Short answer
Before winter rains, clear yard and gutter drains, make sure the sewer cleanout cap is in place, check exposed pipes and hose bibs, and know where your main shutoff is. Heavy storms can overload old sewer laterals, so slow drains before the rain are worth getting checked.
Drains and cleanouts
Missing cleanout caps let rainwater into sewer lines and cause backups.
Sewer laterals
Old clay laterals with root intrusion back up during storms.
Not sure it is safe to keep running? A local technician can check it today.
Call NowChecklist
Before the first big storm:
- Clear yard drains
- Cap the cleanout
- Check hose bibs for leaks
- Locate your main shutoff
Related questions
Why do drains back up during rain?
Groundwater gets into cracked sewer lines and overloads them.
Is sewer backup covered by insurance?
Often only with a specific rider; check your policy.
Services that fix this
Emergency Plumbing
Burst lines, water heater failures, overflowing toilets and leaks that cannot wait.
Emergency plumber in Paramount
Burst Pipe Repair
Split copper, failed galvanized, broken fittings and burst supply hoses, repaired and pressure-tested.
Burst pipe repair in ParamountThis guide is general information for homeowners, not a diagnosis of your system. For anything involving gas, carbon monoxide, electricity or active leaks, stop and call a qualified professional.
