Heavy rain can be a welcome relief during dry spells, but it can also cause serious issues for your home and plumbing system if you’re not prepared. From clogged gutters to flooded basements, the consequences of inadequate preparation can lead to costly repairs and stress. The good news is that with a little bit of planning ahead, you can minimize the costly risks and keep your plumbing system running smoothly during the next downpour!

At Proline Plumbing and Sewer, we understand how important it is to safeguard your home from the potential damage that heavy rain can bring. Serving the greater Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, and Salem, OR areas, we’ve put together these simple steps to help you prepare your plumbing system for the stormy season.

  1. Clear Out Your Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts are your first line of defense against heavy rain. If they’re clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, rainwater can quickly back up, leading to roof leaks, water damage, or even flooding in your attic or basement. Make sure to clear your gutters thoroughly before the rain begins, and check that downspouts are properly directing water away from your home’s foundation.

Tip: If you live in a tree-heavy area, like Vancouver or Portland, consider installing gutter guards from a company like Gutter Supply to help prevent future debris buildup.

  1. Check Your Sump Pump

Homes with basements or crawl spaces typically have sump pumps to prevent flooding. Before heavy rain hits, make sure your sump pump is in good working condition. Test the pump by pouring water into the sump pit and verifying that it activates and pumps water away from your home. A malfunctioning sump pump can leave your home vulnerable to water damage.

Also, check the discharge pipe to ensure it’s not clogged or obstructed. If you experience frequent power outages, like ones that sometimes occur in Salem, OR, it’s also a good idea to have a battery backup or a secondary power source for your sump pump.

Tip: If you’re unsure about the condition of your sump pump, give us a call at Proline Plumbing and Sewer for a professional inspection.

  1. Inspect Your Foundation for Cracks

Even small cracks in your foundation can allow rainwater to seep into your home, leading to flooding in your basement or crawl space. Before the rain starts, inspect the foundation of your home for visible cracks or gaps. If you find any, seal them with a high-quality waterproof sealant, or call a professional to assess the situation.

Tip: Check areas around windows, doors, and any exposed pipes—these are common entry points for water during a heavy downpour.

  1. Ensure Proper Drainage Around Your Home

Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from pooling around your home’s foundation. The ground surrounding your home should slope away from the foundation to direct rainwater away. If you notice areas where water collects, you may need to regrade the soil or install a drainage solution, such as a French drain.

Tip: Homes in areas such as Camas and Battle Ground, Washington that experience heavier rainfall, can benefit from additional drainage systems to protect the foundation from water damage.

  1. Check Your Sewer Lines for Blockages

Heavy rain can make any existing blockages in your plumbing system worse, especially in your sewer lines. If a clog is present, rainwater can cause sewage backups into your home, leading to costly repairs and health risks. Before the stormy season, consider having a professional plumber from Proline Plumbing and Sewer inspect your sewer lines to identify and clear any potential blockages.

Tip: Scheduling regular drain cleanings can help prevent blockages and keep your plumbing system running smoothly throughout the year. Click to schedule now!

  1. Install Backflow Prevention Valves

In areas prone to flooding, such as parts of Beaverton and Hillsboro, installing a backflow prevention valve can help protect your home’s plumbing from sewage backups. These valves are designed to prevent water from flowing back into your pipes during heavy rainfall or sewer system overflows.

Tip: Contact Proline Plumbing and Sewer for advice on installing or maintaining backflow prevention valves to ensure your plumbing stays safe and functional.

  1. Check Your Roof for Leaks

While your roof isn’t technically part of your plumbing system, it plays a critical role in keeping water out of your home. A leaky roof can lead to water damage in your attic, walls, and even impact your plumbing. Before the rainy season begins, inspect your roof for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or other signs of wear and tear that could cause leaks.

Tip: If you have suspicion that there may be a leak in your home, hire a professional company like Proline Plumbing to come perform leak detection services.

  1. Prepare for Power Outages

Heavy rain often comes with storms that may knock out power. If your plumbing systems, such as your water heater or sewer ejector pump rely on electricity, you’ll want to prepare for potential outages. A backup generator can keep your sump pump and other essential systems running during power disruptions, helping to prevent flooding and water damage.

Tip: If you live in an area that experiences frequent outages, consider investing in a standby generator such as ones from Harbor Freight or 4 Patriots to keep your plumbing systems running smoothly during storms.

  1. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

In case of flooding or plumbing emergencies during a storm, it’s important to have essential supplies on hand. Keep items like a plunger, a wet/dry vacuum, towels, and a flashlight in easy-to-reach spots. You should also know where your main water shutoff valve is located in case of a plumbing emergency.

Tip: Keep a list of emergency plumber contacts, such us here at Proline Plumbing and Sewer, in the event you need emergency assistance. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to help you!

  1. Schedule Regular Plumbing Maintenance

Routine plumbing maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your system is prepared for heavy rain. A professional plumber can inspect your pipes, drains, and fixtures for any potential issues before they become bigger problems.

Tip: If you haven’t had your plumbing inspected recently, now’s a great time to schedule an appointment with Proline Plumbing and Sewer to ensure everything is in top shape for the rainy season.

Conclusion

By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your home and plumbing system from the damage caused by heavy rain. Preparing your home in advance can save you from costly repairs and stress when the storms roll in. If you’re unsure where to start or need assistance with any of these preparations, don’t hesitate to contact us at Proline Plumbing and Sewer. Our expert plumbers are here to help you safeguard your home and ensure your plumbing system is ready for whatever the weather brings!