By: Emma Pierce
With a potentially historic El Niño underway, local home service professionals explain how clogged drains and overlooked plumbing problems could put properties at risk during heavy rain.
California is preparing for a potentially historic El Niño winter. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is more than an 83% chance of a strong-to-very-strong El Niño continuing through January–March 2027.
In September, California declared a statewide emergency to strengthen preparations for possible winter storms and flooding.
Although El Niño does not guarantee severe flooding in the Bay Area, the forecast has brought renewed attention to a common household problem: blocked drains.
We prepared the following questions for a Fuse Service CEO and former technician to explain what homeowners should check before the rainy season.
Why Should Bay Area Homeowners Be Concerned About Their Drains This Winter?
Fuse Service CEO Stan Pakarin:
A drain doesn’t have to be completely blocked to become a problem.
Leaves, dirt, roots, grease, and other debris can gradually restrict water flow. Under normal conditions, homeowners may not notice anything unusual. But during heavy rainfall, a partially blocked outdoor drain may struggle to carry water away.
That’s when water can start collecting around patios, driveways, crawl spaces, or foundations.
With a strong El Niño expected this winter, it’s a good time to identify these problems before the first major storm.
Does El Niño Actually Increase The Risk Of Sewer Backups?
Stan Pakarin:
Heavy rain can contribute to sewer backups in some situations, but it depends on how the local sewer system is designed and maintained.
For example, groundwater infiltration or stormwater entering a sanitary sewer system can increase the amount of water that system must handle.
If a home’s sewer line already has root intrusion, grease buildup, or structural damage, those existing problems may make backups more likely.
It’s important to remember that outdoor storm drains and household sewer lines are often separate systems. Cleaning one doesn’t automatically solve problems in the other.
What Warning Signs Should Homeowners Look For?
Stan Pakarin:
There are several signs that a drainage or plumbing system may need attention:
- Water draining unusually slowly.
- Gurgling sounds from plumbing fixtures.
- Recurring drain or sewer backups.
- Unpleasant sewer odors.
- Water collecting near outdoor drains.
- Rainwater remaining around the foundation after storms.
One slow sink doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a major sewer problem. But recurring issues, especially those affecting multiple fixtures, deserve professional attention.
What Can A Professional Plumber Do Before Storm Season?
Stan Pakarin:
The first step is identifying the cause of the problem.
Depending on the situation, a plumber may recommend a sewer camera inspection to locate a blockage or damaged section of pipe.
Drain snaking can remove certain obstructions, while hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to clear suitable pipes of buildup.
The right method depends on the condition of the plumbing.
Preventive cleaning can help restore proper flow, but no drain cleaning method can guarantee protection against every flooding event.
What About Homes That Don’t Have A Sump Pump?
Stan Pakarin:
Not every home needs one.
However, properties with basements, crawl spaces, or below-grade areas that regularly collect water may benefit from a properly designed sump pump system.
A sump pump removes water collected in a basin and directs it to an approved discharge location.
If a homeowner has experienced water accumulation before, it’s worth having a professional evaluate the drainage system and determine whether a sump pump or another solution makes sense.
When Should Homeowners Schedule An Inspection?
Stan Pakarin:
Before the rainy season is the best time to identify existing problems.
Waiting until a storm arrives can make an already stressful situation more difficult, especially if emergency service demand increases.
If your drains are slow, your sewer line has backed up before, or water regularly collects around your home, don’t ignore those warning signs.
One Company To Help Prepare Before The Storm
Fuse Service provides professional plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and other home services throughout the Bay Area.
The company also offers HVAC and electrical services, helping homeowners address multiple maintenance needs before winter weather arrives.
Homeowners concerned about blocked drains, sewer backups, or drainage problems can contact Fuse Service to discuss an inspection and available services.
Don’t wait for heavy rain to reveal a problem that could have been addressed earlier.
Book a plumbing or drain cleaning appointment with Fuse Service at fuseservice.com.
