As things finally start to heat up in Pittsburgh, it may feel like a cause for celebration! But as the thermometer rises, all that snow needs to go somewhere.
While this year’s Snowmageddon melts away, there are a few simple yet helpful steps you can take to avoid potential flooding and stay aware of possible home plumbing leaks.
Avoid Piling Snow Near Sewer Grates
Catch basins, otherwise known as sewer grates, are designed to collect stormwater and direct it safely into the sewer system. When these grates become blocked by excessive snow piles, ice, or debris, it’s more difficult for melting snow to drain away. This can lead to large puddles, persistent icy patches, and localized ponding that can cause headaches for residents and drivers.
Be Aware of Possible Leaks
As the ground freezes and thaws, shifting soil can put stress on your water service line, sometimes causing leaks. Additionally, melting snow piled too close to your home’s foundation can seep into your basement. Keeping snow away from your foundation and monitoring for signs of leaks can help prevent costly repairs. This also applies to your home’s downspouts; make sure they extend at least a few feet from your foundation and be sure to keep the base of your downspouts clear to allow melting snow to better drain from your roof.
Easy Steps You Can Take:
- Clear out snow surrounding your downspouts.
- Keep snow piles away from your foundation to reduce the risk of basement leaks.
- Keep sewer grates clear of snow and ice after shoveling your driveway or sidewalk.
- Remove debris like leaves, trash, or sticks that may have accumulated near sewer grates.
- Check occasionally to monitor for leaks in your home’s plumbing (find out how to activate automatic Leak Alerts).
Taking a few minutes to keep your local sewer grates clear and to manage snow piles near your home helps keep water flowing where it should, and makes our community safer for everyone!
