet roll with your coffee.

2. It’s time to get saucy with your house about one of the least glamorous, most annoying issues that sneaks behind your back: plumbing leaks.

We see you, sneaky drip under the sink. We hear you, faint hiss from the basement toilet. And we’re not taking your crap anymore. 

Leaks: The Silent Home-Wreckers

A tiny leak might seem harmless, but can really rage with hostility. Trust me, that “little” leak is plotting big, expensive headaches. Water damage, mold, inflated water bills, emotional breakdowns (okay, maybe just mine)...it adds up fast.

Brat-Proof Your Plumbing (With Sherlock Holmes Mastery)

Here’s how to be the boss of your own pipes — no wrench required (but hey, it helps):

1. Check Your Underworld
That’s right: under the sinks. Peek into your bathroom vanity, kitchen cabinets, and that weird spot behind the washing machine. Got moisture? Smells funky? That’s your cue.

2. Watch the Water Bill
Unless you're running a secret car wash in your garage, any unexplained spike in your water bill means something’s leaking. Pro tip: compare a few months and take note of the clues.

3. The Toilet Test (No Plunging Required)
Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 10 minutes. If color shows up in the bowl, your flapper’s flapping out on you. It’s cheap to fix and satisfying to say.

4. Inspect the Hose Bibs or Exterior Spigots
Spring and fall are prime times for hose bib leaks. Turn the faucet on and check for drips around the connection. Bonus points if you installed a frost-proof one.

5. Be Shower-Smart
A leaky showerhead may just need a little plumber’s tape love or a washer swap. Don’t let it "drip" for weeks and out swag you.

Attention: Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is

Seriously. Find it. Tag it. Brag about it. In a true plumbing emergency, this is the big red “STOP” button. Don't be that person who floods the kitchen because they were “pretty sure it was behind the furnace.”

Wrap-Up (Like a Pipe in Winter)

Leak maintenance isn’t glamorous, but you know what is?
Being the boss of your home.
Preventing chaos. Saving money. Avoiding late-night emergency calls that end with soggy socks and regret.

So here’s your Friday vibe:
Put on some music, grab a flashlight, and do a quick leak check. Then reward yourself with something fizzy...just not from a pipe.

Stay saucy, stay dry,
The Weatherized Brat

To Protect & Serve--Against Moisture Intrusion

What’s the #1 enemy of your house? Nope, it’s not your crazed uncle with the pint of bourbon in his pocket, nor your grandma’s fruit cake. It’s good ole H2O…water!  

There’s a laundry list of items that can create opportunities for water to be your worst enemy. Let’s dive into the laundry. Well, not literally. I think I’d rather eat grandma’s fruitcake. 

I talked about home maintenance tips in a recent post. As a homeowner, you may be comfortable doing some of those tasks yourself, or you might need to hire them out. The most important is….you are 100% the “Watchdog” of the house. Know what to look for, and always be on alert. Kind of like our fine military or law enforcement. Protect & Serve your investment! 

Chronic water problems will cause mold and eventually rot of house components and structure. It can be expensive to repair this type of damage. One of your home’s most critical components, the foundation, can also be affected by water. Not just from intrusion, but also what we call hydrostatic pressure. 

Water intrusion may be more easy to understand, but what is hydrostatic pressure? Hydrostatic pressure on a house foundation occurs when groundwater accumulates around the foundation, creating pressure that can damage the structure. This pressure can cause cracks, bowing walls, and water seepage into the basement. It's essentially the force of water pushing against the foundation walls. In colder climates, the expansion of the ground due to freezing conditions can make it much worse. Within our list we’ll talk about what can be done to help prevent this issue. 

Let’s get into our laundry list, top-down:

1. The Roof: Your roof is very vulnerable to water leaks if ignored and not maintained. Inspect it up close annually. You can inspect it from the ground, however you may miss some critical defects which can only be seen up close. Besides loose or missing shingles, flashing can become weathered and cracked. You may not be able to see it from the ground. These areas become prone to water intrusion. When I worked as a general home inspector it was common to find cracked rubber-boot flashing around vent pipes, such as the plumbing vent stack. Another very common defect are roofing nails lifting up due to expansion and contraction of the roof frame. These are also known as "nail pops." When the nail head is no longer covered by the shingle you have a hole for water to intrude. Over time this can cause water damage to the roof framing. Inspecting inside the attic can also help identify potential roof leaks you may not see signs of from the rooftop.

