Many of us in Frederick County enjoy watching the snow fall, but as it starts to build up inch by inch around our homes, it’s important to think about the damage it can cause when it melts. Let’s look at a few things you can do to reduce potential problems and claims on your homeowners insurance.
Remove the Snow After the Storm
After it snows, it’s tempting to stay warm inside and leave the snow piled on windows, doors and the rest of the home for days. But it’s always best to clear the snow from doors and windows so that the snow doesn’t melt, enter your home and cause serious water damage. A home damaged by heavy snow may be covered, but a home damaged by the result of melting snow may not be.
Keep An Eye (and Ear) on Your Sump Pump
Rapidly melting snow will saturate the soil around the foundation of your home. If that water gets into the basement or lower floors, it can ruin belongings, and it doesn’t take much water to cause serious structural damage. By regularly checking your sump pump, you can make sure it’s running correctly — that the check valve is properly fitted. A check valve only lets water flow one way and keeps pumped water from returning back through the line. If you hear the pump running too frequently, the check valve could be bad, allowing pumped water to return through it.
As the snow melts, pay attention to how often you hear your sump pump running. If you hear something that doesn’t sound right, it may be time to call a plumber before damage occurs.
Check Drains and Gutters
This should be done before the storm hits. Make sure drains and gutters are clear of dirt and debris to prevent melting snow from getting trapped and causing clogs.
Leave the Heat On
You may be tempted to turn your heat off or down very low to save on bills when you’re away from home, but to protect against plumbing accidents, leave the heat running at all times. If you don’t, pipes can freeze, causing them to burst and flood your home. And that damage would certainly cost more than a slightly elevated electric bill.
Enjoy the snow, but if you run into a plumbing problem, give Putman Plumbing a call.
