In Northeast Florida, rainy season isn’t just a forecast—it’s a way of life. From late May through October, heavy downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, saturate the soil, and put your plumbing through the wringer. And let’s be honest: no one wants to spend a humid summer weekend bailing water out of their crawl space or waking up to a sewage backup.
But here’s the good news: most wet-weather plumbing disasters can be prevented with a bit of foresight, some elbow grease, and help from your local plumber. At Kingdom Based Plumbing, we’ve seen everything from yard-wide sinkholes to mystery puddles in the kitchen. This guide shares the best of what we’ve learned to help you stay dry and damage-free.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Let’s kick things off with one of the most overlooked—yet critically important—parts of your home’s water management system. While gutters and downspouts aren’t technically considered part of your plumbing system, they absolutely impact it. In fact, neglecting your gutters can create a domino effect that leads to foundation issues, basement leaks, and even sewer backups. That’s right—your roof drainage can directly affect your plumbing health.
Why It Matters
When gutters become clogged with leaves, pine needles, or debris, rainwater can’t flow freely through the system. Instead, it spills over the edges, saturating the soil around your home’s foundation. Over time, this excess moisture can weaken the structure, cause basement flooding, or lead to foundation cracks. Even worse, in some cases, this water can infiltrate your main sewer lines, especially in homes with aging infrastructure or tree-root intrusion.
Poorly directed downspouts only make the situation worse. If they discharge water too close to the house, all that runoff stays near your footing and can seep through any tiny crack or porous surface, causing interior water damage and even mold growth.
What You Should Do
Start by giving your gutters a thorough inspection twice a year—once in late spring and again in early fall. If you live in an area with heavy foliage or frequent storms, consider cleaning them quarterly.
Check for standing water: Puddles around your home’s base after rainfall suggest poor drainage or clogged lines, both of which should be addressed immediately. the house, install extenders or even a French drain system to redirect the flow away from the foundation.
Clear out all debris: Remove leaves, twigs, seed pods, and shingle granules by hand or with a gutter scoop.
Flush the system: Use a hose to run water through the gutters and downspouts to check for proper flow.
Extend your downspouts: Ensure each one directs water at least 4–6 feet away from your home’s foundation. Downspout extenders or splash blocks can help prevent pooling.
Install gutter guards: These can reduce debris buildup and cut your cleaning time in half.
2. Clear Out Your Exterior and Storm Drains
Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas are known for their charming, tree-lined streets—especially the abundance of majestic oaks. But while those trees provide beauty, shade, and seasonal character, they also drop a heavy load of leaves, acorns, and pollen that can clog up more than just your gutters. Your yard’s storm drains and exterior drainage systems are also vulnerable to these natural blockages.
Why It Matters
When exterior or storm drains are blocked, rainwater has nowhere to go. Instead of flowing safely away from your home, water starts pooling in low spots around your property. This can flood your lawn, drown landscaping, erode walkways, and even back up into your driveway or garage.
Worse yet, if your home sits on a slope—which is common in parts of Northeast Florida—gravity takes over, and all that excess water heads straight toward your foundation or crawl space. That’s a recipe for structural damage, mold, and even a breeding ground for pests like mosquitoes.
Clogged storm drains are also more than just a nuisance. During Florida’s intense summer storms and hurricane season, proper drainage becomes a first line of defense. When drains are blocked, flash flooding becomes a very real possibility, even for homes that don’t typically deal with water issues.
What You Should Do
Keeping your storm drains clear doesn’t have to be a major project, but it does require consistency:
- Inspect drain covers and grates regularly. Remove any visible leaves, mulch, pine needles, or trash that may have accumulated. Do this especially before and after storms or during peak leaf-shedding seasons.
- Use the right tools. A wet/dry vacuum can quickly suck out leaves and standing water from surface drains. For tougher clogs, a handheld plumbing snake can dislodge buildup further down the pipe.
- Run a water test. Pour water down each drain and observe how quickly it flows. If the drain backs up or the water is slow to disappear, you may have an internal blockage that needs professional cleaning.
