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Neighbor News

Rough Waters Ahead for Homeowners this Spring!

Tips for Keeping Your Basement Dry When the Snow Melts

As we’re all still recovering from one of the snowiest winters in New England’s history, it’s no surprise that most of us want to see the piles of snow disappear. But, us New Englanders should be careful what we wish for – with rising temperatures comes potential flooding this spring. As of March 10, much of eastern New England still had 5 inches of water locked in the snowpacks, and even though some of the snow banks have shrunken, the remaining snow has become much denser.

It’s no question that flooding can become a homeowner’s worst nightmare if they aren’t properly prepared. Flooding can damage a home’s base structure and interior before a homeowner even realizes that the water is there. As little as two inches can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damages, which is certainly an unnecessary expense. Not only do you run the risk of mold seeping into your home, but your cherished items could also be damaged if not stowed properly. In order to avoid the tragic aftermath that flooding may cause, you and your family should prepare ahead of time.

How to prepare

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- Make sure your basement walls are sealed

- All valuables should be stored on higher ground

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- Clear debris from gutters and downspouts

- Raise your electrical components to at least twelve inches above the intended flood elevation

What to do if your home floods

- Stay away from the water because it could be contaminated

- Throw away any food that has come in contact with the water

- Begin the process of draining your basement

In the unfortunate event of your basement flooding, a sump pump will need to be installed to pump out the excess water. Thankfully, Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning offers prompt and reliable sump pump instillation and servicing. If you find yourself dealing with a flood situation, Rodenhiser is just one call away from reducing your stress and helping you fix the problem.

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