Ah, Amarillo. One minute it’s sunny with skies clear as glass, the next minute the clouds roll in like an angry herd of buffalo, and you’re caught in a downpour. Thunder cracks, wind howls, and the rain? It just doesn’t quit.
We all know storms in Amarillo don’t play around. But while you’re thinking about flashlights, sandbags, and checking the weather app every five minutes, there’s something else you better keep in mind,
Your plumbing.
Need a trusted plumber? Call Plumbing Amarillo TX for fast & reliable service.
Storms and Pipes, What’s the Connection?
You might be wondering, “Why should I worry about my plumbing during a storm?” Fair question. Most folks think of plumbing as the stuff inside the house, sinks, toilets, maybe a water heater in the garage.
But here’s the thing, your plumbing is like a giant system of underground tunnels and pipes. Some carry clean water in, and others carry dirty water out. When a big Amarillo storm rolls in, those systems get pushed to their limit.
Think of it like this, if your pipes were a two-lane road, a storm turns it into a traffic jam. Water builds up, nothing moves, and before you know it, things start spilling where they shouldn’t.
Real Amarillo Stories
We had one customer, let’s call her Debbie, who thought everything was fine during a summer storm. Then her toilet started bubbling like it was boiling something. Weird, right? Minutes later, her tub started filling with brown water. Not exactly a spa day.
Turned out, her sewer line was blocked, and the stormwater backed everything up. It wasn’t just gross, it ruined her flooring and made the house smell like a barnyard for days.
Another time, we had a call from an older couple over by Lawrence Lake. Their backyard turned into a swamp overnight, and the water started creeping toward their back door. A clogged outdoor drain and a cracked pipe were the main villains.
These things happen more often than people think. And sadly, most of the time, they could’ve been avoided.
What a Big Storm Does to Your Plumbing
Let’s break it down so it’s easy to understand. When a strong storm hits Amarillo,
- Heavy rain seeps into the ground, and puts pressure on your underground pipes
- Old or weak pipes crack or shift, letting water (or worse) into your yard or home
- Sewer systems get overloaded, especially if your drains or lines are already a bit clogged
- Sump pumps work overtime, and if they fail, you get a basement pool you didn’t ask for
- Tree roots move closer to your pipes, looking for water and cracking things open
The worst part? Most of this happens underground, where you can’t see it coming until it’s too late.
How to Know If You’ve Got a Plumbing Problem Brewing
Your house tries to give you hints. You just gotta know how to listen.
Here are a few signs that your plumbing might not be ready for a big storm:
- Your drains gurgle or burp when it rains
- You see wet spots in the yard, even when it hasn’t rained much
- The sump pump sounds weird, or worse, doesn’t make a sound at all
- There’s a sewer smell near your home or in the bathroom
- Your toilets or tubs take forever to drain
If you notice any of these, it’s best to get it checked. Waiting it out is like hoping your roof holds during a hailstorm, with duct tape.
More Reading:
What You Can Do Before the Storm Hits
Now let’s talk action. You don’t need to be a plumber to give your home a little TLC before storm season. Here’s a short checklist that can save you a boatload of stress:
1. Check Your Gutters and Drains
Leaves, dirt, and junk can clog up outdoor drains. Make sure water has a clear path away from your house. A simple guide on gutter maintenance can help you avoid a backyard river.
2. Test That Sump Pump
Pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure the pump kicks on. If it doesn’t, call us. Don’t wait until the rain’s already pouring. You can follow this sump pump testing method before the next storm.
3. Get a Sewer Line Inspection
We can run a camera through your pipes and spot cracks, blockages, or tree roots before they become a headache.
4. Seal Cracks in the Foundation
Rainwater can find the tiniest opening. Seal up the spots where water likes to sneak in, especially around basement windows and doors. Some DIY foundation sealing tips can save you from major damage.
5. Clear Out the Yard
Branches, leaves, and yard junk can clog outdoor plumbing. Keep it tidy, especially near your drainpipes and downspouts.
What We Do at Plumbing Amarillo TX
We’re not just any plumbing company, we’re your neighbors. We live here, too. We’ve seen Amarillo storms throw tantrums worse than a toddler at bedtime.
Here’s what we can help with:
- Full plumbing inspections before storm season
- Emergency sump pump repairs
- Drain clearing and jetting so your pipes stay clean and fast
- Camera inspections to find issues underground
- Quick, honest advice without all the jargon
And if you want to understand how drain jetting actually works, we’ve got the tools and the know-how.
We believe in doing things right the first time, and making sure you’re comfortable asking questions. No judgment. No pressure. Just good folks helping good folks.
Wrapping It Up
Amarillo storms are no joke. But with the right prep and a solid plumbing system, your home doesn’t have to suffer when the rain hits.
So ask yourself, is your plumbing storm-ready? If you’re not sure, we’re just a phone call away.
Call Plumbing Amarillo TX today. We’ll treat your home like we treat our grandma’s place, with care, and honesty.
Attribution: Cover Image By FreePik
More Reading:
