Is Your Plumbing Ready for Spring Rainstorms?

You know the old saying “April showers bring May flowers.” But what you may not know is all of that extra rainfall can bring more than just pretty flowers. It can bring many problems and headaches for homeowners by way of plumbing problems.

As the weather is warming up and we move into a rainy season, now is the time to see how your plumbing is holding up. Heavy rainstorms can put additional stress on pipes and drainage systems. Any underlying issues like cracked pipes or blocked drains could develop into more serious problems with excessive rain water. Taking preventative steps to ensure your plumbing system can handle a larger volume of water is something we always recommend.

Broken Pipes

Heavy rainfall can saturate the ground causing soil and rocks to shift. This movement can strain or break buried pipes allowing dirt and debris to enter. When this happens, even more damage can occur inside your home. Dirt and debris can clog up appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.

Blocked Pipes and Drains

Rain water brings with it debris that can build up and block pipes and drains. Combine this with large volumes of water and you have a recipe for flooding that can cause damage to your home and property.

Basement Flooding

Flooding is another issue that can arise after a heavy rainstorm. Clogged drains, broken or leaking pipes, or a sewer backup can result in water coming into your basement. This can lead to health issues with mold or raw sewage and can even result in permanent damage to your foundation. Any water should be removed as soon as possible and the basement should be thoroughly dried out. Installing a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture can greatly reduce the chances of mold or mildew developing.

Septic Tank Flooding

Excessive rainfall can cause the drain field for your septic system to become saturated and flooded. If this happens, the wastewater from your septic tank has nowhere to go but back through the pipes. This can cause your septic tank to flood, saturating the soil around it, and increasing the pressure on the tank itself. Sewage can also flow back into the lowest drains in your home. This may be a downstairs bathroom or a drain in the basement. If you notice this happening, have your septic tank pumped out as soon as possible.

At Bradley Mechanical, our trained professionals can certainly take care of any emergency plumbing job you may have. We can also thoroughly inspect your home’s plumbing system and identify any problems before they become emergencies. Don’t wait for the rainy season to be upon us to schedule your plumbing maintenance. Our experts can make sure your plumbing system is ready to handle whatever this season brings. We have over 50 years of experience protecting homes in Central Virginia and solving any plumbing issues. Give Bradley Mechanical a call today at (804) 748-6728. “We’ll get you outta the fix you’re in!”