Remember that blizzard more than just a week ago? You know, the one that provided many of us with snow days, school closings, and opportunities to build snowmen, make snow angels and wage snowball fights? Well, as the temperatures rose this week, suddenly our frosty creations disappeared. Patches of grass returned to entice us with hopes of spring time.
Where did all of that snow go? For many Americans, the excess water seeped into their homes and basements. That’s right; the Great Thaw is upon us! However, there are a few simple ways to protect your home.
First line of defense
Now’s a good time to make sure your sump pump is working optimally. The combination of the ground thawing and increased surface water from melted snow means your sump pump has been working overtime this week and will likely continue in the coming days.
To accommodate this influx and ensure your basement stays dry, I’d recommend installing a backup sump pump, or a battery operated or water-powered backup. To prevent electrical problems, your pump should be on its own electrical circuit. You don’t want a circuit breaker or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet outage to interrupt its power supply.
Attack from above
The problem might not be indoors, but on your roof. Examine gutters and downspouts for blockages. Let’s face it; we’re all busy in the fall (watching college football in my case). Leaves could still be clogging gutters and downspouts.
As snow melts and spring storms loom, your gutters might soon be overflowing with water, which pools at the foundation of your house and can enter your basement. Therefore, keeping gutters clean is a simple way to ensure water is redirected away from your home. Likewise, if large snow drifts are against your house, shovel them back several feet to prevent basement seepage.
If all else fails…
Sometimes, whether it’s too much rain or a surplus of melting snow, water buildup can’t be prevented. However, I recently remodeled my basement into a man cave, and I’d be distraught if water damaged all of my work.
If you’re like me, you’re going to want to remember most insurance policies exclude coverage for this damage unless you have a sump pump or sewer back up endorsement on your policy.
According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring is around the corner, meaning more rain on top of the already-saturated ground. If you remember to keep water away from your home and check on your sump pump, you’re going to have a great (and dry) spring time!
How’s everyone enjoying this “heat wave” so far?
Thanks for these important reminders! Come on spring!
Great advise!
I sure am happy I live in Arizona. No rain, snow or water problems.
Hi Richard, thanks for the comment! Don’t get too comfortable thinking you’re protected from water damage. One of our top causes of loss in Arizona is water damage, usually from supply pipes, or appliances connection hoses bursting. The inconsistent water pressure can increase the likelihood of a failure. I’d recommend changing your clothes washer, dishwasher, and ice maker supply line every 5 years or so.
Eric