How to Prepare Your Home for Rain

Southern California has been having a wet winter and there’s more rain planned in the forecast. Ready your home with these tips from Keithley Plumbing.

Be sure your rain gutters, downspouts and area drains are clean because any obstructions can lead to major issues like flooding. The job of your gutters, downspouts and area drains is to deter water away from your home. If they are obstructed, your downspouts could overflow and, if they’re connected to your area drain, it could also overflow.

Inspect your gutters and downspouts to make sure they are in good condition and make any necessary repairs. Do the same with your area drains. Check the grate above the drain and make sure it is not covered with mud and/or debris to prevent overflow.

Check your sump pump. Even areas that have excellent drainage systems can get overwhelmed by heavy rainfall. This can lead to flooding in below grade spaces like basements and garages. If you don’t have sump pump you may want to consider have one installed. If you already have one, it’s a good idea to have it inspected so that it can do it’s job if the time comes.

Also, be sure your HVAC unit inspected and repaired before your need it. Also, make sure water heaters in basements are raised up, so the pilot light isn’t sitting in waters should it flood in that area. Keithley Plumbing has a list of companies they can recommend.

For issues other than plumbing: Check for leaks at your roof and paint wood trim around the outside of your home to help prevent leaks.

For more help getting your home storm-ready contact Keithley Plumbing at www.keithleyplumbing.com or by calling (626) 449-0387. They are located at 3579 E Foothill Blvd #227, Pasadena.