Is Your Plumbing Ready for This Winter's Rainy Season?
A strong storm season puts pressure on more of a home's plumbing than most people expect. Maverick Plumbing Technicians put together this checklist so homeowners in Watsonville and Santa Cruz can look at their sump pump, drains, backflow protection, and leak risk before the rain arrives.
With a Strong Storm Pattern Expected This Winter, a Few Systems Are Worth a Second Look
With a strong storm pattern expected across the Central Coast this winter, it's worth taking stock of a few plumbing systems that tend to get overlooked until they fail. Groundwater pressure builds against below-grade spaces, storm debris works its way into drains, and heavy rain raises real cross-contamination risk at backflow points connected to irrigation systems.
Maverick Plumbing Technicians serves Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding Monterey Bay area, and this time of year we see the same handful of issues come up again and again. Here's what we recommend checking before the rain sets in, and where to find more detail on each one.
Get Ahead of the Rain
A quick pre-season check on your sump pump, drains, backflow device, and leak risk points can prevent a much bigger issue once the storms roll in.
Call (831) 515-9903Your Rainy Season Plumbing Checklist
Four systems worth checking before the rain sets in. Each one links to more detail on how we assess and address it.
Sump Pump Readiness
Homes with below-grade spaces — basements, crawlspaces, or garages set lower than the surrounding grade — deal with real groundwater pressure once the rainy season sets in. A sump pump that hasn't been checked recently, or one that was never sized correctly for the space, is one of the more common points of failure during a wet winter.
See Sump Pump Services →Drain & Sewer Clearing
Storm debris and heavier-than-usual water flow can turn a slow drain into a backed-up one fast, especially in older homes with existing root intrusion or buildup. If more than one drain in the house is slow, or there's a sewer odor near a floor drain or cleanout, that's usually a sign of a mainline issue rather than a single clogged fixture.
See Drain & Sewer Services →Backflow Testing
Heavy rain raises the risk of contaminated water being pulled back into a home's clean water supply at points connected to irrigation systems or other non-potable sources — which is exactly what a backflow preventer is designed to stop. If a property has an irrigation system and the device hasn't been tested this year, rainy season is a good time to have it checked.
See Backflow Prevention & Testing →Leak Detection
Ground movement and saturation from heavy rain can aggravate an existing slab leak or make a small hidden leak easier to catch. An unexplained increase in the water bill, the sound of running water with no fixtures in use, or unexplained moisture are all worth a second look before winter sets in.
See Leak Detection & Repiping →Why Maverick Plumbing Technicians
Maverick Plumbing Technicians, Inc. is a licensed (CSLB #1102966) and insured plumbing contractor based in Watsonville, serving residential and commercial properties throughout Santa Cruz County and Monterey County. Our team provides 24/7 emergency service and focuses on clear communication and work completed to code, whether it's a routine inspection or an active issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my sump pump is ready for rainy season?
A quick way to check is pouring water into the basin to confirm the pump activates and drains properly. If it hasn't been tested in a while, or the property has had flooding issues before, an assessment is worth scheduling before the rain starts.
Do I need to test my backflow preventer every year?
Many jurisdictions require annual testing for properties with irrigation systems or other cross-connection points. If you're not sure when yours was last tested, our Backflow Prevention & Testing page has more detail.
What should I do if I already have a plumbing emergency?
Call us directly at (831) 515-9903. Maverick Plumbing Technicians provides 24/7 emergency plumbing service.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and surrounding communities throughout Santa Cruz County and Monterey County.
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Common signs include an unexplained increase in the water bill, the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, or unexplained moisture or odors in a wall, floor, or ceiling.