Urban planners have many challenges when it comes to building new communities. The most pressing issue for most developers is finding ways to increase the amount of available space in each lot. To do that, city and state agencies often mandate that new homes and buildings incorporate more efficient sewer and water drainage systems. In many cases, the developer will build these into the design of new buildings as part of the construction process. While these measures make sense from a city planning standpoint, they also come with some additional costs for the homeowner. If you’re buying a new home or building one from the ground up, you’ll want to be aware of common sewer and drainage problems to avoid unpleasant surprises later on.

Leaking drains

Leaking drains are one of the most common building code violations in the world. In an effort to prevent this from happening, many agencies require developers to dig test shafts at various points throughout the construction process. These shafts are typically about ten feet deep, and contractors use special sensors to monitor for the presence of water at various depths in the ground. If they find water present in the shaft at any depth, the soil at that point must be replaced before construction can continue. In some cases, water may be found flowing out of the building through cracks in the foundation or walls. In these cases, the developer may need to replace the entire foundation.In other cases, water may be present in the soil because of faulty design or materials used in the construction process.

Wrong size pipes

Pipes are another common problem that can lead to leaks and water damage. It’s important to make sure that all of the pipes are properly sized during the construction process. If you’re buying an existing home, make sure you have all of the plumbing diagrams. If you’re building a new home, make sure the developer has followed city codes and used the proper sized pipes and fittings. Sometimes, new homes are built with smaller sized pipes to save money on the construction process. While this may save money in the short term, it can lead to leaks and other issues down the road.

Excessive backpressure

Another problem that can lead to leaking drains and other issues is excessive backpressure. This occurs when the home’s water supply system is connected to the sewer system, causing water to build up and be forced back into the building’s plumbing system. Excessive backpressure can be a result of several factors, including faulty pipes, excessive water demand in the home, or the use of unapproved materials or products. Excessive backpressure can cause leaks and other issues in the home’s plumbing system, including backups in the home’s sinks and toilets. Many cities have strict water pressure requirements that must be met during the construction process. If the home does not meet these requirements, the developer may need to install an approved water regulator.

Clogged drains

Another issue that commonly occurs during the construction process is clogged drains. If the drains leading from the building to the city sewer system aren't properly sized, they can become easily clogged. This can be a serious problem for new homebuyers, especially if they have large families. In some cases, the clogged drains can be fixed through simple DIY methods. Other times, the developer will need to replace the entire drains. If you’re buying an existing home, make sure you have all of the plumbing diagrams. In most cases, the home’s drains will be found in the crawlspace. If you’re building a new home, make sure the developer follows city codes and uses the proper sized drains.

Overflowing toilets and sinks

Overflowing toilets and sinks are another problem that can lead to leaks and other issues during the construction process. This issue occurs when water is allowed to flow freely into the toilets and sinks without being directed into the sewer system. In most cases, a clogged sewer line is the cause of the problems. Toilet and sink clogs can be caused by food waste, hair and other types of debris that make it’s way into the sewer system and cause a blockage. If you’re buying an existing home, make sure you have all of the plumbing diagrams. In most cases, the home’s toilets and sinks will be found in the crawlspace. If you’re building a new home, make sure the developer follows city codes and uses the proper sized toilets and sinks.

Conclusion

Drainage and sewer problems can be a huge hassle and costly to solve. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these problems when building new homes. First, make sure you hire a reliable builder that follows the latest building codes. Make sure they use the proper materials and equipment, and that they properly inspect the site before beginning construction. Next, make sure you have all of the plumbing diagrams for the home, and have them inspected before moving in. Finally, make sure you take care of your drains properly to avoid these issues in the first place.