A monsoon season is a period characterized by heavy rainfall and a shift in the wind pattern from the ocean to the landmass. It arrives in the southwestern United States, like Arizona, in the late summer and has a significant impact on the plumbing system. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare for it.
The Dangers
Thunderstorms produced during monsoon season are heavy and powerful. They can cause a whole host of issues.
Sewer Backup and Flooding
Some homes, especially those built decades ago, use a combined sewer system that collects domestic sewage, rainwater runoff, and industrial wastewater into one channel. This channel, a pipeline, then carries the mix to a treatment plant. Under normal conditions, the system works fine—but heavy rainfall can overwhelm it.
When that happens, the discharge can back up into residential plumbing or spill out into streets and basements. This poses a serious sanitation risk, can result in extensive water damage, and may cause pipes to burst under pressure.
In response, many states in the US adopted separate sewer systems to handle wastewater and stormwater independently. While they offer improved protection, they are not immune to monsoon-related challenges. Aging infrastructure, clogged drains, or rapid water accumulation can still lead to backups and flooding.
Septic system owners face similar risks. Septic setups use a septic tank and drainfield to manage waste. During monsoons, saturated soil can hinder proper absorption in the drainfield, causing untreated wastewater to pool on the surface or, worse, flow back into the home. Additionally, extended flooding can damage the tank components, leading to costly repairs or replacements and posing environmental risks.
Pipe Leaks and Burst Pipes
Heavy rainfall can exert too much pressure on underground pipes. Saturated soil may shift or settle unevenly, placing added stress on buried pipes, which will then cause joint failures, cracks, or outright bursts.
Even newer systems are not entirely safe. Rapid temperature changes and soil movements during monsoons can accelerate corrosion in metal components or weaken pipe connections. Once compromised, these leaks may remain hidden until you notice signs such as unexplained spikes in your water bill, damp walls, or pooling water.
Clogged Drains and Gutters
Fallen leaves, twigs, eroded soils, and other debris carried by heavy rainfall can clog drains and gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and enter your home through rooflines, siding gaps, or improperly sealed window frames. The result? Interior water damage, mold growth, and unnecessary strain on your home drainage systems. Similarly, clogged drains can lead to water backup in toilets, sinks, and showers, making daily tasks a mess and increasing the likelihood of fixture damage and foul odors.
Water Quality Concerns
Monsoon rainfall can compromise the quality of your water supply. Excess runoff often carries pollutants, sediments, and organic matter into groundwater sources, rivers, and lakes. These contaminants can alter the taste, color, and odor of your tap water and reduce its overall safety.
Moreover, sewer backups and flooding can introduce harmful microorganisms into municipal water lines and private wells. If left untreated, this contamination poses serious health risks, especially for homes relying on well water or aging infrastructure.
How to Protect Your Property and Plumbing System
You can keep your home safe, healthy, and efficient during the monsoon season by implementing the following measures.
1. Taking Steps to Prevent Flooding
Rain-induced flooding is a common occurrence during the monsoon period. The best you can do is prepare your home for it since you can’t entirely avoid it. Start by improving drainage. Grade your yard to slope away from your home to minimize soil erosion and water pooling near the foundation.
Next, ensure your sump pump is in proper working order before the heavy storm arrives. Test it by pouring water into the pit to see if it activates swiftly and discharges efficiently. Since power outages may occur during monsoon periods, consider investing in a battery backup system to guarantee continued operation. Additionally, if you haven’t professionally serviced your sump pump in the past six months or more, this is the time to do it.
Finally, install flood skirts and barriers. Flood skirts are flexible, waterproof linings positioned around the exterior perimeter of building foundations and entry points. Their role is to divert floodwater away from the structure.
2. Have an Annual Pipeline Test
Schedule a pipeline inspection with a licensed plumber to check for corrosion, cracks, leaks, joint integrity, clogs, and sediment buildup. These issues often go unnoticed until monsoon rains push the pipeline to the limit.
3. Safeguard Septic Systems
If your home relies on a septic setup, take extra precautions to protect it during monsoon season. Again, hire a licensed plumber to inspect the tank, drain flow, drainfield, and associated piping for signs of oversaturation, root intrusion, or blockages.
4. Protect Water Quality
Installing a whole-house water filtration system can help safeguard your home water from contamination during periods of heavy rainfall. It is installed where the main water supply enters your home, which means all water flowing through your pipes, including outdoor outlets, is purified. Not only does this safeguard your health, but it also protects your plumbing system from long-term damage.
Your pipes and fixtures will be free of sediments, rust, and mineral buildup that can degrade them. Clean water also means fewer clogs and less wear on appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters. Your plumbing system will perform optimally and efficiently as intended, regardless of the storms and floods.
It’s important to understand that there are various types of whole-home water filtration systems. Therefore, call a licensed plumber to test your water quality and recommend the most suitable system for your home. For example, if they find that you also have a hard water problem, they’ll incorporate a water softener into your overall filtration system.
5. Schedule Plumbing Maintenance
A comprehensive plumbing system maintenance should be part of your monsoon season preparation. A licensed plumber will inspect and tune-up your backflow prevention devices, pressure regulators, plumbing appliances, pipes, fixtures, etc., in readiness for the stormy period.
Professional maintenance for a standard home usually takes one to three hours but can protect your plumbing system for up to two years. If your plumbing is old, schedule routine yearly professional service for optimal performance and efficiency.
6. Upgrade Your Plumbing System
If your plumbing and drainage system is older than 20 years, this might be the ideal time to upgrade it. Like any other infrastructure, these systems undergo wear and tear that can compromise their reliability, especially under the strain of monsoon conditions.
Modern plumbing materials like PEX and PVC are more durable and resistant to harsh weather and environmental conditions. They also contribute to better water quality, as they don’t corrode, leach chemicals into the water, or affect its taste and odor.
Contact AZ Family Plumbing for Monsoon Season Preparation
The monsoon season will inevitably impact your plumbing system. In fact, beyond preparing your system beforehand, it’s equally important to schedule a professional inspection afterward to identify any hidden damage. You can rely on
AZ Family Plumbing for both pre-storm preparation and post-monsoon assessment. We are licensed and certified, have over 25 years of experience in the plumbing field, and hold an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau. We’re also always there to take your call with our 24/7 emergency plumbing services.
Call AZ Family Plumbing today for plumbing maintenance and upgrades in Glendale.
