Were a month away from thawing out is your sump pump ready
The harsh winter is finally letting up, with snow and ice transitioning to rain, paving the way for the warmer weather and clearer skies of spring. In this transitionary period, the sidewalks and lawns peeking through the snow melt are a welcome sight, but this same melt can create some nasty surprises in your basement — more specifically, with your sump pump.
Since it’s still early in the seasonal transition, the warmer temperatures haven’t penetrated far below the surface, meaning much of the area underground is still hardened, or even frozen in spots. Generally, with warmer temps, water would absorb into the dirt; but right now, all of the leftover snow and ice melting above ground is potential moisture with no way to absorb and dissipate into the soil, so it has to find somewhere else to go. This left-over moisture will find the paths of the least resistance for runoff, often pooling around the foundation of buildings — namely, your home — finding any crevices and openings to seep into subterranean areas such as basements, causing mildew, mold, or property damage.
These are the exact scenarios where a sump pump is designed to help, mitigating potential leaks and water buildup in basements. As the water level climbs above the foundation level of your home, the sump springs into action, pumping excess water away from your home. If you have a home, especially in the Midwest, it’s important to consider that the potential sump pump installation cost is trivial compared to the potential cost of flooding in your basement or the destruction of your valuables due to water damage.
This issue of melting snow and ice becomes further compounded by the rain moving in with warmer weather, creating additional surges of wetness that cause even sanitary and storm sewers to overflow. During these times, your sump pump will be put to the test. With the risk of flooding in mind, now is the perfect time to schedule a sump pump inspection. You yourself can take the necessary steps to take an initial sump pump inspection, checking out the drainage pipes for your sump to determine if there are any blockages, checking the electrical connection, and ensure that the sump pump is clear of any debris, particularly around the check valve. If any issues arise from these spots, it could be best to discuss with a certified plumber about a sump pump replacement. After all, it’s not just about having a sump pump installed; it’s about making sure your sump pump is up to the task of an early, wet spring.
It’s easy to put chores off until the last minute, but a sump pump installation or an annual sump pump inspection is better scheduled now. Let the professionals at Duane Blanton Plumbing, Sewer and Drainage put your mind at ease, and schedule today by calling (815) 781-2567, or online from the comfort of your couch through the online scheduling portal. Then the next time you hear the rain move in, you can relax to the sound of the drops against the window pane, instead of worrying about the pain of an unwanted swimming pool in your basement.
