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Technical Papers

Can Melting Snow Flood My Basement?

Saturday, January 28th, 2023 by Aaron Stull

Can Melting Snow Flood My Basement? - Image 1When snow melts, it can cause a basement to leak and flood. This is because melted snow can seep into the ground and then into the basement through cracks or other openings in the foundation. Additionally, it can overwhelm existing below ground drainage systems that are old, clogged or working at some diminished capacity. Once inside, the water can cause damage to the walls, floors, and belongings stored in the basement.

Can Melting Snow Flood My Basement? - Image 2One of the most common ways that snow melt can cause a basement to leak is frozen and snow filled gutters and downspouts malfunctioning. These systems are designed to direct water away from the foundation of the home, but if they are not properly maintained, they can become clogged with debris. This can cause water to overflow and seep into the ground, eventually making its way into the basement.

Another way that snow melt can cause a basement to leak is through the use of an improperly installed or maintained sump pump. A sump pump is a device that is installed in the basement to pump water out of the area before it can cause damage. If the sump pump is not working properly, water can build up in the basement, causing leaks and flooding. Furthermore, ill-conceived sump pump discharges may be frozen, blocked or otherwise inappropriately designed for winter and the show and low temperatures that it brings.

Can Melting Snow Flood My Basement? - Image 3To prevent basement flooding from snow melt, it is important to maintain the gutters and downspouts on your home. This can be done by regularly cleaning them out and making sure that they are properly directed away from the foundation. It is also important to have a properly working sump pump and to have it checked and maintained on a regular basis.

WaterGuard is an advanced basement drainage system that is designed to prevent basement flooding. It is installed around the perimeter of the basement and is designed to intercept water before it can enter the basement. WaterGuard is made of a PVC material and is installed flush against the foundation wall. It is a unique system because it has a built-in drainage channel, which allows water to flow directly into the sump pump, preventing any water from entering the basement.

WaterGuard is also designed to move more water quicker than traditional 4” perforated corrugated pipes.  This is because WaterGuard has a much higher inflow rate. It does not have any grates or covers that can become clogged with debris, so it will continue to work effectively even in heavy snow melt. Additionally, it is designed to be completely hidden, so it will not take away from the appearance of your home.

Another unique feature of WaterGuard is its ability to work in conjunction with a sump pump. This ensures that water is pumped out of the basement before it can cause damage. The WaterGuard system is also compatible with other basement waterproofing products such as a TripleSafe Sump Pump, which is a powerful and energy-efficient pump that can remove a large amount of water quickly.

WaterGuard is also easy to install, it is done from the inside of the basement, it does not require any outside digging or excavation, which means that it can be installed quickly and with minimal disruption to the home. It is also backed by a 25-year warranty, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your basement will be protected for years to come.

In conclusion, Snow melting can cause a basement to leak and flood, but it is possible to prevent this from happening with the use of proper maintenance and advanced drainage systems like WaterGuard. WaterGuard is the most advanced and effective system for preventing basement flooding from snow melt. It is maintenance-free, hidden, and easy to install, and is compatible with other basement waterproofing products. With WaterGuard, you can have peace of mind knowing that your basement will be protected for years to come.

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About the author
Aaron Stull is a second generation foundation repair specialist from the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area.

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