Plumbing Problems To Watch For When It Rains

Plumbing Problems To Watch For When It Rains

Backed Up Sewer Pipe:
The Most Common Plumbing Issue
When It Rains

A popular issue and the most simple actually us having debris in outdoor drains.

Most properties have two wastewater pipes – one for the disposal of rainwater or snow melt that runs off the roof and another for the disposal of wastewater from sinks, baths, and toilets. There are also properties where the storm water line and the sewer line are shared into one complete sewer system.

Lack of proper drainage will put unnecessary pressure on your pipes and the entire outdoor drainage system.

It is this reason that the City of Toronto has enacted mandatory downspout disconnection, so as to not overwhelm the city municipal sewers during thaws or heavy rainfall. There are exemptions available though, and so sometimes the drain pipes can back up (sewer backup). This is due to the volume of water or blockages in the underground drain.

The water from an overwhelmed city sewer due to heavy rain fall can back up into the home. Installing a backwater valve is a good means of flood protection in these instances. This valve prevents rain water flowing into your home.

Another indication is if your fixtures drain slowly.Rain causing plumbing issues inside the home/property: It is a homeowner’s responsibility if the blockage occurs on the private side of the pipes leading from your property to the main city sewer to rectify the problem. You'll want to act quickly to remedy the drain problem to prevent water damage, a broken pipe or your drainage system not working properly.

Blockage in your plumbing: Blockages are most common in wastewater pipes due to the volume of solid matter (hair, grease, food scraps, and bathroom waste) that passes through them. That said, tree roots or a build-up of mud, gravel, leaves, or debris from the roof or ground can also cause a blockage in the rainwater system. This may only become apparent during heavy rainfall, when the pipe begins to back up in the home, typically from a floor drain.

Left unchecked, the rainwater will build up in gutters, pool on the ground, or seep inside your property if foundational cracks exist through which it can penetrate. In these circumstances, you have some options to fix the issue. Calling a reputable drain and sewer company is your first step.

Depending on their diagnosis, you may benefit from a sewer video camera inspection to identify any issues and determine if your need any drain repairs or even a drain replacement service.

A drain cleaning may also be the recommended course of action. This is performed with a snaking or hydro jetting to clear away any blockages. If the issue is with a collapsed pipe or broken drain, a replacement to upgrade the pipe to plastic may be required. 

Pooling Rainwater

This is a very easy visual cue: If you notice water pooling anywhere inside or outside your home after it rains.

Whether this is due to a roof run-off system in poor condition, saturated soil, a cracked or broken pipe, a sloped driveway, faulty drainage, or the topography of your yard, pooling rainwater is rarely a good thing, especially if the pools are forming close to your property. Rain can affect these characteristics of your home.

Walls exposed to prolonged moisture wear more quickly and there’s also an increased wet basement risk as water can penetrate your interior. Particularly if the pools remain for weeks between rain showers. In this instance they can become stagnant, creating a breeding ground for all sorts of unwanted pests.



Recurring pools need to be investigated by a professional plumber you can trust to determine if waterproofing solutions are required or external area drains or catch basins can be utilized for proper drainage.

Dampness In The Basement

The lower portion of your property’s walls and the foundation are below ground level. Rainfall increases the volume of water in the soil surrounding your home. If the external wall is compromised, water will get through the wall and into your basement.

Left unchecked, the water entering your property will begin eroding the exterior wall, as well as damaging timber and cement materials in your basement. Multiple weaknesses in an exterior wall that allow water through can lead to major structural issues. Not only are these costly to fix, but they may even result in the demolition of the property.

If you notice any of the following signs of dampness in the basement, timely action is needed:

·        Walls that are moist to the touch

·        A damp smell (which is actually the smell of mold spores)

·        Mold, fungi, moss, or other plant life

·        Discolouration or bulging drywall

In extreme circumstances, you may end up with a flooded basement Toronto plumbers will need to fix. A flooded basement requires fast intervention, and you should call an emergency plumber in Toronto. You should always rely on professionals to get the basement drained and the damaged basement floor or walls repaired.

The options available to remedy a damp basement and the damage it can cause include external waterproofing, and internal waterproofing.

Protecting Your Home From The Rain

Plumbing problems will happen to every home, it's inevitable but the DrainWorks Expert Plumbing team of friendly, professional plumbers are always on hand to assist with property problems due to rainfall.

Voted best plumbers in Toronto we can successfully help with burst pipes, blocked drains, flooded basements, backed-up sewers, and more.

No matter the issue, you can depend on us to provide a fast, effective, and fairly priced solution.

You can contact us during regular business hours or you can also book a plumber online now.

Thanks For Reading Plumbing Problems To Watch For When It Rains

Thanks for reading Plumbing Problems To Watch For When It Rains. Be sure to check out our previous article Tree Roots In The Sewer Line: How Serious Can It Be?