How Heavy Rain Affects Your Sewer System in Maryland (And What You Can Do About It)

Rainy Season Readiness for Severna Park and Brooklyn Park Homeowners

Maryland’s spring and fall rains are no joke—especially for your home’s plumbing. Heavy downpours can overwhelm your sewer system, leading to backups, flooding, and major repair costs. But with a little preparation, you can safeguard your home from the storm.

At Abend Home Services, our Brooklyn Park plumbers and Severna Park plumbers help homeowners stay ahead of storm-related plumbing problems with sewer inspections, drain cleaning, and backflow prevention services. Here’s how rain impacts your sewer system—and what you can do to avoid a mess.

Call (410) 618-3115

1. Clean Your Gutters & Downspouts to Prevent Overflows

Clogged gutters are a leading cause of rainwater pooling near your foundation, which can put pressure on your sewer lines. Regular gutter maintenance helps direct water away from your home.

Tips for Prevention:

• Clean gutters at least twice a year—especially before spring storms
• Install gutter guards to reduce debris buildup
• Make sure downspouts extend 10 feet away from your foundation

2. Locate & Maintain Your Sewer Cleanout

Your sewer cleanout is a direct access point to your home’s main sewer line. Keeping it visible and accessible can save valuable time during an emergency.

How to Stay Ready:

• Know where your cleanout is located (we’ll help you find it if needed)
• Keep landscaping and debris clear from the access point
• If drains are slow or making odd noises, get a professional inspection ASAP

3. Watch for Tree Root Intrusion

Maryland’s mature trees can wreak havoc underground. Tree roots naturally seek moisture and often invade sewer pipes, causing blockages and cracks.

Warning Signs of Root Trouble:

• Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
• Sudden drop in water pressure
• Lush, damp patches in your yard

Solutions:

• Schedule a sewer camera inspection
• Install root barriers
• Avoid planting trees/shrubs near sewer lines
• Get regular drain cleanings to clear root growth

4. Install a Sewer Backflow Preventer

Backflow prevention devices keep sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rains or municipal system overloads. They’re a critical line of defense for homes in low-lying areas or near storm drains.

Common Types:

• Check valves (one-way flow)
• Automatic backflow valves
• Manual gate valves

Our team handles:

• Code-compliant installation
• Annual testing & maintenance

5. Improve Yard Drainage Around Your Property

Poor yard grading and compacted soil cause water to collect near your foundation—leading to basement flooding and sewer backups.

Landscaping & Drainage Tips:

• Slope soil away from the home
• Install French drains or swales
• Use mulch or gravel in strategic areas
• Plant native, water-absorbing vegetation

6. Book Routine Plumbing Inspections

Preventative maintenance is the key to a storm-ready home. At Abend Home Services, we offer sewer line inspections, backflow testing, and full drain system checks to keep your plumbing in peak condition.

Our Annual Check-Ups Include:

• Camera inspections
• Flow testing
• Root intrusion assessments
• Cleanout access checks

Maryland Sewer Storm Checklist

Here’s a quick summary to stay dry and disaster-free:

• Clean gutters & downspouts
• Keep your sewer cleanout accessible
• Watch for root intrusion
• Install a sewer backflow preventer
• Improve drainage with landscaping solutions
• Schedule annual plumbing inspections

Call Abend Home Services for Sewer System Maintenance in Maryland

Don’t let heavy rain lead to a major plumbing emergency. Call Abend Home Services to schedule a sewer system inspection or backflow valve installation before the next storm hits.

Fast. Local. Reliable. Protect your home today—appointments fill quickly during spring and fall storms!

Call (410) 618-3115

Customer Q&A: Sewer Prep for Rainy Weather

Call Abend Home Services today and get storm-season peace of mind for your home.