Winter Is Coming

And with it comes snow, sleet, hail, and freezing temperatures. Buffalo recorded over 100″ of snowfall in the 2017-2018 winter season alone. That’s a lot of snow. But anyone who’s experienced a Buffalo winter understands our freeze-thaw cycle creates fluctuating temperatures where the weather warms up just enough for all that snow to melt. That’s where your sump pump comes in.

Winter Weather & Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is exactly what it sounds like: a pump in your basement or crawlspace used to redirect water away from your home. Sump Pumps are essential for Buffalo residents where quickly melting snow is common. Protect your sump pump this winter by following these three simple tips:

Turn Up The Heat

Most basements have little to no insulation, leaving them dramatically colder than the rest of the house. Unfortunately, this makes your basement vulnerable to freezing as temperatures plunge. Turn up the heat to keep your pipes warm.

During the day, heat your home to 68º for a comfortable setting. At night, when the family is asleep, turn down the thermostat to 62º to conserve energy. Never set your thermostat below 55º. That’s the lowest temperature you can heat your home without your pipes freezing.

And even though warm air rises, these temperatures should provide enough residual heat to the basement to keep your sump pump’s intake hose and drainage pipe from freezing.

Prevent Frozen Drain Lines

Any pipe that is not insulated and exposed to the cold runs the risk of freezing. Frequently check your sump pump’s drainage pipe and downspout, and remove any excess ice that may have formed. The key to preventing a frozen pump is paying attention! If water is not properly directed away from the home, it can threaten the integrity of your home’s foundation. Alternatively, you can insulate both the intake pipe and drainage pipe to reduce your risks.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Don’t wait until you experience a problem with your sump pump to give us a call. The Plumber offers sump pump repair, installation, and maintenance to ensure your home is ready for any weather. Contact us today or call (716) 894-4382 to schedule your next service.