Order summary
A finished basement covers the parts of the house most likely to leak, flood or need service: the main drain, the floor drain, the sump, the tank heater and the incoming water valve. Plan access to each, deal with known problems, and protect against backups before the walls close.
Numbered steps
- Have the sewer lateral camera-inspected and fixed if needed.
- Install a backwater valve and decide how you will reach it later.
- Check the sump pump and add a battery backup if the space will be finished.
- Plan where any new bathroom or bar sink will drain, and get a permit.
- Replace old shut-off valves and any galvanized lines in the ceiling.
- Leave access panels at cleanouts, valves and the water heater.
Plumber's tip: Take photos of every open wall before it is closed, with a tape measure in the frame. Years later they show exactly where pipes run.
Errors we see on site
- Boxing in the main cleanout behind drywall.
- Laying carpet over the floor drain area.
- Skipping the permit for new plumbing; it can affect resale and insurance.
- Building a room so small around the water heater that it cannot be replaced.
When the desk should come out
Call us before the framers arrive. We can plan a bathroom, rough-in the drains, and walk the space with you to mark access. The permits leaflet explains inspections.
Quick checklist
- Camera the main line first
- Add a backwater valve before the floor goes down
- Leave access panels at every valve
Your questions on this one
Can I finish over an old floor drain?
Keep the drain accessible and working. It is your first line of defence in a leak.