Addressing Frozen Discharge Lines: Preventing Basement Flooding in Central Ohio

Identifying the Root Causes

During assessments conducted by our Project Managers, two primary factors contributing to basement flooding have been identified:

• Snow Plow Accumulation: Snow plows have piled snow against curbs, obstructing discharge lines at street level. This obstruction forces water back into homes, resulting in basement flooding.
• Frozen Discharge Lines: Ice buildup at the exit elbow of sump pump discharge lines is blocking the flow of water, leading to backups and basement inundation.

Immediate Action Steps

If your home is experiencing these issues, there are immediate steps you can take to mitigate flooding risk:

• Remove Freeze Plugs: If a freeze plug is present at the discharge line’s exit point, removing it can allow water to discharge freely.
• Separate Underground Lines: If the discharge line goes directly into the ground without a plug, consider separating it from the underground system to prevent water from backing up into the basement.

While these actions provide short-term relief, they do not offer a permanent solution. Water redirected toward the foundation poses a continuous risk of basement flooding and property damage.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t wait until a flooding emergency occurs. Homes without Freeze Relief are vulnerable to winter-related flooding risks. Take proactive steps to safeguard your home by scheduling a consultation with The Basement Doctor today.

Visit www.basementdoctornorthwest.com or call us at (419) 406-4679 to secure your appointment and gain the peace of mind you deserve.