Get Out the Umbrellas, Winter is Coming! 5 Plumbing Tips for Rainy Weather in Vancouver

Is your plumbing ready for the rainy season? When people think of fall and winter-readiness for their plumbing, they likely think about pipes bursting and breaking during below-zero weather. 

Homeowners in Vancouver might assume that means they don’t need to worry about winter-proofing their plumbing. We don’t get that cold in the winter, so there’s nothing to worry about, right?

Wrong.

Heavy rainfall can cause serious damage to your entire plumbing system, from your drainage pipes to your sewer system. Rain-saturated soil can turn to heavy mud, and cause the ground to shift and put extra pressure on your pipes. This can lead to ruptures and blockages when debris makes its way into the pipes, potentially leading to backed up sewage and flooded basements. This is why it’s important to regularly maintain your plumbing.

Here are five important steps that every Vancouver homeowner needs to remember when getting their plumbing ready for winter.

Rainy Weather Plumbing Tip #1: Install a backwater check valve. 

Also called a sewer backflow valve, this device is designed to keep water and sewage flowing away from your property and prevents water from backflowing into your house from municipal sewer lines.

Rainy Weather Plumbing Tip #2: Inspect your pipes long before the rainy season begins. 

Get a professional pipe inspection to find any weak, worn or cracked pipes before they become a big problem once the raining starts. You want to be able to deal with these problems while the weather is still dry, rather than while your house is already leaking or flooding.

Rainy Weather Plumbing Tip #3: Make sure your sump pump is ready.

Overworking your sump pump can cause big problems. Ground saturation from prolonged heavy rain can cause water to build up around the foundation of your home. The accumulating water will build pressure and will look for somewhere to go, and sometimes this means straight into your basement or crawl space. A sump pit in your basement makes sure that this excess water is pumped away before it floods. Extra rains mean your sump pump is working extra hard. So, make sure it’s the right size for your home and is in good working order before the rainy season begins.

Rainy Weather Plumbing Tip #4: Check your gutters.

Your gutters are an important part of your home’s overall drainage system. A good gutter system directs rainwater away from the house where it won’t do damage. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris after the autumn leaf fall, and that they drain away from your house.

Rainy Weather Plumbing Tip #5: Ensure the water flows away from your house. 

If you have a drain tile system, as most homes in Vancouver do, its functioning is essential for keeping excess rain water away from your house. Checking that the pipes are clear and undamaged with regular maintenance will ensure that backups and breaks don’t occur during excess rain. 

You have enough home maintenance issues to think about during the winter without dealing with floods and leaking pipes. At Ashton Service Group, we have professionals on hand to take care of you. Be proactive and rest easy this winter, give us a call and see how we can help today.