Can Your Sump Pump Handle Snowmelt in Michigan?

Michigan’s hills and lake areas look beautiful covered in snow. Central and West Michigan get a large amount of snow, which can present challenges to homeowners when the accumulation starts to melt.

Melting snow can lead to potential flooding in residential areas, especially lower-lying areas like basements. Many homeowners rely on their sump pumps to help protect their homes and property. But can your sump pump handle snowmelt in Michigan?

How Sump Pumps Can Help When the Snow Melts

When the snow blanketing your yard starts to melt, the water seeps into the ground around your home’s foundation. Without a proper outlet, it can get into your basement, leading to flooding or excessive moisture.

A sump pump, installed in the lowest part of your basement, senses when water comes into your home. Then, it kicks into action by pumping out the water that accumulates in the sump pit, directing it away from your home and keeping your basement dry and safe from moisture-related issues.

Sump Pump Tips To Avoid Disaster

Your sump pump is hard-working and should be able to handle spring snowmelt in Michigan. To make sure your sump pump is ready to divert the excess water, a bit of preparation and maintenance can go a long way.

Here’s how to prep your sump pump for spring:

• Inspect your sump pump regularly to make sure it’s clean and the float switch moves freely.
• Consider installing a backup battery to keep your sump pump running even during power outages, which are common during spring storms.
• Consider hiring a professional plumber for a comprehensive maintenance inspection.

If you’re unsure about your sump pump’s condition or think it’s time for a replacement, turn to Service Professor. We offer a range of sump pump services, from maintenance to installations, to make sure your system is up for the spring weather.

Tips To Prevent Complications From Excessive Snowmelt

Michigan homeowners can also make it easier for their sump pump to handle snowmelt outside their home. These steps can help minimize the risks for your sump pump when dealing with excessive snowmelt:

• Clear snow away from the foundation: Regularly shovel snow away from the perimeter of your home to reduce the amount of water seeping into the ground close to your foundation.
• Extend downspouts: Make sure your downspouts are directing water at least 3 to 5 feet away from your home to prevent foundation flooding.
• Consider landscaping & grading: Make sure the grading around your home slopes away from the foundation, promoting water runoff away from the house.

Preventing Basement Leaks From Snowmelt in Michigan

For homeowners with excessive snowmelt and no sump pump, basement leak repairs might be the next best step. Service Professor can evaluate your basement’s vulnerability to leaks, and our team can install effective waterproofing solutions to protect your home from future snowmelt-related issues.

Service Professor, with over four decades of experience serving the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing areas, understands the challenges Michigan winters put on homeowners.

Our licensed, insured, and background-checked technicians are here to offer peace of mind through our range of services, including critical sump pump and basement leak solutions.

Ready to protect your home from spring snowmelt in Michigan? Call 616-871-1900 to schedule a snowmelt consultation.