How to reduce the risk of floods and water main breaks during snow melt

A quick weather turnaround has Saskatchewan ending February with above-average temperatures, leaving cities covered in puddles and homeowners facing flood concerns.

Last week, the province saw frigid –40 C temperatures, but b the weekend many cities were above freezing.

The warmth also comes just three weeks after a major snowfall in the province.

Risk of water main breaks

The warmer weather comes with an increased risk of water main breaks.

"The frost is deep into the ground and that's actually hard to manage and that's when water mains start to break and some of these larger leaks happen," Helene Henning-Hill, Regina's manager of sewer and drainage operations, said.

Last week alone Regina had 35 water main breaks.

Henning-Hill said people should be cleaning their storm drains to help prevent breaks. She said anyone unable to open their drain should call Service Regina, which will steam it open. 

Henning-Hill also cautioned parents who may let their children play in puddles, since deep water can open drain storm lids, which can pose a safety risk.

WATCH | A quick thaw can cause problems. Here's what homeowners should do: 

A quick thaw can cause problems. Here's what homeowners should do

11 hours ago

Duration 1:53

Warm weather is finally here after most of February was spent in a deep freeze. As the mercury climbs, snow can melt into streets and homes. A Regina home inspector offers up advice.

Risk of flood

A large snow melt could also mean flooding. 

"The snow is going to disappear, it's going to melt, it's going to turn into water," Jim Nichols with Regina's House Master Home Inspections said. "Where is that water going to go?"

Nichols said this week that people should be paying close attention to how the snow around their homes is melting and the direction the water is travelling. 

He said the key is removing the snow before it can get inside the foundation.

"The dominoes start to fall pretty quickly if you're getting water into your foundation," Nichols said. 

Nichols suggests limiting the possibility of a flood by monitoring snow around the home's foundation and roof, and watching gutters and spouts to ensure they are working properly.

Other tips include:

• Keeping your basement floor drains clear.

• Removing the snow from window wells and shovelling snow away from the foundation.

• Moving valuable items out of your basement to higher levels in your home.

• Trying to clear street storm drains of leaves, debris and ice to aid in proper street drainage.

• If heading out on the road, clearing all of the snow and ice from your vehicle before you start, driving according to the conditions and never using flooded roads.

Nichols said people can watch out for water damage in the home at the base of perimeter walls in the basement. Wet walls would appear as crumbly, damp or moldy, and moisture would also be visible in wall panelling.