Spring’s warmer weather and blooming flowers are officially upon us, but it also brings the risk of flooding. As winter’s snow and ice melt, the excess water can cause destruction to homes and businesses, including damage and loss of property. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for and prevent the damage caused by spring flooding. Investing in Little Giant Sump and Effluent Pumps is one of the best ways to protect your property.
Before looking at prevention methods, it's important to understand what causes spring flooding. In most cases, spring flooding is caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Snowmelt - During winter, snow accumulates on the ground. When temperatures start to warm up in the spring, this snow begins to melt, which can lead to flooding.
- Heavy rains - Spring is often a rainy season, and when heavy rains fall on top of already-saturated soil, it can quickly lead to flooding.
- Ice jams - When rivers and streams freeze over during the winter, ice can accumulate and form ice jams. As temperatures rise in the spring, these ice jams can break apart, causing water to overflow its banks.
Preventing spring flooding requires numerous approaches that address each of the potential causes listed above. Some effective prevention methods include:
- Clearing gutters and downspouts - If your gutters and downspouts are clogged with leaves, debris, or ice, water can back up and cause flooding. Clearing these areas regularly can help prevent this problem.
- Installing French drains - French drains are underground drainage systems that redirect water away from your home and foundation. Installing French drains can help prevent water from accumulating around your home, which can lead to flooding.
- Raising electrical components - If you live in a flood-prone area, it's a good idea to raise your electrical components, such as your furnace, water heater, and electrical panel, above flood level. This can help prevent damage in the event of a flood.
- Installing a sump pump - A sump pump is a device installed in a home's basement or crawl space. It works by pumping water out of the area and away from the home, which can help prevent flooding. Our Little Giant Sump Pumps are a popular choice for homeowners due to its reliability and durability.
- Maintaining your sump pump - Ensuring that each component of your sump pump is up to date and fully functioning is one of the easiest ways you can prevent your properties from flooding. Clearing out the bleed hole and pit, testing your switch, having a backup unit, checking the warranty date, and more are all important aspects of keeping your sump pump ready to go if flooding occurs.
Our Sump, Effluent, and Utility Pumps are all designed to prevent flooding in basements and crawl spaces. Not only are they high-quality and durable pumps, but they have been built to withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions. Our 6 Series Sump Pump is always up for any dewatering or water transfer challenge, but what happens when it goes awry? Having pumps like our 6EC Series Sump & Light Effluent Pump and Utility Pumps could help you prevent thousands of dollars worth of damage to your homes, businesses, and properties. Our pump experts, Jeremiah Brodie and Jeff Wilder, also recommend having a flood prevention kit packed up and ready, including all the things you may need, such as your pumps, hoses, and adapters, and testing those products two to three times a year.
Spring flooding can be a serious problem, but there are steps that homeowners can take to prevent it. Installing or having one of our Sump Pumps handy is one effective way to prevent flooding in basements and crawl spaces. By taking the necessary precautions, homeowners can protect their homes from damage and enjoy the beauty of spring without worrying about flooding.
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