Winters can be brutal in Waukesha, WI. Given how far north we are, along with our proximity to Lake Michigan, the colder months can bring heavy snow, followed by periodic melting. Although your sump pump doesn’t run as much in the winter, it’s essential to have one that works well when the weather is cold. Rapid snowmelt can be a recipe for disaster if your sump pump suddenly fails.
Winter Is Prime Time for Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps frequently fail in winter because of freezing weather. Most are connected to a drainpipe that carries water away from your home’s foundation. In winter, drains can freeze, allowing only a trickle of water to get through, thereby blocking the flow from inside your home. Eventually, the pipe will fully close, causing the water to flow back into your basement or crawl space, causing flooding.
Minimizing Winter Sump Pump Failure
Homeowners concerned about their sump pumps can do several things to minimize the possibility of winter failure. First off, go with a bigger discharge hose because narrow lines won’t allow water to move freely. Keep an extra hose on hand, too, just in case the one attached to the discharge pipe freezes. Those are inexpensive solutions.
You can also insulate the hose by wrapping it or planting vegetation around it. A more permanent solution involves burning the hose from the drainpipe as the ground will also protect against freezing temperatures.
Other tips to keep your sump pump working in winter include:
- Keepthe temperature at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the pump itself won’t freeze.
- Clear debris in the sump pump pit, so it doesn’t become clogged.
- Test the pump regularly to make sure it’s operating properly.
- Make sure your discharge pipe and hose are moving water away from the foundation; otherwise, water can move back toward your home and make the pump work harder.
What if My Sump Pump Fails?
Most homeowners don’t have the knowledge to replace a sump pump efficiently. Jeff’s Custom Care Plumbing offers fast and friendly sump pump repair. If you notice water standing in your basement or a funny smell coming from your sump pump, it’s giving you signs that it needs prompt attention.
Reliable Sump Pump Replacement
Like all mechanical devices, sump pumps have a finite lifespan, ranging anywhere from five to up to 30 years, depending on the unit’s capacity and its workload. If you have an older sump pump in your Waukesha home, let our professional plumbers at Jeff’s Custom Care Plumbing inspect your current sump pump and recommend an appropriate solution. The size and cost of your new unit will depend on the square footage of your basement or crawl space and the surrounding ground conditions. We’ll make sure to keep your home safe and dry this winter at a price you can afford. Call today to schedule a consult!