For years I've had a leak in my basement when the washing machine goes into its rinse and spin cycle. It turns out that the leak happens because the pipe needs to be replaced with a wider one where the water exits the washing machine and empties into the pipe. I have a relatively new washing machine that causes the exiting water to flow with more pressure than the original pipe can accommodate.
For a while, I thought that this leak could be incorporated into the layout as a geyser or waterfall with real water, enhancing the paradise aspect of the layout and basement.
More recently, I've grown sick and tired of this leak, that results in dampening a nearby switch track and puddles on the basement floor. I have a good dehumidifier, but am tired of mopping up puddles and wringing out towels a couple of times each week.
Real water, dampness, and excessive humidity don't go well with electric trains.
Today, I am thrilled to have a good plumber in my basement to replace an inoperable sump pump, replace the above-mentioned pipe with a wider one and fix the leak.
A dry basement will definitely make my layout more like paradise.
