Water in the Basement in the Winter? Top 4 Ways to Keep Winter Basement Dry
Well we knew it wasn’t going to last forever! The snow has finally started to fly in New England and as we all know, where that snow came from, more is sure to follow. With winter upon us and the holidays too, you may not be thinking too much about what’s going on in your basement right now. Homeowners tend to rest easy and forget about their basements in the winter.
Initially, it makes sense to think that if it’s Winter and there’s snow on the ground, then the basement will be dry and water will not pose a threat to a basement. Unfortunately, basements can leak and be damp, humid and wet, even in the Winter. Basements can experience all of these Winter water issues despite the fact that there may be only inches or just a few feet of snow covering the ground.
Here are our Top 4 Tips to help keep your basement dry in the Winter.
Clear Foundation and Keep Snow Away
Keeping the snow away from the foundation of your home is one of the simplest ways to help maintain a dry basement during the Winter. This tip is just like the one we offer for the Fall, only instead of keeping leaf and plant debris away from the foundation, you’re keeping the snow away.
Check Your Pipes
It’s always a good idea to inspect your pipes and plumbing throughout the course of a year. Be sure that your pipes are not in danger of freezing during the cold weather and of course, inspect for any leaks or seeping.
Inspect and Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Did you know that clogged gutters and misplaced downspouts can contribute to water in the basement? Now you know. Remove debris or built-up ice (if safely possible) to allow for smooth and proper water flow. Downspouts should be angles away from the foundation so that the water doesn’t run toward the foundation.
Check Sump Pump and Drainage Lines
If you currently have a sump pump, it’s a good time to have your annual service done if you have not done so already. Check the sump pump drain line/pipe on the outside of your home and ensure that it is not clogged or filled with debris. In the basement, unplug the sump pump and inspect the cord and outlet for dirt. Check the sump pump pit for dirt and debris or other materials; remove as needed.
At Rescon, we understand that your basement needs to stay dry in all seasons and that’s what we design our systems for. Systems do need to be check for integrity and proper functioning. We are happy to provide annual service checks for our clients and any one who has a sump pump system regardless of who installed the system. During the service visit, we do the following:
| Annual Service for Sump Pump Systems | |
| 1 | Clean the liner |
| 2 | Check the Pump Impeller |
| 3 | Check the Float Switch |
| 4 | Check the Electrical Connections and Plug |
| 5 | Check the Alarms and Change the Alarm Batteries |
| 6 | Check and Clean the Discharge Line |
| 7 | Review the Basement Environment |
