Around the house and in the basement
Prepare access before freezing weather and the next rainfall
Planned maintenance leaves time to check a valve, an outdoor faucet or basement protection equipment before a defect becomes urgent. The work depends on your system, rather than just the season or how close the property is to the lake.
An outdoor faucet also needs an indoor check
A drip outside may come from the faucet itself, while a leak inside the wall calls for a different inspection. Explain whether the problem appears only when the faucet is open. Locate access to its supply pipe and any indoor valve without removing finished surfaces.
Winter preparation varies with the model and installation. A faucet described as frost-free does not, by itself, confirm that the whole assembly is protected. Have an unreliable shutoff or leaking connection checked, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For a pipe that has already frozen or burst, see our frozen and burst pipe service.
Backwater valves and sump pumps have different roles
A backwater valve is intended to limit wastewater flowing back through the pipes it protects. A sump pump removes water collected in its pit. Having one does not replace the other, and its presence alone does not explain the cause of water damage.
Keep access covers and service openings clear, including after finishing a basement. If water backs up or the pit rises unusually, describe what you observe. A sewer backup request should identify the affected locations and known equipment, without opening a contaminated pipe.