Rain can be a welcome sight for people who enjoy a good rainy day; but for those with homes, big rain events can create a lot of anxiety, a lot of repair work and very large repair bills, especially when the home was not prepared for the event. Homeowners frequently do not recognize the issue with their home until they are frantically looking for “plumbing services near me” during or immediately after a major storm. With some pre-storm assistance from a local plumber, however, homeowners can protect themselves from water damage, preserve the integrity of their plumbing system, and potentially save thousands of dollars in repairs. Below are the most important things that all homeowners need to do prior to the arrival of the next big rain event.
1. Examine Your Draining System
A properly functioning drainage system is your home’s first line of defense against heavy rainfall. If water cannot flow away from your home, it will accumulate near the base of your home and then enter your home through cracks and holes in your walls and floors.
Look for:
• Standing water adjacent to the foundation of your home.
• Soil that slopes toward the house rather than away from the house.
• Downspouts that dump water too close to the structure of your home.
Improve your drainage:
• Make sure the soil around your home slopes away from your home.
• Extend your downspouts at least six to ten feet away from the foundation of your home.
• Keep the exterior drains free of debris.
If your drainage issues continue, a local plumber can assess your underground drains and suggest solutions such as installing a French drain or clearing your drain lines.
2. Inspect Your Sump Pump
In the event of heavy rainfall, a sump pump located in a basement or crawl space is your best protection against flooding your home. The job of a sump pump is to remove excess ground water before it becomes a threat to your home. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not discover that their sump pumps have failed until it is too late.
Steps to inspect your sump pump:
• Test your sump pump by adding water to the sump pit to test how quickly the pump turns on and off.
• Listen for unusual sounds or delayed activation of the sump pump.
• Verify that the discharge pipe directs the water away from your home.
Consider purchasing a battery-powered sump pump for emergencies, since during heavy storms, you may lose electrical power. According to FEMA, sump pump failure is one of the top reasons for basement flooding (suggest link to FEMA flood preparedness website).
Call plumbing services near me to perform a maintenance check on your sump pump if it is old, has never been tested or has shown unreliable performance.
3. Clean Out Gutter Systems & Downspouts
Clogged gutters are among the most underappreciated sources of water damage during heavy rain events. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pour down the outside walls of your home.
The problems caused by clogged gutters and downspouts include:
• Foundation erosion.
• Basement leaks.
• Roof damage.
• Mold growth.
Maintenance recommendations:
• Clean out your gutters at least twice per year.
• Regularly check downspouts for clogs.
• Install gutter covers to prevent future debris buildup.
Although gutter cleaning seems like an easy task to accomplish, the destruction that occurs due to neglect can be significant. Contact a local plumber or home maintenance professional to identify any other potential drainage-related problems associated with your gutter system.
4. Stop Sewer Backups
Of all the destructive and unappealing storm-related issues, one of the worst is a sewer backup. During heavy rainfall events, municipal sewer systems can become overwhelmed causing wastewater to be forced back into homes through drains and toilets.
Some warning signs of potential sewer backup include:
• Slow draining in various areas of your home.
• Gurgling sounds from toilets and/or sinks.
• Unpleasant sewage smells.
Recommendations to prevent sewer backups:
• Install a backflow prevention device.
• Do not flush or drain unnecessary amounts of water during storms.
• Schedule regular sewer line inspections.
Increased risks for sewer backups come from tree root intrusion, grease buildup, and aging pipes. Consult with a local plumber about performing a video camera assessment of your sewer line to determine whether your sewer line is structurally intact, clean and functioning properly. This is typically significantly less expensive than having to hire professionals to clean up after a sewer backup.
Why Preparation is Important Prior to the Storm
There is no substitute for being prepared. Once a storm starts, options are usually limited. Emergency calls start coming in, availability dwindles, and damage is done rapidly. Preparation can provide you:
• Protection for the structural integrity of your home.
• Protection against sewage contamination.
• Reduced mold and moisture issues.
• Cost savings on emergency repairs.
That is why so many homeowners choose to schedule an appointment with a local plumber for an inspection before the storm arrives and have to frantically search for plumbing services near me once the storm hits.
When Should You Hire a Local Plumber?
Contact a local plumber if:
• Water accumulates around the foundation of your home.
• You haven’t had your sump pump tested recently.
• Your drains are slowing during rain.
• You’ve previously had sewer issues.
Professional assessments ensure your plumbing system is ready for a storm and compliant with local building codes.
Conclusion
So is your home ready for a big rain? Checking your drainage system, inspecting your sump pump, cleaning your gutters and preventing sewer backups can make the difference between feeling secure in your home and dealing with costly damages. Rainstorms don’t have to equal emergency repairs-if you’re prepared.
By taking action proactively and consulting with a local plumber, you’ll be able to protect your property and avoid last minute searches for plumbing services near me during the next big rain event. Small actions taken now can save you from much larger headaches later.
