How to protect your home's foundation from melting snow

OLATHE, Kan. - You may think your winter blues will go away after the sun melts off all the snow, but homeowners may find their problems are about to get bigger.

Foundation repair companies said Tuesday they are bracing for an influx of emergency phone calls next week after the sun has melted all the snow on the ground.

They said the water runoff can seep through all of those cracks nature caused last summer during the drought. That water may find cracks in basement walls and leave many basements flooded.

Karri Johnson has already learned the hard way. The Olathe resident faces a $32,000 foundation repair bill.

"Do not put it off. It will not repair itself," she said. "It will get worse. It won't go away."         

Repair companies suggest homeowners be proactive.

Here are some tips to keep foundation problems at bay:

• Make sure gutters are clear of debris so water can drain through a downspout
• Make sure downspouts drain at least 10 feet away from the house
• Make sure sump pump drains at least 10 feet away from the house
• Get a professional to install underground pipes to drain water away from the house
• Have a professional fill basement cracks
• Move trees at least 15 feet away from the house

For more information, go to www.kc-pro.com/foundation-repair.asp