Heavy Rain? Protect Your Plumbing Now

It’s no secret that the Great British weather has been living up to its reputation lately. With heavy rain and high winds battering Wiltshire, many of us are looking anxiously at our properties. But have you thought about your plumbing?

While we often associate storms with leaking roofs or fallen fences, extreme weather can put a massive strain on your home’s plumbing system. From blocked drains to mysterious gurgling sounds, the effects of a storm often show up in the places you least expect. At Anderson James, we want to help you keep your home warm, dry, and flowing freely.

Here is everything you need to know about protecting your plumbing during this wet and windy season.

Why Heavy Rain Impacts Your Drains

You might wonder how rain falling outside affects the pipes inside your house. The answer usually lies in the sheer volume of water entering the public sewer system. When we experience sudden, torrential downpours, the local drainage networks can become overwhelmed.

In many older UK properties, rainwater and wastewater share the same pipework. When these pipes reach capacity, the water has nowhere to go but back up. This added pressure can significantly slow down the flow of water leaving your home.

You might notice that your toilet takes longer to flush or your sink drains sluggishly while it is pouring outside.

Signs Your Plumbing is Struggling

Storm damage isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes, the signs are subtle warnings that a blockage is forming deep within your pipes. Catching these early can save you a lot of hassle and prevent a potential flood later on.

Gurgling Sounds

If you hear a strange glug-glug sound coming from your toilet, shower, or sink when it rains, do not ignore it. This gurgling is often caused by trapped air in the pipes. It usually means that the water in the drain is backing up, forcing air bubbles up through the trap seals.

It is a clear sign that the main line is struggling to cope with the volume of water.

Unpleasant Smells

Have you noticed a sewage-like smell lingering in your bathroom or kitchen after a storm? This happens when the drain vents become blocked or when the water level in the sewer rises too high. If the pressure in the pipes changes drastically, it can siphon the water out of your U-bends.

Without that water barrier, odours from the sewer can drift directly back into your home.

Slow Drainage

If your bath water is taking forever to drain away, it might not just be a standard clog. During heavy rain, the external pipes may be full of debris like leaves, silt, and twigs washed in by the storm. When the external flow is restricted, your internal plumbing has to fight against the current.

The Impact of High Winds

It isn’t just the rain that causes problems. High winds are notorious for blowing debris into places it shouldn’t be. Leaves, moss, and small branches can easily be blown into your external drain gullies.

Once they settle there, they act like a dam. The next time it rains, that water will pool around the drain rather than flowing away cleanly.

If you have an open vent stack, high winds can sometimes blow debris directly into it. A blocked vent stack can cause vacuum issues in your plumbing, leading to slow drainage throughout the entire house.

Simple Prevention Tips

You don’t need to be a plumbing expert to take a few preventative measures. A little bit of maintenance before the next storm hits can make a huge difference to your home.

Check your gullies by popping outside to look at the drain covers in your garden or driveway. If they are covered in wet leaves or mud, clear them away. This ensures surface water can flow freely into the sewer.

During a storm, your drains are already working overtime. Try to avoid pouring fats, oils, or food waste down the sink, as these can solidify and narrow the pipes even further.

When to Call the Professionals

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the weather wins. If you have a drain that refuses to clear, or if you spot water backing up into your bath or shower tray, it is time to call for help. Ignoring a backup can lead to dirty water damaging your flooring or a full overflow of sewage.

At Anderson James, we specialise in domestic plumbing repairs across Wiltshire. Whether it is a stubborn blockage, a leaking pipe, or a toilet that will not flush, we are here to help. We are a local company, which means we can attend quickly to get your home back to normal.

Do not let the rain damage your property. If you suspect your plumbing has taken a hit from the recent storms, get in touch with our team today.