The Farmers Almanac is predicting a wetter and colder winter this year. In the meantime, more than one meteorologist is predicting a milder winter compared to last year. Regardless, we’re going to have cold weather and snow in the midwest. Now’s a good time to consider winterizing your basement waterproofing system. Remember, getting your system ready for winter is a homeowners responsibility.
Here are the correct steps:
- To help prevent freezing, remove the discharge extension as close to your home as possible. Install the diffuser cap from the end of the pipe in its place.
- Open your sump basin by removing all 4 bolts.
- Check every clamp connection to make sure they are tight and then test the pump by adding water into it until it cycles. Keep in mind the water might need to be 6-8” above the pump before it will cycle.
- Replace the batteries in your high water alarm.
- If you have a battery backup system, check the water level in the battery. Add distilled water if necessary.
- If you have a free flow discharge with a heat cable, plug it in after the first snow falls.
There you go! A few simple tips to help you winterize your basement waterproofing system and avoid costly and damaging accidents over the winter.
If all this is too complicated, contact the experts at Standard Water Control today to handle all your sump pump and back up valve jobs and projects!