There can’t possibly be a season more eagerly anticipated than spring…especially after a cold and snowy Omaha winter.
Yes indeed, what’s NOT to like about spring? Tulips popping up, birds brushing up their vocal chords, grass turning from brown to green, and being able to shed a layer or two of clothing.
Spring is practically paradise on earth…unless you happen to be a stickler for detail. Oh, like water pouring into your basement and you’re caught without a sump pump. Things like that.
Well, it’s that one particular thing we can help you with. But before we get to the part about sump pumps, let’s first look at ways to keep water out of your house in the first place.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. If you weren’t able to clean them before winter, tackle the job in early spring and be sure to point your downspouts away from your foundation.
- Foundation. Inspect your home’s foundation inside and out for cracks and leaks. Should you find one or more, have them sealed as soon as possible.
- Basement windows. Do you have them? If so, consider purchasing well covers as another blockade against rain.
- Septic tank and sewer. Either one can back up into your home causing a messy and costly clean-up. It’s a good idea to have them inspected every year in early spring before heavy rain starts to fall.
- Roof damage. Your roof is the first line of defense against water intrusion, so have it inspected periodically so cracked or loose shingles can be replaced.
And now back to sump pumps. If you already have it, turn it on in early spring and then fill the sump with water to ensure the pump ejects all of it. And yet even if it works flawlessly, it will shut right down should you suddenly lose electricity. That’s why you also should consider supporting it with a back-up sump pump, one that doesn’t need electrical power and will turn on automatically once the main pump shuts down no matter what the reason.
For more information and ideas on how to keep water out of your home, contact Burton today.
