There’s no better way to make an old home feel new than with a renovation. Even minor renovations can add significant value to your home. With so many resources at our fingertips, many homeowners are taking these projects on themselves. However, sometimes it is easy to underestimate the importance of something until you’ve learned the hard way. This is especially true when it comes to renovating your own home. That’s why we’ve put together a list of three critical things we commonly see homeowners neglect when renovating. Addressing them before you start can save you a headache and money down the road.
Flushing and TV Inspections
All houses have a sewer line that connects to either the municipal sewer or a septic tank. Regular TV inspections for sewers can catch minor problems before they become major issues. This is especially true before a renovation. A TV inspection can find blockages, bellies, cracks in a pipe and even tree roots. Flushing the line first makes sure the pipe is clean. This improves visibility when looking for more subtle issues.
Why is this critical before renovating? Repairing a sewer line can require removing flooring, and even breaking up the concrete below, to access the problem. By flushing your lines and doing a TV inspection, you can find and repair issues while they’re easiest to access. This also avoids having to rip up (or cut through) a newly installed floor. Depending on the type of renovation, a second TV inspection may be a good idea once the job is finished. This ensures no debris has accidentally made its way into the sewer line. For example, a basement bathroom renovation can lead to grout in your pipes. This may not cause an immediate issue but will result in future blockages.
Sewer Access
Once you’ve checked to make sure there are no current issues with your sewer line, it is important to think about future maintenance and repairs. Ensure you know where your main sewer cleanout line is located and that it is easy to access. If you’re not sure where your sewer cleanout line is, it is often found within three feet of the front of the house. It may be located against a wall or in the floor.
Why is this critical before renovating? Cleanout line access is needed to find and fix any sewer issues leading to or from your home. From TV inspections to removing blockages, the sewer cleanout line is the fastest way to solve a problem with the least disruption. If you’re installing flooring or subflooring, be sure there is proper access to the line through it. With a little extra thought, you can find creative ways to blend the sewer cleanout line access in with the rest of the flooring.
Backflow Valve Installation
In addition to easy access to the main sewer cleanout line, Backflow Valves are now considered critical in homes. What is a Backflow Valve, and why should you put one in? Simply put, a Backflow Valve stops water from municipal sewer lines from entering your home. This can happen during a storm surge or heavy rains. Backflow Valves are especially useful in areas prone to flooding. They are now standard in newly built homes, and cities often offer rebates for installations in older homes.
Why is this critical before renovating? Installing a Backflow Valve requires breaking up concrete to access the pipes below. Doing this during a renovation avoids having to replace materials that would be damaged during an installation down the road. It also protects your new renovation from preventable flooding.
If you’re thinking of renovating, call Phil Groves Sewer 911 today for a consultation. We’ll send a sewer technician to your home to identify any problems or potential risks. Taking a few simple steps can save you time and money. By calling Phil Groves Sewer 911, you can protect your renovation and ensure it’s built to last.