BRFA says, check your sump pump as Spring runoff will soon begin

Good news Lakeland, with the warmer temperatures it means Spring is in the air. However, with all the snow melting this poses a risk of flooding for some homeowners depending on which area of the Lakeland you live in. Winter is not over yet, but on the warmer days, you should be mindful of your sump pumps if you use one.

A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basements of homes. When a storm occurs, sump pumps remove excess water around the foundation of a property, transporting it away. If not used correctly, the water damage can ultimately lead to mold growth and potentially structural damage in your home. A sump pump is your best protection against this type of water damage.

“Residents should be aware of the water level in their sump and should make sure that it is set to automatically run well prior to any water spilling over into their basement,” Regional Fire Chief of the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority(BRFA) Dan Heney said. “With the ground frozen, any melt won’t sink in, it will go to runoff to storm sewers pretty quickly. There are areas that have been built up however over fairly marshy ground.”

Although the flooding danger isn’t imminent, Heney told Lakeland Connect there are lots of other things to consider when using a sump pump and offered these tips:

• Make sure the sump pump is properly sized and installed
• Make sure you check that it is operating properly before spring melt hits
• Make sure that your drain line is flowing properly as far away from the house as possible

If your sump pump isn’t working for any reason, it is important to find the problem and fix it right away to prevent any sort of water damage or flooding to your home. Causes like simple debris clogging a pipe or a line or a jammed filter, cleaning the pump will help. However, if the pump is older than ten years old, it may be time to consider replacing the entire unit.

Protect your home today, check your sump pump!