When the snow begins to melt in the spring, it can bring beautiful weather. And, as we all know, it can also bring a lot of water.
In places like Rochester, NY, where heavy snowfall during the winter months is common, snowmelt runoff can lead to flooding. This is especially true if you have a basement or live in a more low-lying area.
Fortunately, with a little preparation, you can help protect your home from potential water damage this spring. Below are some key steps you can take to protect your home before the snow starts to melt.
Ensure Your Sump Pump Is Clear
We’ve covered the importance of sump pumps before in this blog—and today we’re doing it again!
A sump pump is one of the most important appliances you can have to protect your basement during snowmelt season. That’s because when the snow begins turning to water, the volume of runoff flowing into your basement can increase quite a bit. Therefore, it’s important that you ensure your sump pump is in proper working order.
Start by checking the pump to ensure it’s free of debris or isn’t otherwise obstructed. Look for things like leaves, dirt, or even ice buildup that could block the pump’s operation.
Also, take a few minutes to test the pump to confirm it activates the float. To do this, add a small amount of water to your sump pump pit. This should activate the float switch and cause your device to turn on. From there, your sump pump should remove the water from the pit.
Consider a Backup Sump Pump to Battle Snow Melt
While a good sump pump can keep your basement dry during snowmelt, they aren’t without fault. Uncontrollable events like power outages or primary pump malfunctions can cause issues when you least expect them.
This is where a backup sump pump may come in handy.
Backup sump pumps come in two main types: battery-powered and water-powered. Battery-powered pumps are great because they activate automatically when the power goes out, running off a rechargeable battery. Water-powered backup systems use your home’s water pressure to keep water flowing out of your basement, making them an excellent choice for areas where power outages are common.
Preventive Maintenance: Sewer Cleaning, Storm Drain Line Cleaning, and Camera Inspections
Did you know?
Over time, your sewer lines and storm drains can clog. Debris, leaves, and other waste have been known to cause big problems. Add in some snowmelt and these blockages can lead to big problems!
So, this spring, give your home the gift of a sewer cleaning or a storm drain line cleaning. These services can help ensure your home’s systems are clear and functioning properly.
You can also have a plumbing professional use their camera to inspect for hidden problems within your plumbing.
Check the Grading Around Your House
If water can collect around the base of your home, it can also leak into your basement. Because snowmelt runoff can quickly flood low-lying areas, it's important to check the grading around your home and ensure water flows away from your home’s foundation.
Inspect the exterior of your home for low spots or areas where water might easily accumulate. If you notice any, consider adding dirt or regrading the area to improve drainage. Ideally, ground around your home should drop roughly an inch for every foot you move away from your home for at least six feet.
If this isn’t possible for your home, a good rule of thumb is to ensure the ground doesn’t slope up as you move away from your home’s foundation.
Final Thoughts
No one likes the thought of a flooded basement. Luckily, you can reduce your risk of water damage during snowmelt this spring.
By following the advice outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the changing weather. And if you’re unsure about any of these tasks or if you need help with your sump pump system, cleaning drains, or cleaning your sewers, contact us to schedule an appointment. Call us at (585) 355-1463.
We’re here to help ensure your home stays dry and safe. We serve all of Rochester including Brighton, Canandaigua, Chili, Fairport, Farmington, Gates, Greece, Henrietta, Macedo, Newark, Palmyra, Penfield, Pittsford, Victor, and Webster.
Contact us for an appointment at 585-355-1463.
Comments