Call Now For 24/7 Emergency Services
When the skies open up and the rain pours down in buckets, it’s not just your lawn that gets drenched—it’s your plumbing system that can take a hit too. If you’ve been dealing with flooding, backups, or sluggish drains, you’re not alone. We’ve been hearing from a lot of folks lately dealing with plumbing issues in Tampa during these heavy storms, and we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
How Heavy Rain Affects Your Plumbing
Let’s start with the basics. Heavy rainfall saturates the ground, which can put pressure on underground pipes, especially older or already compromised ones. Tree roots love to take advantage of softened soil, and they might make their way into your sewer line. Plus, all that extra water can overwhelm the municipal sewer system, which sometimes backs up into residential lines.
Not fun, right? But the good news is, there are ways to stay ahead of the mess.
Common Problems We See After Big Storms
Here are the most frequent issues Tampa homeowners call us about after a downpour:
- Sewer Backups: The telltale signs? Gurgling toilets, slow-draining tubs, and that unmistakable not-so-fresh smell.
- Flooded Basements or Crawlspaces: Groundwater can seep in through cracks or poorly sealed foundations.
- Clogged or Overflowing Outdoor Drains: Leaves, mulch, and other debris can block storm drains, leading to localized flooding.
We also often hear about surprise plumbing problems that reveal themselves during these storms—issues that might’ve been brewing silently for months.
What You Can Do Right Now
Here are a few steps you can take today to protect your plumbing:
- Check Your Drains: Make sure outdoor drains are clear of leaves and debris. A few minutes of cleanup now can prevent a costly water damage situation later.
- Install a Backwater Valve: This handy device prevents sewage from flowing back into your home’s plumbing during a flood.
- Inspect Your Sump Pump (if you have one): Give it a quick test to make sure it’s working properly before the next big storm hits.
- Schedule a Professional Inspection: Even if everything seems fine, a quick camera inspection of your sewer line can reveal hidden threats like root intrusion or cracks.
- Here’s something else to consider: If your home has clay or cast iron pipes, they’re more vulnerable to shifting or cracking during extreme weather. These older materials can’t always withstand the added pressure from saturated soil, which means repairs may be needed sooner than expected. That’s why regular checkups are a smart move, especially during the rainy season.
When It’s Time to Call the Pros
Some plumbing problems just aren’t DIY-friendly—and that’s where we come in. If you’re dealing with ongoing drainage issues, mysterious gurgles, or worse, we’ve got the tools (and the bubbles!) to get it sorted.
Don’t wait for the problem to get worse. At The Clean Plumbers, we specialize in diagnosing and fixing plumbing issues caused by Tampa’s unique climate—and we do it with a smile.
Contact The Clean Plumbers–The one with the bubbles on the trucks! Bubbling up “Trust” in greater Tampa since 1982.