How to prevent your basement from flooding

While basements have a higher risk of flooding, this doesn’t mean they have to. With proper equipment and maintenance, you can avoid the dreaded basement flood.

Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. is a leader in the plumbing industry in Edmonton. Here they share more about how to prevent a flood in the basement:

Sump pumps

If you don’t have a sump pump, you will want to get one installed. Sump pumps go beneath your basement and they keep your home safe and dry by working to direct water away from the basement. However, it’s very important that you always keep your sump pump maintained. If you don’t, you could be risking a basement flood. Schedule regular sump pump cleanings and inspections to avoid this. Get a sump pump alarm, so you don’t forget! Also, if you are in an area that is prone to floods, consider having a second sump pump installed.

Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. are sump pump experts. Call them to schedule regular sump pump maintenance or discuss options for installation.

Hose bibs

Once the days start getting warmer and the snow starts to melt, it’s time for your hose bib spring inspection and maintenance. The extreme cold of an Alberta winter can lead to hairline fractures in your hose bibs. When these fractures go unnoticed, the result is often a flooded basement.

To test your hose bibs in the spring, shut your water off. Next, place your thumb over the spigot to cover the entire hose bib opening. Then turn the water on. There is a fracture somewhere in your pipes if you can hold the water in with your thumb.

If you can do this, turn your water off immediately. From there, ask a family member to go to the basement where the hose bib is located and test again by placing a thumb over the spigot. You’ll want to continue repeating this step for all the hose bibs in your home. If you locate a leak, call your plumber immediately.

Maintenance and backwater valve installation

Installing or maintaining your backwater valve is another important step in preventing a basement flood. You’ll also want to check for signs of clogged drains and have them cleaned. Furthermore, checking for other pipe and plumbing damage and ensuring everything is insulated properly is a must.

Inspect your home’s exterior too. You want to ensure no water is getting into your home. That means checking your gutters, checking for foundation damage as well as checking the grading and drainage around your property.

Smart leak detection

Last, but certainly not least, install a smart leak detection device like Flo by Moen. This device shuts off main-line water to the home as soon as it detects a plumbing leak from a broken pipe, leaking fixtures, a malfunctioning hot water tank and more. The device also uses an app to send phone alerts, offering another level of peace of mind and protection, especially over the cold winter months and when travelling.

Contact Always Plumbing and Heating Ltd. so they can help you prevent a basement flood!

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