- Jet it out. For homes with heavy landscaping or mature trees, schedule professional hydro-jetting annually or biannually. This high-pressure cleaning method scours the interior of your drainage lines and prevents future clogs.
3. Check and Maintain Your Sump Pump
If your home has a basement or crawl space—a feature commonly found in older homes throughout St. Augustine and surrounding areas—your sump pump is a silent guardian against costly water damage. It’s not glamorous, and it certainly doesn’t get the spotlight like a new kitchen faucet might, but it plays a critical role in your home’s overall plumbing system. When heavy rains hit or the water table rises, that pump is what stands between you and a flooded foundation.
Why This Matters
Sump pumps are specifically designed to keep groundwater and storm runoff from accumulating in the lowest parts of your home, such as basements or crawl spaces. When these pumps fail—whether from power outages, clogs, aging components, or neglect—the result can be catastrophic. We’re talking soaked insulation, rotting subflooring, foundation cracks, structural warping, and potentially dangerous mold growth that could cost thousands to remediate. The damage isn’t just to your home—it can also affect the resale value and safety of your property.
With Florida’s frequent summer storms and rising groundwater levels, relying on a sump pump that’s overdue for maintenance is a gamble no homeowner should take.
What You Should Do
1. Perform a Monthly Test
Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water and slowly pour it into your sump pump pit. The float should rise, triggering the pump. If it doesn’t activate—or if it struggles or runs longer than necessary—it’s time for inspection or a replacement.
2. Listen Closely
Grinding, rattling, or humming noises could indicate a worn-out impeller or failing motor. A sump pump should run smoothly and shut off after it expels the water. If it keeps running, that’s a sign it’s either overwhelmed or malfunctioning.
3. Check the Discharge Line
Make sure the discharge pipe is clear of debris, ice, or blockages and that it directs water at least 10–20 feet away from your foundation. Water that drains too close can seep back in, defeating the whole purpose of the system.
4. Add a Battery Backup
Power outages and rainstorms go hand in hand in Northeast Florida. A battery backup ensures your sump pump keeps working even when the lights go out. You can also consider water-powered backups if your home has consistent municipal water pressure.
5. Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Just like your HVAC system, a sump pump benefits from an annual checkup. A licensed plumber can clean the pump, inspect electrical components, and replace any worn-out parts to keep everything running reliably.
4. Inspect Your Sewer Line for Roots and Blockages
In the lush, subtropical climate of Northeast Florida, what makes our landscapes so beautiful also poses a unique threat to your home’s plumbing—especially if your sewer lines are made of older materials like clay or cast iron. The same trees and plants that provide curb appeal and much-needed shade also send their roots deep into the ground in search of water. And your sewer lines? They’re like an all-you-can-drink buffet for those roots.
Why It Matters
Tree roots are incredibly persistent. Once they sense the moisture and nutrients flowing through tiny cracks in your sewer pipe, they’ll infiltrate the line—often through joints or deteriorating sections. As they grow, they form dense root balls that restrict or completely block the flow of wastewater. This blockage can cause slow drains, gurgling toilets, and—worst case—raw sewage backing up into your shower, tub, or floor drains.
During Florida’s rainy season, increased soil moisture accelerates root growth, which puts added pressure on already vulnerable sewer lines. This is especially concerning for older homes in areas like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and St. Johns County, where aging infrastructure may already be in place.
If you’ve ever dealt with a sewage backup during a summer thunderstorm, you already know it’s not just inconvenient—it’s hazardous, unsanitary, and expensive to fix.
What You Should Do
1. Schedule a Plumbing Camera Inspection
The best way to catch root intrusion early is with a video camera inspection. A licensed plumber will feed a waterproof camera into your sewer line and provide a real-time view of any cracks, blockages, or root growth. It’s a small investment that can prevent thousands in future repairs.
2. Use Hydro Jetting to Clear Roots
If roots are present but haven’t yet destroyed the pipe, hydro jetting is an effective, non-invasive solution. This high-pressure water technique blasts away roots, grease, and debris without the need to dig up your yard.