2. The Gutter System: Your gutters are vital for mitigation of water around your house and property. They collect roof run-off and drain the water through the downspouts and extensions away from the house foundation. Gutters need to be kept clean and unplugged. Not doing so will have the water draining down near the foundation and causing erosion and intrusion risk. Gutter joints and seams will also leak and drip as sealants deteriorate. Resealing these areas should be done with a quality silicone product.

3. The House Siding: Damaged siding or deteriorated paint will invite moisture intrusion. This can rot the wood structure. Even worse, the water can penetrate inside the wall of the house, causing even greater damage. Repairs and maintenance should be completed timely to protect your investment. This may even include a re-application of caulking material around windows and trim components.

4. Property Grading: Simply put, the ground around the foundation of your house should slope downward and away. For the first 5-10 feet around the house, the ground should ideally drop 1 inch for every 1 foot away from the house. This will ensure water is moving efficiently away and not accumulating near your foundation. This will help prevent the hydrostatic pressure risk we talked about. Low spots should be maintained and repaired promptly.

5. Sump Pump/Drain Tile System: These systems are especially important during periods of heavier rainfall. If the ground near your house gets overwhelmed and saturated by heavy and recurring rains, the normal surface drainage can become inhibited. The water will begin to drain down along the foundation. A properly functioning drain tile system will assist in the mitigation or movement of the water out and away from the house. Keeping your sump pump operational is critical.

6. Condensation: Warm air meets cold air and we suddenly have condensation risk. This most commonly can happen with excessive heat loss to the attic during the winter months. Making sure the house attic is properly insulated and ventilated can help prevent water damage risk.

Final thoughts:

Water and moisture are the nemeses of every home, leading to problems like mold, mildew, and wood rot. Building science emphasizes the importance of controlling moisture to maintain a healthy, durable home.

Vapor Barriers:

In places where the home is at risk of excess moisture (like basements or crawl spaces), vapor barriers act as a shield, preventing water vapor from entering the living spaces. This is especially important in areas prone to heavy rainfall or high humidity.

• Install vapor barriers beneath flooring in basements or crawl spaces.

Ventilation:

Even with the best moisture barriers, homes need proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup. In places like attics and bathrooms, where humidity can accumulate, exhaust fans and proper airflow keep air circulating and dry.

• Install exhaust fans in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas to control humidity levels.

• Ensure proper attic ventilation to prevent condensation from damaging roofing materials.

Keep up the "Watchdog" mentality, and protect and serve this precious investment, your house!

Fun Day Friday: The Golden Age of Prank Calls.

 Because every military base had that one kid with too much free time and access to a landline…plus, a prank call recently made the national news....let's make it a Fun Friday topic. 

This certainly doesn't just apply to the military brat kid growing up, but rather a whopping number of youngsters that looked to manufacture some fun entertainment. The notorious Prank Phone Call trick...I'm guilty!  

Most are harmless, but some capable of being labeled shameful. As we saw with Shadeur Sanders and the NFL draft last week. That prank call played heavy with his emotions at another level. The prankster regrets it, and many condemn it. I'll be honest, I thought it was just staged for some attention at first. Then the truth came out. Video evidence of the pranksters themselves...not the brightest lightbulbs in the bunch!  Probably not the prank call choice I would make. Enough on that....   

Before cell phones, caller ID, or the fury of modern technology, there was a magical window of time we now call: The Golden Age of Prank Calls. And if you were a military brat in the 80s or 90s? Oh, buddy...you were living in prank call paradise.

It all started in base housing, where identical homes sat side by side like Lego bricks, and rotary phones had longer cords than some of our parents' deployments. With nothing but boredom and a good understanding of the chain of command, we got creative. Really creative.

Some favorites?

• “Is your refrigerator running?” Classic. Timeless. Bonus points if the person on the other end was a young airman who didn’t get the joke and reported it to his superior.

• Calling the Base Exchange asking for “Major Payne” or “Colonel Sanders." Or, in your deepest voice possible, identifying yourself as "Colonel Sanders" and informing the worker on the other end you had their buckets of chicken ready for the staff lunch. We were childish, not original. 

• Random quarters in the phone booth outside the rec. center, or sabotaging the rec. center phone if unattended, random number...waiting to see who’d pick up. Sometimes we’d just yell, “Your mom got lost in the mess hall!" or "Free ice cream at the commissary!” and hang up. Comedy gold… to us, anyway.

