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February is the rainiest month in Southern California. It’s the perfect time to prep your home for the rain if you haven’t thought about it until now. Not sure where to start? Just follow these tips, and you’ll be good to go!
#1: Lose the Gutter Gunk
Your gutters need to be clear to divert water from your roof. You’ll want to clear any leaves or other debris so you won’t have to while it is raining. Typically, leaves don’t start falling in Southern California until January or February, so make sure you’re mindful and check.
If you notice that water isn’t draining down your gutters during a storm, it might not be a bad idea to check and see if there are any blockages. If water can’t drain, it can cause damage to your roof.
#2: Make Sure Your Sump Pump is Working
If you have a sump pump, you should ensure it’s working. You can do this by pouring a few gallons of water into your sump pump. When the water reaches a high enough level, it should turn on. If it doesn’t, we can take a look and repair your sump pump before you need it.
#3: Insulate
Make sure your windows are sealed to keep your home warm, cozy, and rainwater-free. You have plenty of choices to seal your windows. We recommend caulking or weatherstripping. Homeowners can do either of these for a surprisingly low cost.
#4: Do Your Maintainance Now
Heavy rains can impact your home’s vital systems. When the weather forces you indoors, you need your HVAC and plumbing to function correctly for your safety and comfort.
How to Clean or Unclog Rain Water Drains
To do it on your own, you’ll need:
- Waterproof gloves
- A bucket of water
- A flathead screwdriver to pull up the drain cover
- A scrubber with handle
- A broom
- Powdered detergent or toilet cleaning solution
Here’s how to clean rain water drains:
- Step #1: Use the broom to sweep any leaves or debris covering the rain water drain cover. Note: just regular sweeping of the drain cover can prevent clogging in most cases.
- Step #2: With the gloves and screwdriver, pry the drain cover open. Stick your hands in the drain to grip whatever is blocking the drain.
- Step #3: With the scrubber and cleaning solution (or detergent), clean the inside of the drain. Remove any old buildup of grease or scum. Go as far as your hands can reach.
- Step #4: Pour the bucket of water to rinse the inside of the drain. This also tests out how well you’ve unclogged it.
- Step #5: Return the rain water drain cover to its place.
We enjoy some of the best weather in the world here in Southern California, but when we have a rainy winter, it can be a lot for us to handle. We are so used to months and months of dryness that when the rainy season comes, we can forget to prepare for it well.
For all your plumbing maintenance and drain cleaning needs, call Lloyd’s Plumbing at (805) 495-8766 or fill out an online contact form.