When March comes around in Western NY, you might be feeling thankful that frozen pipe season is nearly behind you. But with the springtime thaw, a new problem can emerge. Melting snow and ice means soggy ground, and that can lead to flooded basements. Don’t get caught off guard — basement flood prevention is key this time of year!
Think of this: just when the weather’s getting nice, you could be dealing with a plumbing disaster. But you can prevent it.
Our experts at Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will give you easy spring plumbing tips to safeguard your plumbing for spring. These DIY tricks will help keep a basement flood disaster at bay.
Why Your Basement Is At-Risk in March
- Frozen Ground: Even though it’s warming up, the ground under your house is still frozen solid in March. That melting snow? It can’t soak into the ground, so it heads straight for your home’s foundation.
- Melting Snow Piles: All that snow piled up around your house? It’s turning into a river! This surge of water can overwhelm your home and sneak right into your basement.
- Winter Cracks: Winter’s freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks in your foundation. And in March, those cracks are open invitations for water to get in. Even tiny cracks can let in a lot of water!
- Clogged Gutters: After fall and winter, your gutters may be full of debris. When it rains, they overflow, sending water right down your walls and into your basement.
- Broken Sump Pump: Your sump pump’s been sitting idle for most of the winter, and it might not work when you need it most. If it’s broken, your basement’s going to flood fast!
March is a risky month for basements. Start working on your basement flood prevention today! Call Cellino Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to do sump pump maintenance, drainage system inspection, and provide you with flooded basement solutions.
Your Basement’s Best Friends: Sump Pumps and Their Sidekicks
Sump Pumps
Think of your sump pump as your basement’s personal bodyguard against floods. It sits in a pit in your basement, waiting for water to rise. When the water gets high enough, the pump kicks on and shoots the water out of your basement, away from your house.
Backup Systems
Your main sump pump is great, but what if the power goes out? Or what if it breaks? That’s where backup systems save the day! Battery backup pumps jump in when the power’s out, keeping your basement dry. And there are water-powered back-up pumps, too. They use your home’s water pressure to pump out floodwater with no electricity needed.
Sump pumps and backup systems are essential for your basement flood prevention arsenal. Contact us at Cellino Plumbing, Heating and Cooling for any sump pump and backup system needs!
Spring Cleaning for Your Pipes
Sluggish Drains: If your sinks and tubs are draining slowly now that it’s warming up, it’s a sign! That means gunk has built up inside your pipes. Try a plunger or a safe drain cleaner. If it’s still slow, call a plumber before it gets worse!
Gurgling Sounds: Hear weird gurgling noises from your drains? That’s not normal. It means air is trapped in your pipes, possibly from a clog. Listen closely to where it’s coming from – that helps the plumber find the problem.
Bad Smells: If your drains or yard smell funky, something’s definitely wrong! It could be something simple, or it could be a sewer line problem. Don’t just spray air freshener – find the source of the smell.
High Water Bills: Did your water bill suddenly jump? That could mean a hidden leak! Even small leaks waste a lot of water and money. Check your water meter or call a plumber to find and fix those leaks fast!
Easy Tips for a Dry Home
Clean Gutters and Downspouts:
Time to clean those gutters. All that fall and winter junk needs to go. Use a ladder and gloves to scoop out leaves and twigs. Then, run water through them to make sure it flows well. Check for leaks and make sure your downspouts push water at least five feet away from your house. Gutter guards are a great idea too!
Check Your Sump Pump:
Your sump pump’s gotta be ready for spring! Look for damage and make sure it’s plugged in. Then, pour some water into the pit and watch it work. If it’s slow or noisy, call a pro! Don’t forget to check your backup pump too, especially with spring storms coming!
Beat Basement Dampness:
Spring can mean damp basements. Look for water stains and fix any leaks. Use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity low — around 30% to 50%. Check your basement windows and seal any gaps. And make sure your window wells drain properly!
Spring Plumbing Tune-Up: Keep Things Flowing Smoothly
Flush Your Water Heater
Your water heater works hard all winter. Now’s the time to flush it out. First, turn off the power (gas or electric). Then, hook up a hose to the drain valve at the bottom. Open the valve and let the dirty water drain out. Flush it a few times until the water runs clear. Close the valve, fill it back up, and turn the power on. Easy!
Clean Drain Traps
Those U-shaped pipes under your sinks (drain traps) catch gunk and stop smells. But they can get clogged! Put a bucket under the trap, unscrew it, and dump out the gunk. Scrub it clean, put it back on tight, and you’re done!
Check Outdoor Spigots
With warmer weather coming, you’ll need those outdoor spigots. Turn them on and look for leaks around the handle or base. If they drip or spray, you might need a new washer or spigot. Make sure they’re attached securely to your house.
Hunt for Leaks
Now, let’s find any sneaky leaks! Check under sinks, toilets, and around appliances. Look for water stains, mold, or musty smells. Check your ceilings and walls too. If you think you have a leak but can’t find it, use your water meter. Turn off all water, check the meter. If it’s still moving, call a plumber!
Remember, taking these steps now is crucial for effective basement flood prevention as the spring thaw begins. A little preparation goes a long way in protecting your home.
DIY Plumbing Fixes: Spring Hacks for Your Home
- Homemade Drain Cleaners, Skip the Harsh Stuff: Clogged drains? Try this: pour boiling water, then mix baking soda and vinegar. Cover the drain, wait 15 mins, and flush with more hot water. For stubborn clogs, use a plunger or drain snake first.
- Toilet Tune-Ups, Keep It Running Right: Check for leaks: drop food coloring in the tank. If it shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Replace the flapper or valve. Adjust the water level in the tank, and clean the rim jets with a wire hanger or toothbrush.
- Fix Dripping Faucets, Stop the Waste: Dripping faucets? It’s usually a worn washer or O-ring. Turn off the water, take apart the faucet, and replace the worn parts. Put it back together and test it. If it still leaks, you might need a new cartridge.
Spring Plumbing: Get Ahead of the Game with Cellino!
Spring’s here in Western NY, but your plumbing’s got a tough job! Melting snow and changing temps can cause problems. Follow our tips to keep your basement dry and make sure your plumbing is in tip-top shape.
Don’t let plumbing issues ruin your spring! Do a little work now to avoid big headaches later. Whether you fix it yourself or call a pro like Cellino, being proactive will keep your home running smoothly all year long. Get ready for spring with confidence!
Call us at (716) 202-9665 or visit our website at www.cellinoplumbing.com to schedule your appointment. Let us help you home plumbing maintenance, waterproofing your basement, and more!
