The 3 Most Common Plumbing Issues Found in Basements

Some plumbing problems affect some parts of the house more than others. For example, kitchens and bathrooms have different plumbing appliances and systems, so they might experience different plumbing issues. Below are some plumbing issues you might experience in your basement.

1. Sump Pump Failure

   The basement is the lowest point of the house, so it makes sense that it can easily collect unwanted water. For example, water from burst pipes may end up in the basement, and surface water from rainfall can seep into the basement. You need a sump pump in the basement to pump that water out.

   Below are some sump pump failures that can leave you with a flooded basement.

   Clogging

   Sump pumps typically clog where the water enters or exits the pump. Either issue means the pump cannot get water out of the basement. The debris responsible for clogging typically comes with the water. Serious clogging may require you to disassemble some pump parts for cleaning.

   Stuck Check Valve

   The check valve is a one-way mechanism to prevent water from flowing back into the pump pit. Sometimes, the valve malfunctions and allows water to flow in both directions. If that happens, the pump will keep pumping the same water (since it will keep flowing back).

   Damaged Motor

   The sump pump uses an electric motor to pump water out of the basement. The motor can suffer electrical damage, fail due to wear and tear, or overheat if it runs continuously for a long time. The pump can’t work with a failed motor.

2. Drain or Sewer Backups

   As previously mentioned, the basement is the lowest point in the house. Plumbing contractors often connect the main sewer line to the basement. That way, waste can flow from the aboveground rooms into the main line via gravity.

   Unfortunately, the arrangement that allows waste drainage by gravity can also cause sewer backups in the basement. Consider a case where tree lines or damaged pipe sections prevent effluent drainage from the basement. In such a case, the additional waste you may generate in the house will back up and contaminate the basement instead of flowing out.

   Sewer backups are dangerous for several reasons. For example, the waste carries dangerous germs that can make you sick. Sewer effluent can also cause water damage in the basement. The backup also means you can’t use your plumbing system or appliance that sends additional waste down the drain.

3. Appliance Breakdowns

   Many people put their appliances, including plumbing appliances, in the basement.

   The location makes sense since:

   • It frees up the upstairs space for other uses
   • You can easily hook up the appliances to utilities, such as plumbing and electricity, which remain uncovered in unfinished basements
   • It reduces the risk of water damage to the other rooms in case of a malfunction
   • It provides a stable floor for heavy appliances

   Unfortunately, overcrowding the basement with appliances increases the risk of plumbing mishaps. For example, damage or wear and tear to appliances, hoses, and water pipes can flood the basement with water. Apart from water damage, the leaks also increase basement humidity and the risk of mold growth.

Venting the basement is also more difficult than venting above-ground rooms. Poor ventilation leads to unpleasant smells, mold growth, and drainage issues. For example, inefficient basement ventilation can allow sewer gases to fill your basement.

Proper installation, maintenance, and repair of all plumbing systems can help you prevent malfunctions. Spartan Plumbing Inc. can help you with all these. Contact us for your plumbing needs, and enjoy our high-quality services. Our decades of experience in the plumbing industry can help you keep your basement plumbing safe.