Melting Snow Could Mean Trouble For Sump Pump: What To Know

As the cold temps warm and winter releases its grip on ice and snow, everything begins turning it into water. If you have a basement or underground space, melting snow can bring a new challenge and strain to your sump pump. Understanding why snowmelt can cause problems and how to prepare for it can save you from any water damage or stressful emergency situations later in the season.

Melting snow raises groundwater, which can overload your pump, clog it, lead to a switch failure or power outage, and even crack your pipes due to freeze and thaw cycles. As snow melts, the water has to go somewhere. It often will head towards the path of least resistance, which is more often the foundation of your house. If water pools at the foundation, it can seep into the basement or your home's drain tile system, causing the sump pump and other systems to work harder. 

Over time, those higher groundwater levels can put strain on your sump pump. That's why you should inspect, test, and repair your sump pump as part of your home's maintenance tasks ahead of winter.

The water from snowmelt can overwhelm your sump pump, especially if it's undersized or older. When it runs constantly, the motor wears more quickly, shortening its lifespan. Frozen discharge lines or clog from ice and debris can cause a blockage, and that will result in water backing up into your pump. Frozen pipes that thaw quickly can spring leaks and cause buildup or flooding. You might also encounter problems with your float switch. This switch triggers the pump to activate when water gets to a certain height but could malfunction when too much snow melts, leading to overflow and flooding.

To prevent this, keep snow cleared from around any drainage areas and your home's foundation, including gutters and downspouts. Test your system by pouring water into the pit, making sure it activates and water runs smoothly out of the drains. Touch the pipes to check for frozen spots or buildup, and identify any cracks that need repair. You can also take steps to extend drainage spouts, leading them at least 6 feet away from the house.

If your pump is older or you don't feel it's running smoothly, consider having a professional come to inspect it, particularly if you don't feel comfortable doing DIY sump pump repair on your own. They can identify weak spots to repair or replace before snowmelt causes problems. It can also be helpful to have a battery backup system for your pump in the event of a power outage caused by flooding or storms, so it continues to run during an emergency.