Sudden heavy rain do provide relief against the scorching heat, but did you know that they wreak havoc on the plumbing system of your property?
While a drizzle is virtually harmless, thunderstorms can make drains overflow, clog pipes or even worse, damage them, affecting the foundations of your home. So, if your backyard is flooded after a downpour or the roof starts leaking, then it’s about time you call a plumbing company to examine the plumbing system.
More often than not, this happens when your plumbing system isn’t capable enough to handle large volumes of water. And if not treated in time, it can lead to costly repairs.
That said, we’ll walk you through the harmful effects of heavy rains on your pipes and drainage system, so you can take preventive measures beforehand. So, grab a cup of coffee and begin reading!
How Heavy Rain Can Affect Your Plumbing?
If your backyard starts flooding after heavy rains, it’s likely clogged by debris, such as grass, twigs, leaves and other things. More often than not, this happens because the flowing water carries debris that gets stuck in the sewer system and causes blockages in the drain.
Not only is it unsightly, but it puts a strain on the plumbing system while hampering your day-to-day functioning. Having said that, we’ve enlisted all the ways in which your plumbing system can be affected by heavy rains in the monsoon season. Let’s check them out.
1. Heavy Rains Cause Blockages By Trapping Wastes
We’ve already mentioned that the rainwater collects dirt, leaves, rocks and other debris while flowing, which gets accumulated in the pipes. Of course, piling up trash in the pipelines is one of the major causes of blockage.
And when large volumes of dirt settle in the pipes, the water doesn’t get space for flowing, which is why the roofs or walls start leaking. This is a dreaded nightmare for every homeowner because you’ll have to replace the cracked pipes, which is a costly affair.
Besides debris, tree roots also get into the pipelines and start growing when they get adequate nutrients, cracking or damaging them. That’s why we suggest you keep trimming the tree roots regularly to ensure they don’t make their way into your pipes.
2. Downpours Can Crack Your Pipes
There’s no denying that the soil around the plumbing system soaks in water and dirt, making it heavier. Hence, the pressure on the pipes increases as they tend to shift and change their positions, resulting in dangerous consequences.
Of course, this results in the physical breakdown of the pipe as it develops cracks and starts leaking. And at times, the pressure is so intense that instead of cracking, the pipes break entirely, so water starts gushing out of them uncontrollably.
Since this can cause immense damage to the foundation of your property, it’s important to fix it as soon as possible. While you may be tempted to take the DIY route, we suggest calling a plumber as they are skilled enough to handle the issue.
3. Excess Rainwater Can Increase The Pressure On The Plumbing System
Irrespective of whether it’s a slight drizzle or a heavy downpour, rainwater passes through the pipelines. While light downpours don’t affect the pipes, heavy rainfall carries sludge and mud that adds pressure to the plumbing system.
As a result, it hinders the performance of the pipeline and can cause significant damage to the system if not repaired on time. So, ensure that your pipeline is cleaned regularly so that mud and sludge don’t accumulate, causing damage to the system.
Tell-Tale Signs Of A Damaged Plumbing System
Without a doubt, plumbing systems are complex because they contain a network of pipes, fixtures and appliances. More often than not, they are located underground or behind the walls, which is why detecting a leak or blockage isn’t easy for homeowners.
However, there are a few tell-tale signs that may give you subtle hints that your plumbing system isn’t working as efficiently as it should. Here we’ve discussed a few common signs of a damaged plumbing system.
1. Change In Water Pressure
Is there a leaking faucet at home, or have your utility bills skyrocketed lately? Well, we suggest calling a professional plumber to get your plumbing system checked because there may be a change in the water pressure.
In the meantime, check the water heater system because a faulty one can affect the water pressure of your home. If it seems fine, then there might be a blockage in the pipe or a leak in the faucet, which calls for immediate cleaning.
2. Slow Drainage
If the water takes ages to drain from the sink, then there’s a high possibility that your pipes are damaged or have deteriorated. And if that’s the case, you’ll have to hire a professional plumber to revamp the pipes to ensure the smooth functioning of the plumbing system.
3. Slurry Water
Another tell-tale sign of a damaged pipe is slurry or discoloured water flowing out of it. Usually, the water that gushes through the plumbing system is clear rather than dirty. So, if you notice discoloured water coming out of the pipes, call a plumber right away to detect the root cause of the problem.
Summing It Up
On that note, it’s finally time to wrap our guide on the topic.
Though a debilitating task, it’s important to keep an eye on the plumbing system of your home to ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently. Also, make sure you trim tree roots and clean debris from your garden every now and then.
And for everyone who resides in areas that are prone to heavy rainfall, don’t forget to hire a professional to get your plumbing system examined. By doing so, you’ll be saved from shelling out extra money on costly repairs.
With that said, it’s time to call curtains for the day. In case of leaking roofs, faucets or blockage, make sure you call a plumber right away because a stitch in time saves nine.
Take care, folks!
