How To Prepare The Home’s Plumbing System For A Rainy Season

The saying “April showers bring May flowers” should be a reminder for homeowners to take a few simple steps to prepare their home’s plumbing system for the rainy season.

Inspect your gutters.

Your home’s gutters collect water from the roof and direct it away to help prevent water damage. If the gutters are clogged, water buildup could cause serious damage to the downspout. Before the storm clouds start rolling in, be sure to snake roof drains, look for signs of damage, and make the necessary repairs.

Install a backwater check valve.

A backwater check valve, also known as a sewer backflow valve, is designed to keep water and sewage flowing in the right direction — away from the home. The valve also helps prevent water from traveling inside the home through municipal sewer lines, if your home is connected to the municipality’s sewer system.

Install sewer traps.

Sewer traps play a key role in preventing back drifting by reducing the risk of clogs and blockages forcing dangerous gasses into the home. If you currently have sewer traps, be sure to check and tighten their trap plugs. Reach out to Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Rooter to learn about the different types of sewer traps and to find out which one is best for your home.

Inspect internal plumbing for leaks and cracks.

Heavy rain tends to exacerbate what might seem like minor plumbing issues, such as leaks and cracks. To prevent serious water damage in the middle of a rainstorm, perform a thorough inspection of your home’s pipes and plumbing fixtures. Clean drains, check shower faucets, and inspect the sump pit and under-floor drainage system.

Bonus Tip: If your home has high water pressure, be sure to install a pressure regulator to keep it at a safe level.

Know where the main water valve is located.

The home’s main water valve controls the water supply. Knowing where the valve is located could help prevent and minimize water damage in case of a severe plumbing catastrophe during the rainy season.

We encourage homeowners to reach out to Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Rooter at (913) 227-4943 with any questions they may have about getting ready for the rainy season.