• Ordering up a pizza or taxi to someone else's house, I know, just wrong. Looking out the window and seeing a taxi driver laying on the horn at the neighbors, priceless!. Created great laughs, but certainly inconveniences. 

But let’s be honest, half the time we were calling our own parents or friends. Nothing like calling dad at work pretending to be someone important, which usually backfired. (I remember dad’s voice: “Do you really think the Wing Commander sounds like a 12-year-old with a lisp?”)

Eventually, caller ID came along and killed our covert fun. But for a little while, we ruled the phone lines.  

Got a prank call story? Confess your crimes in the comments—we won’t tell.

Happy Friday!

Spring Into Action: Home Maintenance Tips for a More Efficient Season

Spring is in the air, and it's not just the flowers that are ready for a refresh.

After a long winter, your home could use a little TLC. Spring is the perfect time to inspect, clean, and repair areas of your home that may have taken a hit during the colder months. I always remind homeowners that seasonal maintenance isn't just about keeping things pretty, it's about protecting your investment and making sure your home is weather protected and efficient year-round.

Unfortunately, I should have been more mindful of keeping my lawn pretty. As I begin to look over my house and property after winter, it's my lawn that's in the worst shape. Larger areas of brown and dead looking grass, while I have neighbors with practically plush green already. At first I thought grub worms victimized the lawn in the fall. But, after further evaluation I think it's winter-kill gone mad. More attention will need to be given to my lawn this spring and beyond I guess.

Here’s a practical spring home maintenance checklist to get you started at your house this spring:

1. Inspect and Tidy up the Exterior

Inspect your siding, foundation, and exterior paint for damage or signs of moisture. Painting upkeep is essential to protect degradable material such as wood or cement board siding. Annual touch up is not unusual. Expect to apply a fresh coat of paint to your entire house every 10-12 years for optimal protection. Areas of caulking around windows, doors, and other trim may need to be touched up or redone depending on level of deterioration. This is vital to prevent moisture intrusion. Trim back any vegetation that’s too close to your house...it can promote mold and attract pests. 

2. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Winter can be rough on roofs. Look for missing or displaced shingles. If comfortable doing do, walk your roof to get an up close look. This can also help identify deficient flashing around vents or plumbing stack pipes. The rubber-boot flashing around plumbing vent pipes is known to weather and crack. Clean out your gutters to prevent water backup and foundation issues as spring rains roll in. Properly functioning gutters prevent water intrusion that can damage components and reduce your home’s thermal performance.

3. Check Attic and Basement for Signs of Moisture

Spring thaws and rains can lead to damp basements or attics. Look for signs of mold, mildew, or pests. Many homes may succumb to heat loss to the attic in the winter months. This can lead to condensation within the attic. Adjustments to insulation and/or ventilation in the attic may need to be considered for prevention of excessive heat loss and potential moisture issues. Examine basement walls for moisture-like stains or efflorescent discoloring. Consider installing a dehumidifier in the basement if humidity levels are consistently high.

4. Service Your HVAC System

Many have their HVAC looked over in the fall ahead of heating season, which is great. Having a general Clean & Tune completed on your system at least every other year is a good idea. It's also a good idea to have your A/C system evaluated before you switch from heat to A/C. Cleaning of the outdoor A/C condenser unit is essential each year. Often you can blow off debris and spray it down yourself as a good maintenance practice. However, it's always good to have a HVAC technician provide a tune up of the system....whether you choose to do that annually, or at least every other year. Be sure also to replace air filters and make sure vents are clean and unblocked. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Use the time change as a reminder to check your safety equipment. Replace batteries and test all alarms. If your detectors are 10 years old, they should be replaced. If you are on propane, you should have a propane gas leak alarm close by your HVAC system and within two feet of the floor. While you’re at it, check your fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge and expiration date. We should all have at least one fire extinguisher at our house. I recommend keeping one within your kitchen area. One in the garage is also a good idea. 

(I had to use the fire extinguisher on our toaster on one occasion. Just don't try to warm up taco shells with your toaster!) 🔥

6. Prepare Your Windows for Summer; Check and Seal for Air Leaks

Clean both sides of your windows to maximize natural light. If you don’t already have them, consider installing energy-efficient window treatments or films to reduce summer heat gain.

