Many people have a variety of plumbing appliances and fixtures in their basements. It’s very common for washers, water heaters and other plumbing to be located in the basement. To keep everything running smoothly, there are a few maintenance items that should be performed regularly and also some basic safety rules that you should follow.
- Never store flammable items never a water heater. Paints, solvents, gasoline and other flammable items should be stored away from your water heater to prevent them from accidental igniting and fires.
- Check for leaks. Make sure you don’t have any leaks by checking your water meter when no water is going to be used for 8-10 hours. Note the reading, then check it after the elapsed time. If it has moved and no water was used, you may have a leak.
- Prevent sewer gas backup. Every few months, it’s a good idea to pour a bucket of water down your basement floor drain to fill the trap seal. This can prevent sewer gases from rising and filling your home.
- Stop water tapping noise. If you have water tapping or hammering noises, talk to your plumber about installing shock absorbers to keep your pipes from vibrating and making excess noise.
- Check washer hoses. Periodically, your washer hoses need to be checked for bulges or wear. Replace as need to prevent flooding.
- Adding new plumbing fixtures. Basement plumbing usually requires more knowledge than above ground plumbing. If you want to add a bathroom, laundry room or other plumbing to your basement, be sure to get the help of a professional plumber.
Posted on behalf of Seagraves Plumbing
