June through September is monsoon season in the United States, although the exact dates can vary from year to year. Monsoons can bring heavy thunderstorms, wind, and a significant amount of rain that can overwhelm a plumbing system, leading to damage, which can result in costly repairs. You can’t control the weather, but you can take proactive measures to help protect your plumbing system and limit the amount of damage.
Get Your Sump Pump Inspected (or Install One)
Heavy rain, especially in a short amount of time, can easily overwhelm your home’s drainage system, leading to basement flooding and corresponding water damage. A properly functioning sump pump is your best defense against water intrusion. It’s also a proactive measure against mold growth. Water invading your home could result in mold growth within 24 to 48 hours, leading to another problem you must deal with on top of the water issue.
If you already have a sump pump, we can inspect and test it before the monsoon season arrives to ensure it’s working perfectly and is prepared to defend your home. This is particularly important if it’s been more than a year since it was last professionally inspected. If you don’t have one, consider having us install one to protect your basement and foundation. This simple investment can save you from having to make costly repairs and give you peace of mind.
A sump pump could also be a draw for potential homebuyers should you decide to sell your home in the future. Many want a home that already has multiple protection features, like a sump pump, so they don’t have to worry about installing them once they move in.
Get a Professional Plumbing Inspection
We can do a comprehensive plumbing inspection to make sure your system has the highest chance of withstanding monsoon season. We’ll check for any potential issues, such as cracks, and let you know if we find any damage. Our team can also make recommendations that could help strengthen your system. You’ll have all the answers about the state of your plumbing system by the time we leave.
Since the monsoon season starts in June, scheduling your appointment as soon as possible is crucial. Avoid waiting until there’s already a storm in the forecast.
Make Necessary Repairs
As important as a professional plumbing inspection is, it won’t do much good if you don’t make necessary follow-up repairs. Doing them is crucial to getting your plumbing system in good shape. We recommend making an appointment to have them done not long after your inspection appointment, especially if monsoon season is already underway.
Consider Repiping
Repiping may be one of our recommendations after inspecting your plumbing system. How often you need repiping service depends on various factors, including the material of the pipes and how well the system has been maintained over the years. For instance, steel pipes typically need replacing sooner than copper pipes. Signs you might require this service include frequent leaks and repairs, corrosion, discolored water, and strange noises coming from your system.
Stock Up on Drinking Water
You might not be able to drink the water after a storm if the water supply is contaminated. Stock up on as much bottled water as possible to ensure you can cook, wash your hands, maintain your hygiene, and stay hydrated. It’s better to be prepared than be left stuck at the last minute, scrambling to find somewhere that still has some in stock.
Clear Street Drains
If you have a street drain steps from your home, make sure you keep it clean of leaves and other debris. Doing so is important for protecting your plumbing system, especially if you have older pipes.
A clogged street drain doesn’t allow rain to escape fast enough. When this happens, it starts pooling on your property, causing the soil to shift and leading to problems with your underground plumbing pipes. This is especially true if they already have damage, you’re unaware of, like cracks.
Clean Gutters
Like cleaning the street drains, it’s also important to keep your gutters clean. Their job is to direct water away from your home, preventing it from pooling around your foundation and backing up under your roofing material. They can’t do either when they’re clogged.
Consider having gutter guards installed if you typically have problems with clogged gutters. Professionals can ensure they fit perfectly to prevent debris from getting caught in them while allowing rainwater to flow freely away from your house.
Install a Backwater Valve
Heavy rains can overwhelm the main municipal sewer system. When this happens, sewage can start backing up into homes, including yours. A backwater valve allows waste to flow out from your home but prevents public sewage from entering from the main sewer system.
This small device can save you a significant amount of money. Even if you’ve never had a problem before with sewage backing up into your home during a severe storm, you never know if that could change. It only takes one time for heavy rain to overwhelm the system so much that your neighbor’s waste suddenly starts flooding out of your drains and toilets all over your floors.
Install Smart Water-Leak Detectors
Smart water-leak detectors are a great way to find out if there’s water where it’s not supposed to be. You could place them in key areas throughout your home, including at the base of your water heater and under your sinks. If they sense water, they’ll automatically send your smartphone a notification to alert you, even if you’re not on the property. If you’re unsure which ones to get or where to put them, we can recommend the best options according to your home’s needs and place them where they’ll be most effective.
Install Outdoor Faucet Covers
Outdoor faucets are durable but can easily get damaged if they come into contact with flying debris at just the right angle, resulting in a crack or other types of damage. Prevent the situation from happening by installing outdoor faucet covers. As their name indicates, they cover your faucets, helping to keep them safe from the elements. They also offer other perks, such as blocking off entry for pests, providing proper insulation during winter, and preventing corrosion.
Get Your Septic Tank Inspected
The last thing you want is sewage backing up into your house. Getting a septic tank inspection can be a crucial way to protect your home and property. We can make sure it’s in good condition and operating properly. If it’s been at least a few years since you had your septic tank pumped or inspected, we recommend booking an appointment for services.
Start protecting your plumbing system today before the monsoon season starts. Goettl's High Desert Mechanical in Camp Verde, Dewey, and Prescott Valley, AZ, provides expert plumbing services including sewer repairs, inspections, repiping, and other plumbing services that can help you get started with the process.
Contact Goettl's High Desert Mechanical to schedule an appointment through our website or call us today.
