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Basement Plumbing: Maintenance and Repair Tips

The basement is either completely ignored, or it is a constant source of plumbing hassles.

However, with these helpful hints from Anta's master plumbers, most of the complications (such as basement flooding) will be alleviated, making your basement a happy space.

A flooded basement usually results in significant costs, and it can damage furniture and other goods that you store in there. Follow our master plumbers' tips to help prevent all kinds of basement plumbing issues.

1. Prevent bad smells

Infrequently used drains tend to release sewer gasses into the home, usually through the basement floor drain, as the water in the trap seals evaporate. Every once in a while, pour a bucket of water down these infrequently used drains to keep the trap seal full.

2. Detect leaks


During your regular monthly plumbing inspections, look for any obvious leaks. If you don't notice any leaks, but your water bill seems much higher than it should be, try the following.

● Turn off all appliances and close all faucets.

● Turn off the main water supply.

● Take down the reading on the water meter.

● Leave the water supply off for 2 hours.

● Take another reading.

If the meter reading has changed, it is a sign that you probably have a leak. Contact Anta Plumbing, as we offer expert leak detection services.

3. Install shock absorbers


Water hammering can be extremely annoying. Install shock absorbers to deal with the water line vibrations.

4. Check your hoses

Washing machine hoses are notoriously weak. We usually recommend that our clients install steel mesh hoses, that are much stronger than rubber hoses. However, you should still check your hoses for leaks or bulges, and replace them at the first sign of weakness to prevent basement flooding.

5. Inspect the septic tank


A septic tank should be inspected every 3-5 years. They should also be pumped regularly, in order to prevent having to replace the filter field.

Annual Water Heater Maintenance

Your water heater also needs attention, at least once a year. Specifically, it should be flushed once a year. You need to drain water from the tank in order to remove sediment which can lead to corrosion. Sediment buildup can also reduce heating efficiency.

Your water heater should have a pressure relief valve which you should be able to lift up and then allow to snap back. When you snap this valve, a burst of water should be released into the drainpipe. I this doesn't happen, there might be a problem with your hot water heater, and you need to call the professionals.

Anta Plumbing handles all types of basement plumbing installations and repairs, ranging from sump pump installation, maintenance and repair.

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Written by Anta

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