IceGuard System: Protect Your Basement from Frozen Discharge Lines
When temperatures drop well below freezing, or 32 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), and it begins to snow, there is always a chance that water in your discharge lines could freeze. You can prevent basement flooding by installing an IceGuard fitting and sealing entry points.
Let's look at discharge lines a little more closely to understand what they are, why they freeze, and why it's essential to be proactive about avoiding a frozen line during the winter.
What is a discharge line?
A discharge line is the pipe that carries water from your sump pump out of the basement away from your house. It's usually plastic and runs on the surface of the ground or in a shallow buried trench.
Why do discharge lines freeze?
Discharge lines become frozen once they get blocked with snow and ice. The water trying to escape has nowhere to go, so it freezes. However, your sump pump will continue to run and could flood. A wet, flooded basement is a lot more costly to repair than installing a discharge fitting or sealing off outlets.
How to protect your basement from frozen discharge lines this winter
1. Seal off entry points: You should always perform home maintenance to best insulate your home from the outside. Caulk small cracks, apply weatherstripping to doors and windows, cover vents, and replace torn window screens and doors. Waterproofing your home is an excellent way to avoid worrying about water in your basement at any time of the year.
2. Install an IceGuard System: Our patented IceGuard protects your basement all winter from freezing snow and water. These fittings live on the outside of your house and automatically keep water away from the exterior wall in case the pipe freezes.
What to do if your basement floods
Call an expert. If your discharge lines freeze and lead to water in the basement, give a trusted basement waterproofing professional a call. Water leaks and flooding, no matter how much or little, can lead to serious problems like mold, mildew, rot, smelly odors, and, if left unchecked, can damage your foundation. Not only can water harm your home's structure, but also harm your belongings and your wallet.
A reliable basement waterproofing professional will go beyond installing a fitting or sealing off entry points; they should improve sloping so water in the pipes can flow properly to the exit. They can inspect your home for water damage repair and how to prevent it again in the future.
If you need a free estimate for freezing discharge lines or basement flooding in the winter, give us a call.