As your local plumber, we’ve seen these snow storms roll through the area every winter. As soon as the storms pass through, often there can be a sudden spike in temperatures. Fluffy white snow might be fun for snowball fights and snowmen, but when it starts to melt quickly well, let’s just say your plumbing might not be so thrilled. This can lead to serious basement flooding or plumbing issues.
Remember, a lot of melting snow means a lot of water – and that water has to go somewhere! Lucky for you, we have some valuable tips to help you steer clear of any water-related woes.
Here’s how you can prepare for snow melt:
1. Shovel snow away from your house!
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget in the hustle of clearing driveways and sidewalks. Shoveling snow away from your house helps prevent water seepage into your basement or crawlspace when it melts.
2. Keep vents clear
Vents blocked by snow can lead to an unwelcome moisture buildup inside your home. This can not only damage your property but also create a perfect environment for mold growth. Ensure all of the vents around your house stay clear of any snow.
Ensuring your outdoor heating vent and furnace exhaust pipe is clear of snow and ice to prevent your furnace from shutting down as a safety precaution. This also prevents a build up of carbon monoxide and other gases inside your home.
3. Check your sump pump
Your sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding. Make sure it’s working correctly before the thaw sets in. If it’s not, make sure you give us a call!
4. Consider a backup sump pump
If you live in an area prone to heavy snowfall (we’re looking at you Southtowns!), investing in a backup sump pump can be a real game-changer. It’s like having a trusty sidekick ready to step in when your main pump can’t keep up.
Remember folks, prevention is always better than finding a solution. Problems won’t arise if you set yourself up for success by mitigating any potential issues. Of course, we understand that life can be unexpected and you may still need some help. We are here for those moments as well. Stay warm, stay safe, and remember to give The Plumber, Heating and Cooling a call at 716-894-4382 if you encounter any challenges.
