Not all properties have them, but an essential part of yard maintenance in the Dallas, Texas area is making sure your property is draining effectively. Sometimes that necessitates the installation of a sump pump. While surface drains can often do the trick, a sump pump is useful when there is not enough slope in the yard for another irrigation system to work. For those that have a sump pump, keeping it from freezing in the winter is paramount. If water freezes in the hoses, pipes, or mechanism, chunks of ice can cause the sump pump to have difficulty keeping up or fail, resulting in troublesome flooding. Here are five ways you can prevent freezing in your sump pump this winter:
- Keep the heat on: As with the pipes in your house, keeping your sump pump in a warm environment will prevent the water flowing through it from freezing. It is recommended to keep your thermostat set to no lower than 55 degrees. It may be tempting set the temperature even lower when you leave town to save money on your utility bill, but it costs much more to repair your home in the event of flooding.
- Keep water moving: Water that is flowing is less likely to freeze than stagnant water. You can help keep the water in your sump pump moving by altering the settings on the sump pump. You may need a different setting in the winter than you do in the summer. You can also slope the pipes to allow gravity to help keep the water moving.
- Insulate pipes and hoses: Some of the hoses may be buried in the ground to provide natural insulation; others you can cover with electrical or heat tape, insulation, hay, or a tarp. Insulation keeps the temperature inside the hoses and pipes warmer so that any water sitting inside is less likely to freeze.
- Redirect water: If there is a large amount of water, the sump pump will need to work harder, causing overheating or even failure, which leads to frozen water in the pump. Redirecting the discharging water around the house reduces the workload of the sump pump and prevents freezing.
- Install specialized hoses: Water expands when it freezes, so a bigger discharge hose will create more room for the water to expand and for water to flow around frozen chunks, if necessary. You could also install a rigid, freeze-resistant hose to the end of the discharge hose to increase the distance the wastewater will be flushed away (at least 20 feet) from the property.
A sump pump can be a necessary aspect of your yard maintenance to protect your property from flooding. Although temperatures may not get below freezing too often in Dallas, Texas, it is imperative to keep a watchful eye on a sump pump during inevitable cold spells. Considering these five recommendations will assure you that your sump pump and property will be protected even during the winter months.
Wondering if a sump pump is right for your property, or need help with an existing one? Call CGreens at 972-231-2870 for a free consultation. CGreens services the Dallas, Texas area and can help with all of your yard maintenance needs.
C Greens Landscape Management | Yard Maintenance Dallas TX | http://www.cgreens.com/
