Share:

Snow may look beautiful as it settles on the ground for the first couple of days, but as it melts, it can create concerns for property owners. Without a proper drainage system in place, runoff due to melting could cause flooding. To help you prevent damage to your plumbing, including your septic drain field, here are a few ways to avoid lawn flooding this season.

How to Prevent Flooding From Melting Snow

1. Repair Existing Damage

Gaps and cracks in the walls, foundation, or window frames serve as entry points for moisture. As snow melts, runoff can seep through these openings and flood your basement. Any moisture that enters these cracks will also freeze when the temperature drops again, causing damage from expansion and contraction. 

Prevent these issues by handling all necessary repairs before a storm. Weatherproof your fixtures and eliminate gaps by applying caulk around window and door frames.

2. Clean the Gutters

Over time, gutters fill up with dirt, twigs, and leaves. If these are clogged, they won’t properly direct rainwater away from your home.

Make it a point to clean them before a storm, or any snow could pool on your roof and trickle down the sides of your home when it melts. 

3. Fix Grading Issues

Galesville, WI plumbingProper grading is a long-term fix that can prevent flooding. When the slope of your yard doesn’t divert moisture away from the foundation, you leave the property at risk of foundation cracks and soil erosion.

An engineer will devise a grading plan that creates a slope to direct moisture to drains.

4. Inspect Sump Pump Lines

Sump pumps are designed to prevent basement flooding. However, when snow refreezes overnight, a pump’s drain lines can freeze as well. That will prevent the unit from pushing water away from the property, eventually creating leaks.

Have your plumbing professional position your lines at a slope so that there are no areas where water may collect and freeze. Insulating these pipes may also be helpful.
 

If you’re concerned about plumbing damage, trust the team at Holmen Pumping Service. This family-owned company offers a variety of services to protect homes in La Crosse, Galesville, Trempealeau, West Salem, Melrose, Mindoro, Ettrick, WI, and the surrounding cities. Visit them online for more information on their work, or call (608) 526-3865 to schedule an appointment.

tracking