Can Too Much Rain Cause Plumbing Problems?

Jul 14 2022

In the summer heat, rain showers are romantic and fresh. It brings life to the driest environments and helps replenish our water supply. But rain can become a pain in the wallet when there’s too much of it and your home suddenly starts having plumbing problems. The fact is, most homes can’t handle such a large amount of water in such a short period of time.

Burlington is especially known for its heavy rains during the months of April until the end of November, with an average annual rainfall of 901mm. For those living in the Burlington area, dealing with plumbing problems that make an appearance after heavy rain storms is somewhat commonplace, but a few questions remain:

Can heavy rain affect plumbing, or is it just a crazy coincidence? After all, plumbing systems are built exactly for this purpose, right?

The sad truth is that yes, heavy rain can affect plumbing in ways you would never imagine, and if you aren’t prepared, you can suddenly find yourself standing in the middle of your basement with water up to your ankles. This is why preparedness and a good maintenance schedule are so important. At 1st Rooter Plumbing, we understand the importance of staving off plumbing problems after a heavy rain storm. So, read on to find out how your home can be affected by rain and what you can do about it.

Plumbing Problem #1: Clogged Drains

One of the most commonly occurring plumbing problems during a heavy rain storm is one that is easily preventable and normally ignored. We are referring to clogged drains, which usually appear when heavy rains drag debris and dirt into the plumbing lines, which can prevent the flow of water. Keep in mind that the large majority of residential drains can’t handle large amounts of water that are mixed with any form of debris, including leaves, trash, and other items that are dragged by flowing rain water.

If your drains start emitting a strange or foul odour after a storm, or at any point throughout the year, it’s highly likely you might have a blockage on your hands, and calling a professional plumber from 1st Rooter Plumbing is the best way to solve it, so, when it rains again, the drains should clear and keep any excess water away from your home.

Plumbing Problem #2: Broken Pipes

This is one of the most common plumbing problems faced by homes and offices where the water pipes are old and haven’t received proper maintenance. It’s especially bad in places where the pipes have become exposed, either because they were improperly installed or because normal wear and tear over the years have caused them to become uncovered.

In this case, a heavy rain storm could cause these already debilitated pipes to crack and break. The problem is only worsened by long periods of drought, which can make the pipes dry out, a seemingly positive issue, but when it starts raining, the water that flows through them at higher than normal pressures can cause them to burst.

If the colour of the water in your home changes and the pressure of your water system is low, you could have a broken pipe. The only way to fix this and prevent it from happening again is by having the faulty pipe replaced, which is why you should call an experienced plumber to get the work done correctly. Additionally, periodic maintenance ensures these potential problems are caught before they inflict expensive damage on your home.

Plumbing Problem #3: Flooding

Floods inside your home are no fun, even if the flooding is only taking place in your basement. These floods, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can cause untold damage to your property, especially the foundation. They can also destroy your furniture and floors.

One of the best ways to avoid the problems caused by indoor and outdoor flooding when heavy rains start falling is to install a sump pump that will redirect the water away from your property and into a place where it’s transported safely, such as a dry well, or public drain system. Don’t wait for the flooding to get worse. At the first sign of water entering your home, contact the professionals at 1st Rooter Plumbing to get relief from rising water right away.

What to Do When Rain Floods Your Home

When heavy rains start causing problems to your property’s plumbing, it’s time to call the local experts from 1st Rooter Plumbing. We understand how worrisome rain-induced plumbing problems are. If you’re unsure of whether your home is safe from heavy rainfall or not, give us a call, and we will check your plumbing system right away!