01What a typical house has
| System | What it is | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Main water line | Pipe from the street (or well) to the house, with a main shutoff | Wet spots in the yard, hissing at the meter |
| Water heater | Tank or tankless, gas or electric | Leaks, rusty hot water, noises |
| Sewer lateral | Pipe from the house to the street sewer | Slow drains everywhere, roots |
| Septic or cesspool | On-site wastewater system where there's no sewer | Slow drains, soggy ground, odors |
| Sump pump | Pumps groundwater out of the basement | Constant running, failure in storms |
| Well | Private water supply with pump and pressure tank | Pressure cycling, no water |
| Outdoor faucets | Hose bibs on exterior walls | Freezing in winter |
A well pressure tank and controls. Pressure that cycles up and down often points to the tank or pressure switch.
A sump pump keeps groundwater out of the basement. Test it before storm season.
02A seasonal checklist
- Fall: shut off and drain outdoor faucets; insulate exposed pipes; test the sump pump
- Winter: keep heat on in all areas with pipes; open cabinet doors on exterior walls in cold snaps
- Spring: check for freeze damage; test the sump pump before storm season
- Year-round: know your main shutoff; check the water heater for leaks
03Basement water
Basement water is usually a leak, groundwater or a sewer backup. See water in the basement.
How a sewer backup reaches a basementDiagram D3
- Drain / waste / sewer
- Vent
- 1Intense rain fills the city sewer; many NYC areas have combined sewers carrying rain and wastewater together
- 2Sewage can rise back up the building sewer toward the house
- 3It comes out at the lowest opening first: basement floor drains, toilets or showers
- 4Backwater valve: a one-way device that closes against reverse flow if it is installed, accessible and maintained
- 5Fixtures above the backup level are usually unaffected, but avoid using them while a backwater valve is closed
04Local differences
- Nassau: mostly sewered; licensing by village or town
- Suffolk: most homes on cesspools or septic; county license plus some town licenses
- Westchester: countywide plumber license; septic and wells in the north
- New Jersey: statewide license, municipal permits; wells and septic in parts of Morris, Somerset, Monmouth and Ocean
05Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I'm on sewer or septic?
Look for sewer charges on your tax or water bill, or ask your town. Septic homes usually have a tank lid or cleanout in the yard.
How often should a water heater be flushed?
Many manufacturers suggest yearly flushing to reduce sediment; follow your heater's manual.
06Related
Guides & rules
Sources & review
Last reviewed . General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and individual buildings differ.