Special considerations post snow fall?
#1
01-25-16, 10:05 AM
Special considerations post snow fall?
Just wondering as this is my first time owning a house with a sump pump.....we just got 30 inches of snow here in Somerville and of course the entire property is covered in snow..... no big deal since the pipe goes underground BUT.. the outlet to the street at the curb is under very hard compacted snow.
IS this situation that may cause the water to freeze and back up?
I don't see anyone else in the neighborhood digging out any small outlets at the curb....
IS this situation that may cause the water to freeze and back up?
I don't see anyone else in the neighborhood digging out any small outlets at the curb....
#3
01-25-16, 10:27 AM
Group Moderator
I know it's a tough job but all my gutters drain in to one 4" PVC line that comes thru the curb at the street. I always dig that out. They plowed almost 30" from the curb leaving a massive pile for me.
In past years I didn't have problems. Last year with the deep frost.... everything froze solid underground.
In past years I didn't have problems. Last year with the deep frost.... everything froze solid underground.
#4
01-26-16, 04:24 PM
By the way....would it be possible to just dump some Calcium chloride to the well ?
That shouldn't messed up the pump as long as you allow it to dissolve first and you have enough water running through for the next few days to ensure you wash all the salt out so you don't get any coming out of the solution ?
Other option would be something like antifreeze but ecologically safe.... ?
I actually have seen some new car antifreeze that claims to be "natural"
That shouldn't messed up the pump as long as you allow it to dissolve first and you have enough water running through for the next few days to ensure you wash all the salt out so you don't get any coming out of the solution ?
Other option would be something like antifreeze but ecologically safe.... ?
I actually have seen some new car antifreeze that claims to be "natural"
#5
01-26-16, 09:52 PM
Group Moderator
would it be possible to just dump some Calcium chloride to the well ?
No..... you don't pour anything in a domestic water well.
Yes.... they do make non-toxic antifreeze for using in water lines but you don't want to drink it.
#7
01-27-16, 05:49 AM
If water backs up in the underground pipe then it can freeze.
Chemicals are not good for the sump pump.
Can you rig up a temporary hose connection for the sump pump to let the water run down the driveway?
Can you dig out a small area around the curb outlet and keep putting salt there, so each new load of water from the sump pump will create a gradually expanding snow melting puddle there?
Chemicals are not good for the sump pump.
Can you rig up a temporary hose connection for the sump pump to let the water run down the driveway?
Can you dig out a small area around the curb outlet and keep putting salt there, so each new load of water from the sump pump will create a gradually expanding snow melting puddle there?
#8
01-27-16, 07:12 PM
yeah- I meant the pit.
And I wonder why not? AS long as I don't put anything corrosive and damaging to the environment.
I think this is actually good idea...just need to identify the right chemistry
And I wonder why not? AS long as I don't put anything corrosive and damaging to the environment.
I think this is actually good idea...just need to identify the right chemistry
#9
01-27-16, 07:38 PM
Group Moderator
Yes..... in that case you could use the non toxic antifreeze. That would certainly keep the pit from freezing but won't be of much help protecting the pipe outside in the cold.
Super Tech RV & Marine Antifreeze
Super Tech RV & Marine Antifreeze