3. Consider Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
For homes with recurring issues or significant pipe damage, trenchless options like pipe lining or pipe bursting offer long-term solutions. These techniques reinforce or replace your existing pipe without tearing up your landscaping or driveway.
4. Prevent Future Growth
Talk to a plumber about using root-killing solutions or removing nearby trees whose roots are known to be aggressive. Copper sulfate and foaming root inhibitors can help keep roots at bay between professional cleanings.
5. Seal Foundation Cracks and Check for Underground Leaks
Your home’s foundation is literally the base that everything rests on—but in Florida, where sandy soils, heavy rains, and shifting ground are all too common, it’s also a vulnerable pressure point for leaks. Over time, water-saturated soil can push against the slab or crawlspace walls, and even hairline cracks can turn into water infiltration zones or allow pipes beneath your foundation to shift—resulting in hard-to-detect slab leaks.
Why This Matters
Unlike a leaky faucet or a clogged drain, slab leaks and foundation breaches often go unnoticed until significant damage is already done. We’re talking warped flooring, damp carpets, peeling paint, musty odors, or mold growth that slowly creeps in. Even worse, these issues are frequently misdiagnosed, which means homeowners may spend thousands fixing symptoms without addressing the root cause.
In Florida, water pressure from frequent storms or rising groundwater can speed up soil erosion beneath your home. This puts stress on your plumbing system and opens up gaps in your foundation, especially if it was built decades ago using less advanced materials or waterproofing methods. If you suddenly notice your water bill climbing and can’t find the source, an underground leak is a strong suspect.
What You Should Do
1. Perform a Post-Rain Inspection
After a heavy rain, walk around your home—both inside and out. Look for signs like puddling water near the foundation, damp or musty smells in crawl spaces, or discolored drywall and baseboards. These subtle indicators often show up before any structural issues appear.
2. Seal Minor Cracks Promptly
Use a high-quality silicone or polyurethane sealant to patch small vertical or diagonal foundation cracks. These flexible sealants expand and contract with temperature shifts, helping to prevent water from seeping in and causing bigger problems down the line. Don’t forget exterior walls, especially around hose bibs, windows, and utility penetrations.
3. Watch for Signs of a Slab Leak
Soft spots underfoot, warm areas on the floor (especially near hot water lines), or the sound of running water when no fixtures are on are classic red flags. If you notice any of these, call a professional for slab leak detection. They’ll use specialized equipment like thermal imaging or acoustic listening devices to pinpoint the source without tearing up your home unnecessarily.
4. Don’t Ignore Unexplained Water Bills
A sudden increase in your water bill with no lifestyle change could mean water is escaping below your feet. The sooner you find the leak, the less damage you’ll face—and the smaller the repair bill will be.
6. Install a Backwater Valve
If your home is located in a low-lying area, near the coast, or has experienced a sewer backup during heavy rain or hurricane season, installing a backwater valve isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an essential defense mechanism for your plumbing system. Particularly in parts of Northeast Florida like Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and St. Johns, where flash flooding and overwhelmed municipal sewer systems aren’t uncommon, this little device can save your home from a seriously nasty mess.
Why This Matters
When municipal sewer systems get overwhelmed during a storm surge or heavy downpour, the pressure can force wastewater to flow in the wrong direction—right back into your home. That means raw sewage can bubble up through basement floor drains, tubs, toilets, or even washing machine hookups. Not only is this a nightmare to clean, it also creates serious health hazards due to the presence of harmful bacteria and contaminants.
A properly installed backwater valve acts as a one-way gate. It allows sewage and wastewater to exit your home but slams shut if any of it tries to reverse course. It’s especially important for older homes with lower-level plumbing fixtures or those located at or below street level.
Even if your home hasn’t experienced a backup yet, climate trends and rapid development in Northeast Florida are increasing the strain on local sewer systems. Adding a backwater valve is an inexpensive upgrade compared to the cost of restoring a flooded basement or sanitizing your home after a sewage event.
