Before the rainy season, make sure drains are flowing freely, watch for early signs of sewer line trouble, and know where your main water shut-off valve is. Saturated ground and heavy rain expose weak points in drains and sewer laterals.
Why rain stresses plumbing
Heavy Bay Area rains saturate the ground around buried pipes. Water finds its way into cracks and joints in aging sewer laterals, adding volume to a line that may already be partially restricted by roots or buildup.
That is why sewer backups so often show up during or right after big storms.
A short pre-season checklist
Run each drain and note any that are slow. Listen for gurgling. Walk the yard and note soggy or unusually green patches. If anything seems off, have it looked at before the storms, not during one.
This is also a good time to locate your main water shut-off valve, so you are ready if a winter emergency ever happens.
If something does go wrong
Our plumbing repairs and emergency plumbing line is open 24 hours a day, every day except Wednesdays. Need a hand? Call Clogbusters at (510) 689-8733 or request service. We are open 24 hours a day, every day except Wednesdays, and we do it right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
Do sewer problems really get worse in the rain?
Yes. Saturated soil lets groundwater into aging laterals, which can push a marginal line over the edge.
What is the single most useful thing to do before winter?
Deal with any drain that is already slow. Small restrictions become backups under storm conditions.