Preparing Your Plumbing for Southern California's Rainy Season

Southern California winters are mild, but heavy storms can still cause plumbing headaches. A little preparation in early fall avoids emergency calls when the first big system rolls in.

Start outside. Clear gutters and downspouts, and make sure they discharge several feet from your foundation. Check that yard drains and catch basins are free of leaves and debris. Standing water near the house can seep under slabs and increase pressure on buried lines. If you live on a hillside, confirm that drainage paths still carry water away from your home and not toward it.

Next, think about your sewer lateral. Heavy rain saturates soil and can reveal weaknesses in older clay or cast-iron pipes, where roots or cracks let groundwater in and slow flow. If your drains have been sluggish, schedule a camera inspection and cleaning before the rainy season. Homes near the bay or harbor, which sit close to tide level, are especially susceptible to backups when rain and high tide coincide. Ask about a backwater valve if your property is low.

Test your sump pump or ejector pump if you have one, by pouring a bucket of water into the pit and watching it activate and drain. Check the water heater too. Look at the base for rust or moisture, flush a few gallons to remove sediment, and confirm the temperature and pressure relief valve is not dripping.

Locate your main water shutoff and make sure everyone in the home knows where it is and how to turn it off. Test it; if it is stiff or leaks, have it replaced before you need it in a hurry. A quick walkthrough for dripping faucets, running toilets and visible leaks under sinks also helps, since small leaks hide inside bigger storm-related problems.

Finally, save a trusted plumber's number. If a pipe bursts or a drain backs up during a storm, you want to call someone who answers. ABC Plumbing offers emergency service across Laguna Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point. Call anytime.