Common Plumbing Problems During Heavy Rainfall – Prevention and Solutions

After a rainstorm, your home plumbing system is likely to suffer from a variety of issues. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare and prevent these problems from occurring.

Heavy rainfall can carry sticks, leaves, dirt particles and other debris into your sewer drains. This can cause your indoor drains to clog and create a backup.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing problems during heavy rainfall. The rainstorms saturate the ground, turning sand or dirt into muddy water and adding extra pressure to underground pipes that are already weak. This added pressure can cause the pipes to crack or break. If you notice low-pressure water, discolored or strange tasting water, or a sewage smell coming from your drains, call a plumber for professional repair services.

Rainwater also brings sticks, leaves, dirt, and other debris that can get stirred up in your plumbing pipes and the drainage channels on your roof. This debris can clog and block your drains, slowing or stopping the flow of water. You can prevent this by regularly cleaning your drains and keeping gutters and roofs free of debris. A power auger is a tool that can help you clear a blocked drain quickly and easily. Plug the drain and attach the auger to the end of a flexible cable. Position the cable over the clogged drain and turn on the power auger.

Leaking Pipes

When it rains hard, groundwater rises and puts pressure on pipes. This can cause them to burst or leak water around the house. If you see a leak, it is important to act fast to avoid more damage and protect your home in the long term.

If you have a leak, it is recommended that you shut off the main water valve. You should also use buckets or containers to catch the leaking water. If you notice any discolored water, call a plumber immediately to repair the damaged pipe.

Heavy rains can also increase the pressure on underground pipes. Rain soaks up the sand and dirt in the soil and turns it into heavy mud, which can put more weight on the pipes and make them bend or crack. This happens especially if your plumbing system is old or fragile. During a heavy rainfall, tree roots can also grow towards and clog the pipes. A professional drain cleaning can help alleviate this problem.

Sewer Backups

Sewer backups are a huge concern for homeowners during heavy rainfall. The problem often results from clogs in your drain pipes or main sewer lines. Because the latter are usually buried beneath the ground, they may become filled with debris like hair, grease, and other solid materials. If the clogs are severe enough, wastewater will back up into your home.

Depending on where you live, your house might connect to a city sewer system or a private septic system. During heavy rains, the rising groundwater overwhelms these systems and causes sewage to back up into your home. This is a big health hazard and can cause foul odors in your home. To protect your family, it’s important to have any unusual noises or gurgling sounds from your drains checked by an experienced plumber right away. This can help prevent your sewer line from breaking and keep clogs at bay. For the most stubborn blockages, professional technicians can use advanced tools to break up and remove clogs without damaging your plumbing pipes.

Flooding

Heavy rains can put a lot of pressure on underground pipes. If they’re aging or in poor condition, they may start to crack and break. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance can help you identify vulnerable areas before a problem arises.

Blocked drains are another common plumbing issue during heavy rainfall. Rainwater tends to carry sticks, leaves, soil particles, and other debris, depositing them in your drains and pipes. When they build up, you’ll notice your sinks, tubs, and showers draining slowly or not at all. You might also smell foul odors.

If your home has a septic tank, heavy rains can lead to sewage backups. This happens when the tanks get overloaded with sewage and water, which cannot be flushed away. This can lead to clogged toilets and other problems. If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s important to contact a plumber. They’ll be able to fix the problems and prevent them from worsening. They can also provide tips on how to keep your pipes safe during heavy rains.