Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Preventing Water Damage by Improving Sewage and Sewer Systems

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

One of the most dangerous forms of flooding is those caused by sewage problems. The reason for this is that the water that accumulates is particularly vile. For the property owner, the goal should be prevention instead of restoration. Fortunately, there are practical steps that may be taken in order to ensure that the home is secure.

Toilet Leaks

The toilet can break down quite easily because it is used so frequently. As such, it is important to inspect the flushing device of the toilet every six months. Some of the things that should also be observed are the functioning of the fill valve and the supply line. When it comes to the fill valve, it should automatically shut off when the float of the tank reaches the appropriate level. If the tank continuously fills up with water or runs, then it may be necessary to replace the fill valve or the flapper.

The supply line of the toilet should also be regularly checked. The valve connections should be secure. Corrosions in the pipe could lead to water damage later on, so it is important to replace them as soon as kinks are discovered.

The Installation of Backflow Valves

Another aspect of flood prevention is the proper maintenance of the sewer system. In order to enhance its performance, install backflow valves so that the drain pipes are prevented from returning water into the house. When this happens, toilets, sinks, and other convenient openings can overflow and cause damage.

Since the installation of backflow valves can be quite tricky, it is best to leave the task in the hands of a professional. The goal is to have valves installed on the pipes that direct water away from the property or are connected to devices that are below the flood levels. In the event that the property features a sump pump, the valves may be connected to underground lines.

Valves designed to prevent backflow come in different models. They can range from the very simple to more complex ones. This is another reason why the hiring of a contractor is necessary in this project. The contractor can give professional advice on what design is best suited for the property based on its offered advantages and disadvantages.

A common type of valve is the gate valve, which is quite complex in design. It features a durable seal that must be operated manually. The disadvantage is that since the valve has to be turned by hand, prior warning of the flood is needed. How well the valve will work depends on the how much warning is given before the flood.

Flap or check valves are simpler in design compared to the gate valve. These open to allow water to flow out of the house. However, they seal shut when the flow of the water reverses. The disadvantage with the check valve is that it is not as strong compared to the gate valve. However, they work automatically and without the need for manual activation.

Recommended Reading
Prevent Water Damage in the Bathroom
Plumbing 101: Know Your Plumbing Pipes

Learn More about Preventing Water Damage by Improving Sewage Systems in this Video: