Courtesy of Bruce Weiss

SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS Here is a March maintenance checklist specifically for Edmonton’s spring melt. This list focuses on preventing basement flooding and managing the rapid runoff typical of Alberta’s freeze-thaw cycles. PRIORITY 1: FOUNDATION & EXTERIOR DRAINAGE • Clear Snow from Perimeter: Shovel snow at least 1.5 to 2 metres away from your foundation. Piling it further out helps prevent meltwater from seeping directly into your basement walls. • Extend Downspouts: Ensure downspout extensions are flipped down and directing water at least 2 metres away from your foundation. They should drain toward the street or back lane, not onto your neighbour’s property. • Clear Window Wells: Remove any snow, ice, or debris from window wells. This prevents water from pooling and leaking through basement windows. • Check Swales and Catch Basins : Ensure the drainage swales (shallow ditches) in your yard are clear of ice and debris so water can flow away. If you have a catch basin near your property, help keep it clear to prevent street flooding.

PRIORITY 2: CRITICAL MECHANICAL SYSTEMS • Test Your Sump Pump: Pour water into the sump pit to ensure the float rises and the pump activates. Consider a battery backup in case spring storms cause power outages. • Inspect the Backwater Valve: Check your backwater valve (usually under a small cover in the basement floor) to ensure the flap moves freely and is not blocked by debris. • Verify Main Water Shut-Off: Ensure your internal main water shut-off valve is functional so you can act quickly if a pipe bursts during a final freeze. PRIORITY 3: ROOF AND GUTTERS • Inspect Eavestroughs : From the ground, check for sagging or detached gutters caused by heavy snow loads. Clear any ice dams or debris to prevent water from backing up under your shingles. • Roof Visual Check: Look for missing, curled, or damaged shingles that may have been moved by high winds or ice. PRIORITY 4: GENERAL INDOOR SAFETY • Replace Detectors Batteries: March is the standard time to test smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and replace batteries. • Change Furnace Filter: After a heavy Edmonton winter, your furnace filter is likely full of dust. Replace it to improve air quality and efficiency.

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