In the event of heavy rain, many homeowners worry about roof leaks, gutter clogs, and landscaping damage. However, your plumbing system can also put your property at risk. Without proper preparation, excess water can overwhelm drains, back up into your home, or expose hidden weaknesses in your pipes and fixtures.
Here’s how to get your plumbing system ready before the next big storm hits.
1. Clear and Test Your Drains
Outdoor and indoor drains are your first line of defense against flooding. To keep your home safe, remove leaves, dirt, and debris from exterior drains, window wells, and basement stairwells. Flush indoor drains (especially in the basement) with water to ensure they’re flowing correctly and watch for slow drainage (this could indicate a partial clog).
A blocked drain during a heavy downpour can quickly cause standing water or, even worse, a backup into your home.
2. Check Your Sump Pump
If you have a basement, your sump pump plays a critical role during heavy rain. Test it twice a year (once in the spring and once in the fall) by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and making sure it activates and drains properly. If you live in a colder climate, check the discharge line for clogs or freezing. Consider investing in a battery backup system in case of power outages.
A sump pump failure during a storm is one of the most common causes of basement flooding.
3. Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
While not technically part of your plumbing system, gutters directly affect how water interacts with your home. You should regularly clean out debris and periodically check for leaks or loose connections. Ensure your downspouts extend at least four to six feet away from your foundation.
Proper drainage outside reduces the burden on your plumbing inside.
4. Look for Signs of Sewer Line Issues
Heavy rain can overwhelm municipal sewer systems, increasing the risk of backups. If you smell foul odors, hear strange gurgling sounds, or experience slow-flushing toilets, your sewer line may be in trouble.
If your home is prone to backups, consider installing a backwater valve to help prevent sewage from flowing back into your home. This system works by lifting a flap and sealing off your sewer line when water starts flowing backward toward your property.
You may also want to check your sewer cleanout and ensure it is capped and sealed to further prevent sewage backups.
5. Seal Basement and Foundation Entry Points
Water doesn’t just come through drains; it can also seep in around pipes and into cracks in your foundation. Periodically inspect where pipes enter your home and check your basement walls for damage. Seal gaps with waterproof caulk or sealant and repair any cracks.
This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture intrusion.
6. Avoid Overloading Your Plumbing System
Severe storms can put your plumbing system under stress. To reduce strain and prevent backups and overflows, spread out water usage (laundry, showers, and dishwasher), avoid draining large amounts of water all at once, and fix leaks before the rainy season begins to ensure your system runs efficiently.
7. Schedule a Preventive Plumbing Inspection
If it’s been a while since your last inspection, you should schedule service. A professional plumber can check for hidden leaks, inspect your sewer line, and ensure your sump pump and drainage systems are storm-ready.
Preventive maintenance is far less costly than dealing with water damage repairs.
8. Locate Your Shut-Off Valves
In case something goes wrong during heavy rain, make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is and check that it’s easy to access and functioning properly. Quick action can minimize damage in an emergency.
9. Evaluate Your Yard’s Drainage
Your plumbing doesn’t stop at your walls; your landscape also plays a major role. To protect your home, make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation, check for pooling water after storms, and consider installing a French drain or dry well if water tends to collect around your foundation.
Poor drainage can force water toward your home, overwhelming your plumbing system and putting your foundation at risk of damage.
Don’t Let Rain Overwhelm Your Plumbing
Heavy rain can put your home’s plumbing system to the test, but a little preparation goes a long way. By clearing drains, testing key systems, and addressing small issues ahead of time, you can avoid costly damage and keep your home safe and dry.
If you’re unsure about your system’s readiness, schedule an inspection with a professional before the spring rains come.
