As Michigan heads into the rainy season, one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is basement flooding. Heavy fall storms and clogged drainage systems can lead to costly water damage, mold growth, and ruined belongings. The good news? With proper preparation and maintenance, you can prevent basement flooding before it starts.

1. Inspect and Maintain Your Sump Pump

Your sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding. It automatically removes excess water from your basement during heavy rain. However, if it’s not working properly, you could be facing a major mess.

• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit to make sure it activates.
• Clean debris from the pit and discharge line.
• If your pump is over 7 years old, consider replacement.
• Add a battery backup system to protect against power outages.

Putman & Son’s Plumbing recommends testing your sump pump each season—especially before fall storms hit.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Fallen leaves are beautiful, but they wreak havoc on gutters. When gutters or downspouts get clogged, water overflows and seeps near your foundation. This increases hydrostatic pressure, which can lead to cracks and basement leaks.
Be sure to:

• Clean gutters at least twice per season.
• Extend downspouts 6–10 feet away from your home.
• Consider installing gutter guards to reduce buildup.

3. Seal Foundation Cracks

Even small cracks in your foundation walls or floors can allow water to sneak in. Check for visible cracks and seal them with waterproof epoxy or hydraulic cement. For larger issues, schedule a professional inspection.

4. Install or Test Backflow Prevention Valves

If you experience frequent flooding, installing a backflow prevention valve on your main sewer line can stop sewage from backing up into your basement. These valves automatically close during heavy rain events, protecting your home from contamination.

5. Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning

Over time, debris, grease, and sediment can build up in your drain lines, slowing water flow. A professional hydro jetting service clears these blockages safely and efficiently—keeping your system flowing freely all season long.

Stay Flood-Free This Fall

Preventing basement flooding is all about proactive maintenance. A quick inspection and a few preventive steps can save thousands in water damage.

Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing today at (248) 652-0990 or visit pnsplumbing.com to schedule your fall plumbing inspection.

The post How to Prevent Basement Flooding During Heavy Fall Rains appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

As the weather cools off, many homeowners are looking for fall plumbing tips to prepare their homes for winter. During autumn, evening temperatures can dip to below freezing, putting your plumbing at risk for cracks or damage. Make sure to prevent these problems before they happen by adding these plumbing maintenance tips to your fall to-do list.

1. Prepare your Outdoor Faucets

Outdoor faucets are potentially the most vulnerable pieces of plumbing when the temperature drops. Before it gets too cold, disconnect your hose, and inspect your outdoor faucet to make sure it’s not leaking.

2. Insulate Exposed Pipes

If you have pipes entering your home, or in exposed areas like your garage, it’s essential to insulate them from the cold. You can accomplish this with a kit from a hardware store. Insulating your pipes prevents them from freezing and cracking in cold temperatures.

3. Clean your Gutters

Make sure your gutters can effectively divert water away from your home by clearing them from leaves and debris.

4. Check your Sump Pump

Freezing temperatures can damage your sump pump or cause it to work less effectively. Take fall as an opportunity to inspect your pump and ensure that it can weather the winter.

5. Prepare your Hot Water Heater for Winter

Ensure your hot water heater is in good shape to handle the cold months ahead with a brief inspection. Flush the water in the system, and ensure that the temperature is set to 120°F for the best results.

Putman & Son’s Plumbing is here to help you tackle your fall to-do list. Contact us today at (248) 652-0990 to schedule a visit to see how we can help prepare your home for winter.

The post Five Fall Plumbing Tips appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Many homeowners find themselves tackling avoidable issues once colder temperatures arrive. Now is the perfect time to perform regular and preventative plumbing maintenance to prepare your home for the winter season, which is when most plumbing issues arise.

Below are five important Fall plumbing tips:

#1. Drain and close interior shut-off valves after removing hoses and shutting off your outdoor faucet. Older homes may not have this feature. It’s important to close these valves once you have finished using your exterior water faucets. Closing this valve helps interior pipes from freezing and bursting.

#2. Apply insulating material to pipes in unheated areas of your home. This is a common reason for a pipe to burst in a seemingly well-prepared home.

#3. Make sure your water heater is in good operating condition. Inspecting your water heater independently or as part of a plumber’s yearly inspection is critical both for the efficiency of your home and the longevity of the heater itself. Trained plumbers will perform a flush of the system to remove sediment that has built up.

#4. Leaving your home for an extended period? Shut off the main water lines in your home to keep pipes healthy. There’s little point in heating a home with no inhabitants, though it’s common for homeowners to forget this crucial step. If you are planning on taking a mid-winter trip, make a calendar note a day before you leave.

#5 Adjust the temperature setting of your home’s water heater. The optimal temperature for most water heaters is 120° F, but you can consult your unit’s manual for more information. Setting your unit too high will incur extra expense and may make hot water unsafe for bathing.

If you are interested in Putman & Son’s Plumbing Maintenance program or want to learn more, please contact us.

The post Fall Plumbing Tips | Prepare Your Home appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.