Water in large volumes is one of the most destructive forces of nature. It can cause massive landslides, flooding, power outages, road closures, and other major inconveniences. Our homes’ designs can only handle normal to slightly above normal amounts of rainfall. When the rainfall exceeds a certain level, even the best systems will fail under its pressure. Your plumbing system is one major part of your home that’s highly likely to suffer the impact of heavy rainfall because it extends to the house’s exterior.
You cannot avoid rains or shelter your home or plumbing network from heavy rainstorms, but you can do some preventative maintenance to prepare for the wet season. The following are some of the potential plumbing problems you might experience when heavy rains start and how you can resolve them, provided to you by Huft Home Services of Elk Grove, CA.
1. Blocked or Clogged Gutters
Wild winds can carry leaves, sticks, dirt, and other kinds of debris that can find their way into the gutters. When it rains, the debris gets pushed into the drains by rainwater, causing blockages that can be particularly hard to detect, especially in underground drains. Blocked gutter drains can lead to overflooded gutters, which can ultimately cause them to collapse under pressure leading to structural damages that can be costly to rectify.
To avoid such eventualities, regularly clean your gutters, especially during the fall season. That’s because trees shed a lot during this season, and many leaves and flowers may find their way into the gutters. You can also consider having your gutters checked by a plumbing expert before the wet season begins in order to establish whether they are still in place. Poorly installed gutters can hinder the smooth flow of rainwater, causing them to flood and eventually collapse.
2. Shifting Ground Affecting Your Pipes
The soil around your piping system can only hold a certain amount of water. When the amount of water in the soil exceeds the capacity it can hold, the ground around your pipes may begin to shift, causing structural damage to your pipes. Some of the damages caused by shifting ground are bent or broken pipes, restricting water flow. When faced with this kind of situation, contact your plumber to have your piping system inspected and repaired. You can also consider planting grass and some ornamental trees in your yard to help hold the soil together when it rains.
3. Increased Pressure on the Pipes
When the soil or the material covering your pipes gets soaked, it becomes heavier than normal. That might put lots of pressure on the pipes, causing them to bend or break. Increased pressure can result in restricted water flow into your home and even cause wastewater backup in your home.
Older galvanized steel pipes are especially prone to increased pressure because they may get compromised by rust and corrosion over the years. If your steel piping system is more than 20 years old, you should consider replacing your pipes with newer and longer-lasting ones.
4. Flooding in the Basement
Your basement is prone to flooding in the wet seasons because it’s located below ground level. The main causes of basement flooding are backups from the drains and floodwater from the outside, particularly if your home lies in a flat area with poor drainage. Pools of water in your basement can cause many problems to your house, including mold growth, rotting wood, ruined furniture, or even weaken your home’s foundation.
If your basement gets flooded frequently, it would be best to install a sump pump. If you already have one installed, ensure it is in good working condition. Also, identify the areas through which the water is getting into the basement and seal up those areas. Waterproofing your doors to keep outdoor floodwater from accessing your home is also a good way to prevent floods in your basement.
5. Sewer Backups
The municipal sewer lines can only handle a given volume of water at a given time. When rain exceeds a certain level, the sewer systems may get overwhelmed, causing pressure buildup in the line. This buildup of pressure might push the contents back to the home sewer lines, causing sewer waste to flood in homes.
Sewage wastewater is not only gross and smelly, but it also poses a significant health risk to the members of your family. It is advisable to seal up the affected area until the rains stop to minimize contamination in your home. You can also consider installing backwater check valves to control the backflow of water in your sewer line.
6. Flooded Septic Tank
A flooded septic tank can also be another cause of wastewater floods in your home. If you live in a property with a septic tank, heavy rainstorms can cause it to fill up, putting pressure on your waste pipes. If you don’t address this problem in time, it can cause sewer backups in your house. Contact an exhaust services provider as soon as possible to have your septic tank drained. Also, direct your drains away from the septic tank and, if possible, improve the drainage around it.
7. Outdoor Flooding
Heavy rains can cause the accumulation of water in dips and low points in your compound. When these conditions prevail for long, the flooding can result in serious problems like basement flooding, flooded septic tanks, and wastewater backup from the drains. Additionally, when not addressed in time, floods in your compound can compromise the driveway and even your house’s structural integrity.
Outdoor flooding could be an indication of general poor drainage on the property. You can prevent floods in your compound by clearing the drains off any trapped debris, filling the dips in the yard where possible, and improving your yard’s overall drainage. Also, consider contacting a plumbing contractor to check your neighborhood’s municipal drainage for clogs because they can also contribute to floods in your residential property.
Before the rains’ onset, make sure your plumbing system is safe by ensuring it is up-to-date and check if it’s working properly. Clear your drains and gutters of leaves, debris, and dirt to prevent them from getting clogs or blockages. It’s also smart to have your plumbing system checked regularly to ensure any damages are handled in time before they translate to major renovations and costly repairs. Handling all your plumbing repairs and problems before the onset of the wet season gives you a good chance to prevent major problems caused by heavy rains.
Are you worried about the integrity of your plumbing network after a rainstorm? Or looking for a professional to check your pipes before the rains begin? Our professionals at Huft Home Services are ready to help you. We have licensed and broadly experienced plumbing experts who can service different plumbing equipment regardless of the make or model. Despite the plumbing issue you have, you can depend on us for consistent results.
Our technicians have the industry knowledge and tools to handle all your problems fast, thoroughly, and effectively. They also go the extra mile to ensure your plumbing network operates correctly. We also offer AC services, furnace services, tankless water heaters, bathroom remodels, whole-house fans, and insulation services. If you reside in Sacramento, CA, and are experiencing plumbing malfunctions, contact Huft Home Services today, and our team will be ready to assist you.