Four Tips to Prevent a Basement Plumbing Disaster
Having a basement in your home gives you some extra space, but it does come with responsibilities. One of those major responsibilities is maintaining the plumbing systems that usually reside in the basement.
1. Floor Drain Cleaning
One of the most common causes of floods in the basement is a backed-up main sewer line. Most basements are equipped with floor drains, which can provide an overflow point if the sewer line becomes damaged or clogged. Clogs can occur due to line damage, tree roots invasion in the line, or from items like personal hygiene products being put down the drains. Schedule an annual drain cleaning or inspection to make sure your sewer line is running cleanly. If the drains in your home begin backing up or if you pick up sewage odors in the basement, call a plumber for immediate help.
2. Water Heater Services
In many homes, the basement is where the water heater is located. Tank-style heaters can hold many gallons of water, which results in a lot of damage if the tank overflows or bursts. Overflow is a result of an overheating tank. Annual inspections to verify that the thermostat and elements on the heater are working properly prevent overflow from occurring. A burst tank is usually the result of age or due to corrosion from hard mineral buildup in the tank. An annual service call that includes flushing out the tank removes the hard mineral buildup, and your plumber can let you know when your heater is reaching the end of its lifespan so you can replace it before an age-related leak occurs.
3. Sump Pump Installations
A high water table can lead to water seepage into the basement via the floors or walls. Although there are several tactics to deal with this, one of the more effective options is to have a drainage trench installed. This trench will work even better if you also install a sump pump to help move the water out of the basement. Your plumber can install the sump pump as well as perform annual maintenance to ensure that it works well when you need it most.
4. Valve Checks
If you have a basement, chances are your main water valves are located there. Know the location of the main water valve so you can turn it off in the event of a plumbing emergency, such as a burst pipe. You or your plumber should also check it periodically to verify that it turns easily and that it isn't leaking. A seldom-used valve can become stuck, which renders it useless if you need to shut off the water quickly.
Contact companies like Du-West Foundation Repair for more help with the routine maintenance and repairs of the systems in your home.
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