For most people, the first signs of Spring are a relief that warmer temperatures are on their way. However, warmer temperatures in the spring will cause all the leftover snow from the Winter to start to melt, which can cause big issues for homeowners. Since snow accumulates around your house and has nowhere to go when it melts, basement flooding is a huge risk. All of the water from the melted snow can seep into cracks and create a flood when you’re least expecting it. Be prepared for Spring this year by following these tips to prepare your home for snow melt.
- The simplest way to prevent snow melt from flooding your basement is to shovel snow away from the perimeter of your home. Ideally, you should leave a space of about 5 feet between your home and snow piles, so that when it melts, it isn’t sitting directly on top of your basement walls.
- Another fairly simple way to prevent flooding is to make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear from any blockages. Blockages in your gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool at the base of your home, right near the foundation. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear will allow melting snow water to properly drain away from your home.
- If there are any cracks or leaks in the walls of your foundation, you’ll want to make sure to repair them before the Springtime. Having leaks in your basement is a sure way to let water seep in.
- Finally, make sure that your sump pump is installed properly and running smoothly. If your home doesn’t already have a sump pump installed, then the PumpSpy SmartPump is the perfect solution – it includes 24/7 monitoring so that you will always know that your sump pump is working. Or, if you already have a sump pump installed but want the benefit of 24/7 monitoring, you can use the Smart Outlet 2.0 with your existing sump pump. Another effective piece of equipment to pair with your sump pump is our Yard Drain Emitter, which directs drainage away from the home’s foundation and performs well in cold conditions.
Don’t let Spring weather ruin your basement – take these steps to get ahead of the problem! We care about keeping your basement dry, so contact our team of experts at 1-833-PUMPSPY if you’d like any more tips on preparing your basement for snowmelt.