Cold drafts may have been more noticeable in winter, but spring is a great time to address them. Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows. Not only will this keep your cool air in during summer, but it’ll also reduce your energy bills. Exterior wall outlets and light switches may also be an opportunity to seal air leaks. 

Wrapping Up: Spring maintenance isn’t just about upkeep....it’s a chance to reset, improve comfort, and save on utilities before summer heat sets in. A well-maintained home is a happier, healthier, and more efficient home.

Got a maintenance ritual you swear by? Share it in the comments or drop me a line.

Happy Spring!!!

Fun Friday -- “Home Maintenance Tips the Three Stooges Would Recommend (But Maybe Don’t Try These at Home!)”

Fun and laughs are important in life, so I will always do my best to drop a Fun Friday post. To be honest, I prefer to have fun and laughs throughout the week, not just on Friday, but we gotta balance in some business too. Maybe you've noticed this with my blogs, or on Instagram (@coach_dits).

Speaking of Instagram, I posted a story earlier this week that offered a clue to the subject of this Fun Friday post. That Instagram story also highlighted the fact, as a military brat living overseas in the 1980's, you had one TV channel. It's called the Armed Forces Network or AFN. The Three Stooges was one of my favorites to play on AFN, and was a real treat when it did. Heck, I'll sit and watch them today. 

AFN was unique. Although it played a standard, sometimes boring schedule of shows day in and day out, it did cater to the kids on Saturday mornings with Bugs Bunny and gang.....as well as allowing us to call in and vote for what movie would play on Saturday night. The movie Stripes was always a top choice I voted for. I may have voted for the movie Airplane more than once as well. You're probably thinking, "Surely you can't be serious." "I am serious, and don't call me Shirley." 

Be sure to check back in next week for some business-like talk on Spring Home Maintenance. But for today, enjoy Larry, Moe and Curly's thoughts......

When it comes to home maintenance, some folks follow YouTube videos, others call in the pros…and then there’s the Three Stooges approach. If Larry, Moe, and Curly were in charge of your seasonal checklist, you'd better have a helmet, a mop, and a fire extinguisher handy. Still, there’s a twisted kind of wisdom buried in their slapstick chaos...so let’s have some fun exploring what home maintenance might look like, Stooge-style.

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1. “If it leaks...plug it with a pie tin and chewing gum!”

What they'd do: Patch a leaky pipe with whatever’s in arm’s reach, including a slice of baloney.
What you should do: Use a proper pipe repair clamp...or better yet, call a plumber if you're in over your head.

Takeaway: Improvising can be good in a pinch, but long-term fixes require the right tools and materials.

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2. “When in doubt, whack it with a wrench!”

What they'd do: Smack the furnace, the light switch, or each other until it ‘works’ (usually followed by a short circuit or small explosion).
What you should do: Listen for weird noises and investigate methodically. Wrench whacking is rarely the answer.

Takeaway: Treat your home’s systems with respect. Aggression isn't a maintenance strategy...diagnostics are.

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3. “Paint with it? We bathe in it!”

What they'd do: Tip over a full can of paint while spinning in circles on a ladder, then blame the cat.
What you should do: Prep your space, use drop cloths, and follow paint instructions. Maybe leave the cat out of it.

Takeaway: Painting is an art and a science. Preparation prevents paint-pocalypse.

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4. “Electricity!, Nyuk-Nyuk-Nyuk...just hold the wires with your teeth!”

What they'd do: Attempt DIY wiring with zero training and a strong belief in trial and (electrocuting) error.
What you should do: NEVER mess with electrical systems unless you’re qualified. Shocking, I know.

Takeaway: Electricity isn’t a joke. Call a licensed electrician for anything more complicated than changing a lightbulb.

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5. “We installed insulation...just not in the walls!”

What they'd do: Use shredded newspaper, spaghetti noodles, or popcorn as insulation (and probably start a fire in the process).
What you should do: Use proper, code-compliant insulation that improves energy efficiency and safety.

Takeaway: Good insulation saves energy and money. Bad insulation just creates problems...and maybe pests.

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Final Thoughts:
The Three Stooges may not be OSHA-compliant, but they do remind us not to take home maintenance too seriously all the time. Mistakes happen, and sometimes the best stories come from the repairs that didn’t go quite right. Just make sure you're laughing after everything's fixed.

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Got a real-life home repair that felt like a Three Stooges skit? Share it in the comments! Bonus points if it involved paint cans, ladders, or a cat.