| Quick BreakdownHeavy rain puts massive pressure on sewer systems, especially older pipes.Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) from rainwater and groundwater overloads pipes, causing backups.Signs of trouble include gurgling drains, foul odors, green patches, puddles, or sinkholes.Pre-storm camera inspections catch hidden damage before it becomes costly.Backflow valves, pipe relining, and smart landscaping prevent backups and protect your property.Proactive plumbing keeps tenants safe and happy, reduces emergency costs, and safeguards your budget. |
You’re a property manager. Your to-do list is long. But here’s one thing you cannot ignore: plumbing inspection before storm season. Heavy rain isn’t just surface water; it’s a massive pressure test for every pipe, joint, and underground connection. Ignoring it is a gamble that can trigger raw sewage backups, costly cleanups, and legal headaches.
This isn’t minor maintenance, it’s protecting your assets, tenants, and bottom line. Here’s what you need to know, why it matters, and exactly what to do before the next storm hits.
The Invisible Threat: Why Rainwater Overloads Your Sewer System
Your sewer lines are designed for everyday wastewater, not sudden flood surges. When a storm hits, they face two major stressors:
- Inflow and Infiltration (I&I)
Rainwater and groundwater sneaking into your pipes create invisible pressure.
| I&I Type | What It Is | How It Enters | Why It’s Dangerous |
| Inflow | Rainwater | Illegal connections (gutters, sump pumps) or cracked manhole lids | Sudden volume surge that overloads pipes instantly |
| Infiltration | Groundwater | Seeping through cracks, faulty joints, or old porous pipes | Weakens pipes, erodes soil, risks collapse |
- System Overload & Backflow
Once I&I starts, older combined sewage systems choke under hydraulic pressure.
The Result: Wastewater has nowhere to go but up: flooding ground-floor units. Sewer backups are messy, expensive, and often preventable.
- Saturated Soil & Pipe Stress
Heavy rain saturates soil, which swells and shifts underground. Pipes with hairline cracks can snap or leak. This magnifies I&I problems, escalating risk overnight.
Our team at Sketchley & Mason, Inc. can inspect your underground pipes quickly and safely, giving you peace of mind before the next storm.
Common Plumbing Failures After a Downpour
Storms trigger immediate, costly failures:
- Sewer Backups: Wastewater floods floor drains, toilets, tubs. These are the most common and disruptive problems.
- Storm Debris Clogs: Leaves, dirt, and silt wash into pipes, causing deep blockages.
- Gurgling & Foul Odors: Toilets gurgling or drains smelling bad during/after rain.
- Hidden Pipe Damage: Old clay or cast iron pipes fail under soil pressure, turning minor rain into a major issue.
- Manhole Overflow: Excess volume can spill from manholes or cleanouts, contaminating property and public areas.
Why Proactive Plumbing is Non-Negotiable
Storm-related plumbing issues hit your tenants, budget, insurance, and legal compliance:
| Area of Impact | The Cost | The Solution |
| Tenant Satisfaction | Complaints, turnover, bad reviews | Functional plumbing 24/7, proactive inspections |
| Financial Risk | Emergency cleanup, unit repair, biohazard remediation | Pre-storm inspections & preventative devices |
| Insurance Exposure | Claim denial, higher premiums | Documented, scheduled preventative care |
| Legal Risk | Code violations or sanitation violations | Compliance with local building & sanitation codes |
Being reactive means high costs and disruptions. Being proactive means control and predictable expenses.
Action Plan: 5 Preventive Strategies to Implement Now
Don’t wait for disaster. Protect your property with these measures:
Pre-Storm Sewer Line Inspection (The Essential First Step)
- Why: You can’t fix what you can’t see.
- Action: Hire a licensed plumber for a camera inspection of your sewer lateral.
- Look for: Cracks, broken joints, root intrusion, and sagging areas. Identify weaknesses before they fail during storms.
Install Backflow / Backwater Valves
- Why: Prevent raw sewage from backing up into your building.
- Action: Install a valve on the main sewer lateral. It lets wastewater flow out normally but seals shut under reverse pressure. It prevents one single basement flood, saving tens of thousands.
Clear & Correct Inflow Sources
- Why: Stop rainwater from entering the sewer.
- Clear Exterior Drains: Gutters, downspouts, yard drains must be free of debris.
- Monitor & Fix Illicit Connections: Illegal sump pump or gutter connections to sewer lines are code violations and I&I sources.
Consider Pipe Relining
- Why: Older or cracked pipes can fail under storm pressure.
- Process: A resin-coated liner is inserted and cured inside the pipe (trenchless repair).
- ROI: Strengthens pipe, prevents infiltration, extends life by decades, costs less than full excavation.
Landscape Smartly
- Why: Land design affects runoff and pipe stress.
- Grade Away: Direct water from foundation to street.
- Permeable Surfaces: Gravel, permeable pavers, or swales absorb water, reducing load on pipes.
Take Control Before the Next Storm
Storms happen, but a sewer disaster is avoidable. Catching hidden pipe damage early stops small problems from turning into huge, costly headaches. Protect your property, your tenants, and your budget by acting now. Don’t wait for the next heavy rain to find out something broke underground.
Call Sketchley & Mason, Inc. at (818) 347-5508 today to schedule a camera inspection and prevent hidden damage before it becomes a nightmare.
FAQs
- What are the four biggest plumbing code violations tied to storm risk?
The four biggest plumbing code violations tied to storm risk
- Illegal cross-connections (gutters tied to sewer).
- Missing/faulty backflow valves.
- Improper sump pump discharge into the sewer.
- Cracked/unsealed cleanouts are allowing infiltration.
- Is relining a sewer pipe worth it?
Absolutely. Relining gives your old pipes new strength, stops leaks, and prevents rainwater from sneaking in, all without the mess and cost of digging up your yard. It’s a smart long-term move that protects your property when storms hit.
- How can I tell if a drain pipe is broken underground?
Signs of a broken underground drain pipe include slow drains or toilets that gurgle after heavy rain, foul odors coming from drains or the yard, unusually lush or green patches of grass above the pipeline, and pooling water or small sinkholes near the property. A professional camera inspection is the only reliable way to confirm the damage.
- Is it better to repair or replace a sewer line?
Repairing or relining a sewer line is usually the best solution. Replacement is only necessary for major breaks, repeated collapses, or widespread pipe damage. Materials like PVC provide a guaranteed 50+ year lifespan and long-term reliability.
- Can a handyman do storm-related plumbing work like installing a backflow valve?
No. Only licensed, insured plumbing professionals should perform inspections, relining, and backflow installation.
