When hurricane season hits, we all start thinking about batteries, flashlights, and bottled water. But one thing many homeowners forget? Their plumbing.
At Putman Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand what can happen when heavy rain and strong winds put extra strain on sump pumps, downspouts, and drains. And trust me, as your reliable emergency plumber in Frederick, MD, we’ve responded to more flooded basements and blockages than we can count during storm season.
Here are some easy-to-do tips (and videos) for keeping your plumbing ready for hurricane season.
Tip #1: Give Your Downspouts a Boost
One of the most common problems we see on service calls is downspouts that dump rainwater right against the foundation. When that water seeps into the ground, it sends extra water straight to your drain tile and sump pump, sometimes overwhelming the system.
Our simple solution:
- Grab a gutter attachment and a 4-inch corrugated pipe from the hardware store.
- Cut the pipe to about five or six feet.
- Attach it to your downspout to direct water safely away from your home.
A simple and inexpensive downspout extension helps protect your home’s foundation and sump pump system during heavy rain or hurricane season. It’s a small weekend project that can make a big difference in keeping your basement dry.
Tip #2: Clear Your Stairwell Drain
If you have an outdoor basement stairwell, there’s probably a drain at the bottom. We see these get clogged all the time, leaves, debris, even toys, and that can cause water to pool up and flood into your basement during a storm.
What to do:
- Before heavy rain, sweep and clear the stairwell area.
- Make sure the drain grate is free of debris.
Regularly cleaning stairwell drains prevents basement flooding during storms. This five-minute job could save you from a messy cleanup later.
Tip #3: Test Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump is your home’s last line of defense when the rain won’t stop. Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure the pump kicks on and sends water outside.
If your sump pump doesn’t run or sounds like it’s struggling, contact us before the next big storm. And if you don’t already have a battery backup, now’s a great time to add one.
Tip #4: Turn Off Your Main Water Valve If You Leave
If you need to evacuate or head out of town during a storm, shut off your home’s main water supply. But first, check if your main water shut off valve is working. If not, then have it repaired or replaced. Turning off your main water valve will help minimize damage in case the pipe bursts inside your home during the hurricane. This simple step can prevent a pipe break from turning into major water damage while you’re away.
Tip #5: Look for Issues After the Storm
Once the weather clears, do a quick walk-through of your home:
- Check for slow drains or gurgling toilets.
- Look for leaks around pipes, the water heater, or the basement walls.
- Keep an eye out for any new damp spots or musty smells.
Catching issues early is more inexpensive and easier to repair.
We’re Here to Help
You can’t control the weather, but you can take a few easy steps to protect your home. These small fixes can keep your sump pump from overworking, prevent basement flooding, and give you one less thing to worry about when the storm hits.
If you’d like us to check your plumbing before peak storm season, or you notice a problem after a storm, call Putman Plumbing. We’ll make sure your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at it.
