Plumbing Problems Caused by Heavy Rain

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician at water shutoff valves with commercial customer

May and June are some of the wettest months of the year here in Massachusetts. We have all been caught in a torrential downpour that seemingly came out of nowhere and unleashes an incredible amount of rain very quickly. This type of weather can cause plumbing and drainage issues. Let’s look at 4 common plumbing problems caused by heavy rain.

1. Flooding Due to Lack of Outdoor Drainage

Heavy rain will cause pools of water to accumulate at low points in your yard. If you do not have proper drainage to move the water away from your property then you can have serious problems on your hands. Your walkway, driveway, or basement steps could flood, compromising the stability of your deck or foundation. If you notice pooling water on your property during heavy rain fall you should consider installing an area drain to carry water away from your home.

2. Debris Blocking Indoor Drains Leading to a Backup

Debris such as trash, soil, leaves, and sticks can get into the sewer system causing your drains to clog. Blocked drains can back up your entire system causing water to pool in your shower, sink, bathtub, or near other household drains. 

3. Sewage Backup due to Blocked Drains

When debris blocks pipes in the sewer system as previously mentioned, it can eventually affect the sewer line itself. The sewer line carries wastewater from your house to the municipal sewer line. If the municipal line becomes blocked then contaminated water will accumulate and back up into your home.

4. Burst Pipes from Blockage

When rainwater pools and has nowhere to go it exerts pressure on your pipes. This pressure can cause pipes to crack or burst open. If water from your sink tastes coppery, is colored, or smells like mildew, than you probably have a cracked or burst pipe. The fresh water running into your home may be contaminated with materials surrounding your broken plumbing.

Who Do I Call if I Have a Backup?

If you experience a sewer backup or flooding at your property in Lexington, Bedford, Waltham, Weston, Wayland, or Watertown we are here to help. We have crews standing by 24/7/365 who are highly trained with advanced techniques and technologies to make it "Like it never even happened."