Winter Water Management in South Dakota
Get Your Basement Ready for Winter
Now that fall is in full swing, you can finally feel the chill in the air. This means that winter is right around the corner, and it might be a good idea to take precautions against a wet basement before it’s too late. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that since the rainy season is behind us, they don’t have to worry about water getting into their basements until spring. However, snow can do more damage than you think. This winter, keep water management at the top of your mind to ensure your South Dakota home doesn’t succumb to water damage.
Get Your Home Ready Before Winter Sets In
Ensure proper grading. To keep melting snow from seeping into your basement, you want the soil around your house to be graded to guide the water away from the home. The ground should slope downward, and large plants and trees should be kept at least five feet from the foundation.
Clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to fall over the edges of the gutter and saturate the soil near your foundation. Make sure melted snow has a clear path to the downspout.
Seal up any cracks. Any basement or crawlspace is bound to have a few cracks over time. But water isn’t picky about the size of the cracks – any crack in the walls or floors makes your basement susceptible to water seepage. Make sure to seal them up before water seeps in and freezes, making the cracks even more extensive.
Install a drainage system. If water gets past your foundation, you want to ensure you have a system in place to carry it back out. An interior system like a sump pump will pump water out of your basement and into the yard away from your home.
Keep the pipes from freezing. When the temperature dips too low, your pipes are in danger of freezing and subsequently bursting. Prevent this by keeping the garage closed, insulating exposed pipes, letting cold water run from the faucet to relieve pressure, and keeping the thermostat at a consistent temperature above 55 degrees.
What To Do After the Snow Falls
Clear snow away from the foundation. When you are shoveling the driveway and sidewalks, make sure to keep snow away from the house. Clearing snow from the foundation after heavy snowfall can help make sure water does not pool in your basement as soon as the snow starts to melt.
Clear the downspouts. Downspouts are crucial to guiding water away from your home. Snow and ice can build up in your gutters and downspouts, so it’s a good idea to periodically check them to ensure that water won’t build up and flood.
Rapid Foundation Repair Can Help You With Water Management
It is never too early to think about winterizing your home. Rapid Foundation Repair can help you find the best solutions to keep your basement dry this winter. With an experienced team and quality products from ECP, we can assure you that you are receiving the best service possible. Contact us today to learn more about waterproofing and preparing your home for winter.