Every summer, Tucson residents watch the skies for the dramatic clouds of monsoon season. While the rain is a welcome relief from the heat, the sudden, torrential downpours can wreak havoc on your home's plumbing and drainage systems.
At Wood's Plumbing, we see a massive spike in emergency calls during July and August. Here is our master plumber's guide to preparing your Tucson home for the monsoons.
1. Clear Your Yard Drains and Scuppers
Tucson homes rely heavily on yard drains, scuppers, and French drains to move water away from the foundation. Over the dry months, these fill with dust, leaves, and debris. When a microburst hits, a clogged yard drain will cause water to pool against your house and potentially flood your interior.
Action Step: Run a hose into all exterior drains to ensure they flow freely. If water backs up, you need professional hydro jetting to clear the lines before the storms hit.
2. Check Your Sump Pump
If your home has a basement, sunken patio, or low-lying driveway, you likely have a sump pump. These sit idle for 10 months of the year, and it's incredibly common for them to seize up or fail exactly when you need them most.
Action Step: Test your sump pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit until the float switch activates. Ensure it pumps the water out quickly and quietly.
3. Inspect Your Sewer Cleanout Cap
Your sewer cleanout is usually a white PVC pipe sticking out of the ground near your foundation. During heavy rains, city sewer mains can become overwhelmed. If your cleanout cap is missing or damaged, storm water can flood into your private sewer line, causing sewage to back up into your bathtubs and showers.
Action Step: Ensure the cap is tightly screwed on and not cracked from the Arizona sun.
4. Locate Your Main Water Shut-off
Lightning strikes and power surges during monsoons can occasionally cause erratic behavior in electronic plumbing valves or well pumps.
Action Step: Make sure everyone in the house knows exactly where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to turn it off in an emergency.
Don't wait until the first storm floods your property. Call Wood's Plumbing at (520) 682-2233 for a pre-monsoon plumbing inspection and drain clearing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbing Maintenance
What does annual plumbing maintenance include?
Annual plumbing maintenance includes inspection of all fixtures, checking water pressure, examining pipe conditions, testing shut-off valves, inspecting water heater, and identifying potential issues before they become emergencies.
How can I prevent plumbing problems?
Prevent plumbing problems by scheduling annual inspections, avoiding pouring grease down drains, using drain screens, maintaining your water heater, and addressing minor issues promptly before they worsen.
When should I replace my plumbing?
Consider replacing plumbing if your home has galvanized pipes (prone to corrosion), you experience frequent leaks, have low water pressure throughout the house, or if pipes are over 50 years old.