How to Keep Your Basement Dry During the Rain and Snow Melt Season

We are about to head into the heart of the winter season, a time when most of us are beginning to look forward to warmer weather more than ever.  However, now is a great time to begin preparing for the possible damages caused to your home that the transition in seasons can bring.  From winter into spring, a basement is extremely vulnerable to water intrusion from the thawing of ice and snow.  Keep reading for some tips on how you can prevent water from infiltrating your basement when it rains and thaws this spring.  

Check All Your Downspouts and Sump Pump Discharge Lines

It's not uncommon for snow to pile up on top of a downspout and prevent water from escaping.  This issue can become even more serious when it simultaneously rains and the snow melts.  The removal of snow from around your downspouts will help ensure that your gutters are doing their job, capturing all water and redirecting it away from the home's foundation.  

Similar to downspouts, above-ground sump pump discharge lines can also struggle in the winter.  If snow is not cleared from around the discharge lines, the pipe itself can freeze, leaving no way for the water that enters your sump pump in the basement to escape.  This could in turn put stress on your sump pump by forcing it to run constantly eventually leading to it burning out, leading to a higher chance that water could seep into your basement.  

Create Paths for Water to Drain Away from Your Foundation 

If there is saturated soil around your basement, hydrostatic pressure will build, and water will begin finding its way through the path of least resistance.  This is vital to understand when assessing a wet basement and foundation issues.  These paths of resistance include porous concrete foundation walls, form ties on poured foundation walls, foundation cracks, etc.  

Remove the Snow Away from Your Siding 

If snow is piled up against your siding, it should be removed before the melting occurs.  Water from melting snow can seep underneath your siding, coming in through your foundation wall. 

Preventing Future Water Issues In Your Basement

 The most effective way to guarantee that your basement stays dry year-round is by having a fully functional drainage and sump pump system in place.  With a properly working and maintained basement waterproofing system, water is collected, directed to a sump pump, and removed from the home.  If your home needs a basement waterproofing system, Woodford Bros. is here to help.  Contact us online or call 1-315-696-8971 to schedule your inspection and free estimate today.