How Florida’s Rainy Season Impacts Your Drains
Florida might be best known for being the Sunshine State, but property owners in the area are well aware that a sudden rainstorm is more common than people might think. The rainy season in Florida runs from around late May through the middle of October. While the rain is great for our water supply, it can pose a few issues for plumbing care and maintenance.
A steady stream of thunderstorms can quickly lead to overwhelmed drainage systems that could start to clog. Using these tips from the experts at Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing helps you avoid clogged drains that can cause serious problems on your property. Need drain clearing services after a storm? Contact us for fast service.
Understand Why Rain Affects Your Drains
The last thing you want to worry about on a rainy day is dealing with frustrating drain backups. While it might seem like the rain should simply soak into the ground, the truth is that there are several factors that influence how excess water impacts your home’s drain lines.
Stormwater Runoff Can Overload Drainage Lines
In an ideal scenario, stormwater should run down the graded slopes in your lawn and into the community’s drainage system. In some cases, your Florida property may have special drains outside to facilitate this process.
Unfortunately, even the strongest drainage system may not always be able to manage a heavy flow of water from a rainstorm. When this happens, runoff can begin to overload drainage lines to the point that they can no longer manage the water flow.
Soil Saturation Could Lead to Drain Pipe Shifting and Damage
The soil in Florida is often rich in clay, which can make it harder for the water to filter through the ground surface. Since Melbourne and the surrounding communities also have a high water table, this means that the soil can quickly become saturated.
Saturated soil moves more freely. As the soil changes, drain pipes can begin to shift out of their desired places. This can lead to bends or breaks in the line, which further increases the chances of drain clogs.
Debris Often Washes Into Outdoor Drains
The beautiful trees and shrubs that decorate Florida neighborhoods can also cause issues for outdoor drains. Once storm winds begin to blow, leaves, twigs and other debris can all block drainage areas and lead to backups and overflows.
Know How Drain Backups Impact the Inside of Your Home
No one likes to see the outside of their property flooding, but drain backups can also impact the interior of your home. Watching for these signs of drainage issues inside helps you know when to call your local Melbourne plumber.
- Leaking around the foundation and base of walls
- Slow-draining plumbing fixtures
- Overflowing toilets and sinks
- Moisture leading to mold and mildew
- Increasing pest activity
Explore How Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Can Help
If the thought of drain backups causing leaks around your home makes you shudder more than the lightning, then it’s reassuring to know that our plumbers are equipped to clear any clog. When you reach out for drain clearing services, we’ll start by performing an inspection to identify the cause of backups.
Once we identify the source of the drain clog, we may perform one or more of the following services:
- Camera-guided pipe inspections
- General clog clearing
- Drain cleaning to eliminate odors and prevent clogs
- Hydro-jetting for deep and significant clogs
- Sewer line repairs or replacements
- Sump pump installation and repairs
When you notice drainage issues during or following a storm, it’s important to avoid DIY drain clearing. In most cases, drain clogs due to storm runoff are deeper within the lines than most people can reach without the appropriate tools.
Our plumbers have equipment that can reach every part of the plumbing and sewer lines around your property. This allows us to make an accurate diagnosis for mysterious drainage issues that prevent unnecessary wasted time and costs for repairs.
Relying on our team to quickly clear clogs also helps to restore your household’s normal functioning. Being able to bathe, wash dishes and perform other daily tasks is easier when the drains run smoothly.
Protect Your Home Before the Next Downpour Arrives
Naturally, it’s best to prevent drainage problems before they can impact your home’s structural integrity and sanitation. Taking these steps before the next big rainstorm gives you peace of mind that runoff won’t bog down your daily routine.
Arrange for a Professional Plumbing Inspection
Older homes may need plumbing inspections annually, while you may get by with waiting a little longer if your house is new. However, having a plumber check for developing drainage issues can halt problems before they lead to soggy building materials or hazardous sewer backups.
Keep Landscaping Away From Pipes and Drainage Areas
Tree roots can grow into the drainage lines around your home and lead to cracks and clogging. Try to plant new landscaping away from known drainage areas, and it might be necessary to remove mature trees or do root remediation to prevent pipe damage over time.
Clear Gutters and Drains of Debris
The rainy season in Melbourne tends to occur around the same time that trees are dropping leaves. High winds can also blow trash and other debris into the drains. Take time during your normal landscaping routine to make sure the gutters around your home are free of debris that could block water flow.
Let’s Work Together to Keep Your Drains Ready
Maintaining drainage around your home often requires a team effort. Our professional plumbers at Melbourne Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are here to help you find drain clearing solutions that improve water flow both inside and outside of your home.
As with all of our services, you can expect prompt, courteous plumbing repairs and maintenance that protect your health and property. Schedule your drain clearing services today, and remember that if there’s any delay, it’s you we pay. Timely plumbing care is only a quick phone call away.