When you regularly maintain your plumbing systems, you can have complete confidence in them and trust they will function optimally year-round. Unfortunately, we can’t control external forces. Heavy rainfall can sometimes mean that there’s too much water for your property and sewer system to handle. As a result, it’s not uncommon to experience a range of related plumbing issues. Here are just some of the many heavy rain-related problems that property owners can encounter:
Sewer Backup
Quite often, when your home’s sewer line backs up after heavy rain, the cause is a backed-up city sewer. In these instances, there isn’t much you can do except wait for the rain to stop, the city’s sewers to return to normal, and then assess the damage.
A wet vacuum and dehumidifier can help clean things up, but you may need more extensive repairs. If you have a sewer system backup for any reason, don’t enter the area if there is a chance of live electrical current flowing. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution and call for help.
Blocked or Damaged Pipes
With chaotic weather, the pipes that connect your home to the municipal sewer, known as the lateral, can become clogged with debris and tree roots. They can also collapse under the pressure of saturated soil.
If your pipes have become blocked or damaged in heavy rain, contact your local plumber for pipe repair and replacement services as soon as possible.
Septic Tank Flooding
If your property relies on a septic system, heavy rain can result in unfortunate flooding issues that you need to address. When your septic tank becomes flooded, the surrounding soil can become saturated, putting even more pressure on the septic tank.
When the drain field that supports your septic tank becomes flooded and saturated, wastewater can’t flow away and instead backs up through the pipes, entering the septic tank again. This, of course, defeats the purpose of the system!
If your septic system floods during heavy rain, contact a trusted local plumber to determine if extra pumping is necessary. You may also need to change your waste disposal practices until the drain field has dried out.
Flooded Basement
While not everyone experiences a flooded basement during heavy rainfall, some homeowners face it regularly. Properties with window wells that easily fill up or uneven ground with poor natural drainage are especially vulnerable.
Basement flooding can be a serious problem if not remedied. It can cause mould growth, damage to possessions, and rotting wood. Repairs and cleanup efforts can also take weeks, if not months!
If your property experiences basement flooding, you may be able to minimize the damage during heavy rain by installing a sump pump. Your local plumbing team can help with sump pump installation, repairs, and maintenance.
Sump Pump Failure or Overload
Sump pumps are an excellent way to prevent or limit water from entering your basement. However, some people experience sump pump failure or overloading during heavy rain. Water that would typically get pumped out of the sump pit floods your basement because the sump pump can’t keep up or has failed.
This can often occur when the sump pump is undersized for your pumping needs or has reached the end of its expected lifespan. If your setup doesn’t have a check valve, water in the discharge pipe can also flow back into the sump pit, causing the pump to cycle endlessly and, eventually, burn out.
Before the wet weather arrives, contact your local sump pump expert to inspect your sump pump and perform necessary maintenance. You can then be as ready as possible for the wet weather ahead.
Pipe Damage, Leaks, and Shifting
Stormy weather can take a real toll on our pipes, even if we can’t see it. When soil remains saturated for an extended period, it can shift or settle, resulting in stress on pipes. Tree roots can also seek out water and infiltrate cracks or joints in older pipes. If you’re concerned about the condition of your pipes, seek an inspection as soon as possible.
Prepare for Wet Weather – Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing®
If you’re worried about how your plumbing systems and related equipment will fare in wet weather, contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing® for assistance. Our licensed and insured team can perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs for your peace of mind when the rain starts falling. For plumbing emergencies, we’re here to answer your call 24/7.
