Repairing and paying for a flooded basement just as spring comes around is the last thing on most homeowners’ lists. While basements are at a higher risk of flooding, this can be avoided with the right equipment and care. Problems arise when that equipment isn’t properly maintained and the result could be a costly nightmare.
Richfield Plumbing & Heating in Edmonton is one of the best Edmonton plumbers to call for help with the prevention of basement flooding. With their upcoming 42nd anniversary on April 1st – they have been around for years supporting homeowners and helping them to save costs – and that’s no April Fool’s joke!
Hose bibs
Don’t think that just because hose bibs are located outside of your home, they can’t cause interior trouble. Hose bibs are a significant culprit when you find a leak in the basement. While the design is meant to let water drain out, sometimes a little bit can become trapped. If that happens, the water inside the pipes will freeze in the winter and expand. In severe cases, the pipe will crack, and any water that goes into the pipes will then leak into the house.
Getting the pipe repaired is the first step, followed by regularly winterizing it. Remove any hoses, let the remaining water drain out, then insulate it for the winter. Make sure the water supply is shut off to that hose bib for the winter. Professional plumbers in Edmonton like Richfield Plumbing and Heating can help.
Sump pumps
A basement’s first means of protection against flooding are sump pumps, which are installed beneath the basement. The pumps work by redirecting water away from the basement, which keeps your home safe and dry. It’s also a great way to control humidity levels, which can lead to mould and mildew growth. When a sump pump fails, it’s likely from a lack of maintenance. As a collection of mechanical parts, it needs regular cleaning and inspection. If not, it risks becoming another source of a leak in the basement.
DIY care should include visually inspecting the pump for any signs of corrosion or rust. If there is any debris in the basin, it should be removed to prevent clogging the pump. Check outside as well to make sure the discharge pipe is clear and drains completely to avoid freezing in the winter. Then, call in a professional for annual inspections and minor repairs as needed.
Water heaters
Water heaters are another type of equipment that is often found in the basement. After a long winter with higher hot water demands, any water heater will need maintenance or at least an inspection. If it needs repairs, call a professional right away. If the problem is serious, the heater can burst and result in complete basement flooding with hundreds, or potentially thousands of dollars in water damage repair costs.
While heater maintenance can be DIYed, it’s always worthwhile calling in a professional. Richfield Plumbing and Heating offers water heater maintenance for any model. They can do repairs, replacements, or even upgrades if your old heater is costing more money than it’s worth. With their lengthy experience among water heater companies, they will be able to do a thorough inspection and catch any minor problems before they worsen. It will also help extend the lifespan of your heater to ensure it lasts for years and not a few months.
Ready for spring maintenance and repair help? Contact Richfield Plumbing and Heating today!
