In Texas when it rains, we’ve all heard it “we really needed it” but can rain affect your plumbing? With a short answer, yes. When the ground starts to get wet it’s important to know how heavy rain can affect your plumbing.

It can increase pressure on pipes

With heavy rainfall whatever soil is surrounding your pipes like sand or dirt will absorb water and become heavy. This weight adds extra pressure on your pipes which can set off a variety of other issues. Older or already damaged plumbing are more susceptible to these issues. But even if your plumbing systems is durable, it’s impossible to predict the impact the weather can have on your plumbing.

Shifts in underground plumbing

During a heavy rainfall the ground becomes very soft. This soft ground can make underground pipes and plumbing fixtures more likely to shift. Shifting can lead to joints loosening, your pipes to crack, or pipes to burst.

Backed up pipes

Our rain gutters collect debris during a heavy rainstorm and this collection can cause them to get clogged. The same thing can happen to your pipes. If your pipes crack because they couldn’t withstand the pressure or because they shifted due to heavy rain, these cracks have the protentional to allow debris to enter the pipes. Which in return can cause backups. Also, you should watch out for tree roots. They are notorious for finding those cracks and getting to all the nutrients those pipes can offer.

Can you prevent these problems?

You want to pay close attention to sounds, water bill, and the water meter to your house. Heavy rain with already troubled plumbing can worsen the problem. You want to schedule regular plumbing maintenance. Having your plumbing system looked at yearly by a professional plumber can help avoid costly repairs when mother nature comes knocking on your door. So don’t let a rainy day get you down about your plumbing. Give Duncan Plumbing a call today 972-937-0040