You might not expect to use your sump pump in the winter since the ground may freeze and prevent ground water from seeping into your basement. However, you need this drainage system to work properly year-round so you can avoid basement flooding and foundation damage.

Our trusted plumbers in Broomall, PA, are here to explain why you can’t let your guard down. When it comes to basement waterproofing, these tips will keep your sump pump in good condition. 

Why You Can’t Neglect Sump Pump Maintenance in Broomall

Many homeowners in Broomall and other regions with frigid winters assume that their sump pump can get a break during the winter months. After all, instead of rain saturating the ground, snow may fall and remain on the frozen surface for weeks before it melts. That’s true, of course, but your sump pump has the important job of removing excess groundwater, which means it needs to be ready whenever the ground thaws.

Any snowmelt will begin to fill the ground with water and potentially end up seeping into your basement or crawl space. If water enters your basement, will your sump pump fail? If it does, your property can face dangerous consequences, including:

  • Foundation cracks that compromise your home’s structural integrity
  • Basement flooding that destroys furniture and other belongings
  • Water damage and possible mold or mildew growth

It’s crucial that you care for your sump pump in the winter to prevent these issues. Fortunately, you can take some simple at-home measures to protect the equipment, as well as schedule professional sump pump maintenance to rule out problems. 

Tips for Winter Sump Pump Usage

Your sump pump will need to work properly even when snow falls instead of rain. Experts recommend the following tips for effective basement drainage:

  • Prioritize heating the basement: Your basement is often the coolest room in the house, and winter weather can cause vital sump pump components, like the discharge line, to freeze. Set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees to prevent that.
  • Insulate exposed pipes: The discharge line runs underground, except for one portion of it exposed to the cold near your sump pump. Prevent it from freezing with insulation, such as a foam covering or warming tape. 
  • Protect the foundation: Operating your sump pump in the winter won’t be a problem if you limit the amount of water that enters the pump pit. Clear snow and ice away from your siding so less moisture can penetrate the home’s foundation. 
  • Prepare a backup pump: It’s wise to have a battery-powered backup pump in case your main pump can’t operate due to a power outage or mechanical failure. This prevents water overflow and keeps your basement dry. 

Are you regularly testing the pump to ensure that it works properly? Unplug the pump and its float plugs and then connect it back to the outlet. You can remove the lid over the pit and pour some water into it to test if the system begins running normally. 

Select the Right Sump Pump for Your Broomall Home

Even if you don’t anticipate needing your sump pump in the winter, it’s smart to prepare for any scenario. Installing a bigger sump pump with a large discharge line provides more space for water to flow freely away from your foundation and basement. Otherwise, traces of water inside the drainage line can freeze and potentially prevent a smaller pipe from carrying any water outside of the home. 

In this scenario, water must collect inside the pump pit and potentially spill into your basement. Water overflow will continue until the ice inside the discharge pipe melts, and groundwater can drain outside of the pit. If you struggle with water in your basement throughout the winter, consider upgrading your sump pump. 

A qualified plumber can inspect your existing system and review your options. They may recommend installing a more powerful pump or even replacing your current discharge line with a wider pipe for greater drainage. 

Contact Broomall’s Trusted Plumbing Experts at MVP Plumbing

Maintaining your sump pump in the winter doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you make the proper heating and insulation adjustments. Reach out to MVP Plumbing if you want to upgrade your sump pump in preparation for winter. We’ll save you money compared to the cost of DIY plumbing and the challenges that come with it. 

Our licensed plumbers will review all of your drainage options to keep your basement dry. Contact us today to discuss your sump pump needs and request a service.