Take Steps Now to Protect Your Home From Damaging Snow Melt

So far this winter, snowfall in Grand Rapids has totaled 9.09” above normal, Lansing 11.35” above normal, and Muskegon 12.27” above normal. Warmer weather is headed our way, and now is the time to prepare your home for flooding.

This map from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the amount of water stored in the snowpack as of February 13, 2014. When temperatures rise into the 40s or we get a rain/snow mix, the combination will create an environment that will thaw much of the snow. In addition, prolonged arctic temperatures have frozen the ground and created a pavement-like surface that will not soak up any water.

Taking these steps to prevent your basement from flooding now can prevent hours of work drying your basement later.

Test your sump pump and discharge line.

Start by determining where the pump’s discharge line empties outside. Next, remove the lid from the sump pump crock and pour in a five-gallon bucket of water. Wait for the pump to start running and then check to make sure the water is coming out of the discharge line. If the pump is running but the water isn’t discharging outside, it could be because the line is clogged with dirt, debris, or ice.

Check for signs of water.

Use a flashlight to look for water, dampness, or mold on the floor around the perimeter of the basement. If you see water, look up to verify it’s not being caused by a plumbing leak.

Make sure gutters and downspouts are functioning.

If there are gutters on the house, walk around the outside to see if they’re in good repair. They also should be free of ice, leaves, and other debris. In addition, ensure that the downspouts are properly connected to the gutters and are directed away from the foundation.

NOTE: Gutters are never a permanent solution to keep your basement dry. They can be effective to divert rainwater away from the foundation, but they won’t help manage water (like snowmelt) that is coming from the ground.