When acquiring the house, the first thing to do will be to install the Snow Melt System. This is basically PEX piping built under the sidewalk. With the help of a computer system, the system will turn on when the temperature is below freezing, and there is snow. The system will then bring the temperature of the sidewalk above freezing. This will in turn melt and evaporate the ice and snow on the sidewalk – therefore giving a clean and safe pathway for pedestrians.
This system will use electricity to move the anti-freeze through the pipes. Therefore, during the winter – a little more electricity is used for the Snow Melt System. However, this is an easier task that shoveling the sidewalks. In Pittsburgh, the property owner is responsible for keeping the sidewalks with a safe pathway.