Is Your Drainage System Ready for Snow Melt?
When winter blows in freezing temperatures and heavy snow and ice, is your drainage system ready to handle the season’s harshest conditions? One of the hidden challenges that is often overlooked is the impact melting snow has when the temperatures rise a little bit.
The best thing that you can do is talk to a New Jersey drainage contractor to make sure that your drainage systems are up to the task. It’s inevitable that the snow and ice will eventually melt, and you need to have a good system in place to manage the runoff. Otherwise, you might be dealing with other complications, such as flooding and water damage to your home and foundation.
There’s no question that hiring a New Jersey drainage contractor is a great investment. Our team is here to help you prepare for all weather conditions in New Jersey. We’ll help you watch for early warning signs and put proactive strategies in place to protect your home. It’s essential to take these steps before the snow starts to melt.
How Snow Melt Impacts Your Drainage Systems
When melting snow starts to run through your property, it can result in a large volume of water that saturates the ground. Often, there are freeze-thaw cycles throughout the seasonal changes, which can cause complications. For example, if outdoor drains freeze and are blocked when the snow melts, then it means that water flows towards low points or basements instead of moving through the drainage systems.
Other issues can contribute to these seasonal water problems, such as poor grading, debris in the drains, and frozen gutters and downspouts. These issues prevent water from escaping in the preferred direction, which creates a higher risk of basement floods and foundation damage.
Even though these issues are common in New Jersey’s unpredictable winter conditions, there are strategies that can be used to manage the water and reduce the risk of damage to your property. Contact a New Jersey drainage contractor that understands these conditions so that you can receive personalized recommendations.
Maintenance Tips to Prepare Your Drainage System for Snow Melt
A little bit of maintenance can go a long way to prevent snow melt and flooding complications. Here are a few suggestions that we recommend for every property:
- Clean gutters and downspouts so that you can ensure smooth water management when the snow starts.
- Prevent blockages by inspecting all outdoor drains and looking for any debris that needs to be cleaned (such as leaves or dirt).
- Test the sump pump to ensure that it automatically activates when the water is flowing.
- Hire a New Jersey drainage contractor to regrade the soil to be sure that water flows away from the foundation.
- Seal the basement and extend downspouts so that the water doesn’t seep into the walls.
One of the best proactive steps that you can take is scheduling an annual inspection with a New Jersey drainage contractor. We will come to your property and look for any potential issues that need to be addressed. Identifying and correcting these vulnerabilities is worth the time and effort so that you can manage snow and ice buildup in order to avoid expensive repairs in the future. We are here to help protect your home so that you don’t have major issues when the temperatures rise and melt the snow.
Warning Signs Your Drainage System Needs Inspection
How can you tell that your drainage system needs inspection or maintenance services? Here are some of the early signs that you might be having drainage issues:
- Melting snow causes standing puddles in the driveway or yard.
- You can see visible ice buildup on the gutters and downspouts, causing the snow and ice to block the flow (leading to flooding).
- The sump pump is constantly running, which indicates an overload of groundwater.
- Foundation cracks, damp walls, and musty odors in the basement could be an indication of water issues.
Effective Solutions to Manage Snow Melt Water
Rest assured knowing that there are plenty of ways the water can be managed, helping you avoid complications throughout the year. The first step is to call an experienced New Jersey drainage contractor. Our team can help you identify the potential vulnerabilities on your property, then provide personalized recommendations to address these issues.
These are some of the most effective solutions for managing snow melt:
- Sump pump system
- Trench drains or French drains
- Insulate exposed outdoor drains to prevent freezing
- Maintain gutters and downspouts
- Add gravel beds in high-runoff areas
Work With a Drainage Contractor to Ensure Your System is Ready
When you need the services of a New Jersey drainage contractor, then Mikula is the team to call. We’ll start with a thorough inspection of your drainage systems, as well as recommendations to fix minor issues and reinforce any problem areas.
Our team offers full-service solutions to protect your property and reduce the risk of flooding issues and water damage. Contact us today to learn more about drainage services and other related solutions