What You Should Do
1. Have a Licensed Plumber Install the Valve on the Main Sewer Line
The valve is typically installed where your home’s main sewer line exits the foundation. It’s a straightforward job for a qualified plumber but requires careful placement and proper sealing to ensure it works under pressure. You may need to dig a trench or expose the line beneath a concrete slab.
2. Check Local Plumbing Codes
In Jacksonville, St. Johns, and surrounding counties, installing a backwater valve may require a plumbing permit. Local codes might also dictate specific valve types, placement requirements, or inspection procedures—so make sure your contractor is familiar with the regional guidelines.
3. Perform Annual Maintenance
Like any mechanical device, backwater valves can get clogged with debris, grease, or even small roots. Make it a habit to have the valve inspected and cleaned at least once a year—especially before hurricane season begins. Most units include an access panel for easy inspection and maintenance.
7. Check Water Heater Elevation and Drainage
Many homes in Northeast Florida have water heaters installed in garages or utility closets. During a flood or severe rain, these areas can collect water—and that can mean rust, corrosion, or full failure of your water heater.
What To Do:
- Make sure your water heater is elevated off the ground on a platform (minimum 18 inches is ideal).
- Install a drain pan with a drain line to redirect water in case of overflow or leaks.
- Check the temperature and pressure relief valve (T&P valve) for any signs of dripping or wear.
8. Inspect Irrigation and Outdoor Plumbing Systems
Sprinkler lines and outdoor hose bibs may seem low-risk, but when they leak or rupture underground, they can saturate your yard and strain your drainage systems.
What To Do:
- Turn off automatic sprinkler systems during or before big storms.
- Check for standing water or soggy patches—these are signs of hidden leaks.
- Make sure all outdoor hoses are disconnected and stored after use.
9. Know the Warning Signs of a Plumbing Emergency
Even with preparation, things can go wrong. Here’s what to watch for during rainy season:
- Gurgling drains (a sign of sewer backup)
- Unexplained puddles or wet carpets
- Low water pressure
- Foul odors from sinks or drains
- Sudden increase in water bills
When in doubt, call a local professional plumber. Early action often prevents major damage.
10. Create an Emergency Plumbing Plan
When the skies open up, you don’t want to be scrambling for the number of an emergency plumber.
What To Include:
- The location of your water main shut-off valve
- Contact info for a trusted 24/7 plumber (yes, Kingdom Based Plumbing has you covered!)
- A list of insurance and warranty policies
- Access to a wet/dry vac, fans, or dehumidifier
Post your plan where the whole household can find it—preferably near the circuit breaker or under the kitchen sink.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Downpour to Act
Rainy season in Northeast Florida is a beautiful time of year—if your plumbing is ready for it. A little preparation now can save you thousands in damage later. Whether it’s clearing your drains, inspecting sewer lines, or just knowing who to call in a plumbing emergency, proactive steps go a long way.
If you’re not sure where to start or want a plumbing inspection tailored to rainy season threats, reach out to the team at Kingdom Based Plumbing. We’re your neighbors—and we know exactly what your home needs to weather the storm.
FAQ: Rainy Season Plumbing in Northeast Florida
How often should I clean storm drains and gutters in Northeast Florida?
At minimum, clean them twice a year—once before the rainy season begins and once after. If your property has a lot of trees, quarterly cleanings may be needed.
Can heavy rain cause sewer backups?
Absolutely. If the municipal sewer system gets overwhelmed or your sewer lines are clogged or damaged, rainwater can force sewage back into your home.
What’s the average cost of a plumbing inspection in Jacksonville?
A standard camera inspection can range from $200 to $500, depending on the complexity and what you’re checking. Preventive inspections are far cheaper than emergency repairs.
Is it worth installing a backwater valve?
Yes—especially if your home has experienced flooding or if you’re in a low-lying area. One backwater valve can prevent thousands of dollars in flood damage.
How can I tell if I have a slab leak after a storm?
Look for damp carpets, warped flooring, or the sound of running water when no taps are on. Slab leaks are serious—call for professional detection immediately.
