
Winter presents a different set of difficulties to homeowners than other seasons, and one of them is preventing flooding in your basement. While this can happen any time of year, snow accumulations and fluctuating temperatures bring the possibility of melting snow and ice leading to water intrusion into your home’s lowest level. If you want to protect your home from suffering water damage, a sump pump is an effective tool, especially during winter.
What Are Sump Pumps?
Sump pumps are devices that remove water from a home’s lowest point, usually a crawl space or basement. A specially designed pit called a sump basin is placed there, and the sump pump is installed to collect water seeping into the foundation of the home they’re intended to protect. Once the water gets to a certain level, the pump goes to work by directing water away from the house via a discharge pipe.
Sump pumps generally fall into two categories: pedestals and submersibles. Pedestal sump pumps are positioned above the basin, and the motor is on a pedestal. They’re easier to access for servicing, but they can be the louder of the two kinds when doing their work. These are often ideal for areas that don’t get as much water intrusion or homes with smaller basements.
Submersible pumps are installed inside the physical basin, and they can operate when underwater. They’re not as prone to overheating, and they’re usually quieter than a pedestal pump. These can be effective choices for homes with bigger basements.
Sump Pump Operations
A sump pump’s operation is a relatively simple process. Water comes into the sump basin either by natural groundwater flow or through drains. If the water level hits a particular height, it triggers a pressure sensor or float switch. This activates the sump pump operations, and it moves water from the basin and into a discharge pipe that redirects it away from the home’s foundation where it’s no longer a structural threat. When the water level drops low enough, the pump will automatically turn itself off.
Basement Risks in Winter
When many homeowners think of basement flooding, they might think of strong showers that happen in spring, summer, and fall, depending on their region. However, the winter season presents some unique threats of its own. Melting snow can turn into liquid water that seeps into your home’s foundation. Frozen pipes might burst and release substantial volumes of water into your home; if it doesn’t happen in your basement, gravity will take the water down there. Ice dams can form on your roof, causing water to leak into the home through walls and, again, down toward the basement.
Getting Your Sump Pump Ready for Winter
Preparing the sump pump in your home for the winter season involves a few steps you can take yourself, professional maintenance, and potential home improvements involving professionals from other industries. To start, check your pump visually for signs of wear or damage. Clean the basin of any debris that might result in clogs, make sure the intake screen is always clear, and check your discharge pipe for ice or blockages. Depending on your particular setup, you might be able to pour a bucket full of water into your sump basin to confirm it properly activates.
A plumber should inspect the sump pump at least once a year. This visit can include a more detailed inspection than you can do yourself, and they can optimize your sump pump for performance. Consult them about home improvements that might help the sump pump, such as using an outlet extension that prevents freezing or a grated cover. Ask them about insulating the discharge line and exposed pipes, and have them apply heat tape to crucial areas they deem necessary. Have them test the float switch for freedom of movement and proper pump activation. If your sump pump doesn’t have a check valve, consider having one installed to keep water from flowing back to the basin once it’s been pumped out already.
Winter storms often mean power outages, so ask about a backup generator or battery that keeps the sump pump operational when the local grid fails you. This might involve including an electrician in addition to your plumber. Make sure someone keeps debris and leaves clear on your property so that water doesn’t pool near the foundation. If necessary, have a professional grading project to slope the ground away from your foundation to minimize water accumulation.
Installing a dehumidifier can reduce basement humidity, helping prevent mildew and mold. Waterproof sealant can seal gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation. Always monitor weather conditions so that you know when snowfall and thawing happen.
Getting Professional Help
While a professional should inspect your system at least once a year for preventative maintenance, you should also know when to call one in as a response to the conditions of your home. Persistent water issues plaguing your home, even with a functional sump pump present, mean circumstances require professional diagnosis and resolution. Complicated sump pump repairs, such as fixing electrical issues or motor replacement, are not DIY tasks. Installing a new backup system or sump pump is also a professional task.
Sump pumps can last years with the right maintenance, but they don’t work forever. Know the common warning signs that replacement is looming. Frequent cycling happens when the pump keeps turning on and off over and over, usually due to malfunction or being undersized for the workload demanded of it. With proper care, many sump pumps last for seven years up to a decade, but they likely need replacement following that. Inconsistent performance, failure to activate, and excessive noises, such as rattling or grinding sounds, are all potential indicators of mechanical failure.
Peace of Mind
A reliable sump pump prevents basement flooding, protects against mold growth, reduces pressure applied to your home’s foundation, and gives you more peace of mind. A dry basement can be a strong selling point if you list your home on the market, and backup systems can offer additional security. Battery backups work during power outages and boost pumping capacity during inflow. Water-powered backup pumps use municipal system pressure to remove basin water if your local water supply is more reliable than the power grid. High-performance alarms can alert you when your pump malfunctions or water levels are rising. Some models can even send your smartphone notifications directly.
Enjoy Your Basement
Installing a sump pump is a crucial step for keeping your basement free of flooding, especially during the coldest and wettest seasons. When you know how your sump pump operates, do routine maintenance, and stay proactive about protecting your home, you can keep your basement secure and dry throughout the winter months. Getting your sump pump prepared for the seasonal challenges keeps your property safe and gives you peace of mind.
Ensuring your sump pump stays in peak condition helps you avoid disasters from striking. Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing provides HVAC and plumbing services to residents of Hanover and the surrounding Maryland communities. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning, Heating, & Plumbing for all your home’s sump pump needs this winter or any season.
