West Michigan knows how to put on a storm. Between the lake-effect weather patterns off Lake Michigan and the spring rain systems that roll through Ottawa and Allegan counties, it’s not unusual for towns like Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven, Hudsonville, Hamilton, and Fennville to see significant rainfall in a short stretch of time. And when the ground is already saturated or the water table is high, all that rain has to go somewhere and sometimes, it finds its way into your home.
If you’ve noticed water in your basement, slow drains, or anything out of the ordinary after recent heavy rains, you’re not alone. Here’s a look at the most common plumbing problems that come with flooding and heavy precipitation, and what you can do about them.
Sump Pump Failure
This is the big one. Sump pumps work hard during heavy rain events, running constantly to keep basement water at bay. The problem is that these systems can fail at exactly the wrong moment. A worn-out pump, a tripped breaker, or a float switch that gets stuck can all lead to a flooded basement in a matter of hours.
If your sump pump is older than seven to ten years, it’s worth having it inspected before the next major storm, not after. Adding a battery backup is also a smart investment for homes in lower-lying areas around the Macatawa watershed or anywhere near the Kalamazoo River corridor in Allegan County.
Real Job: Zeeland Sump Pump Replacement
When a Zeeland homeowner’s sump pump failed during heavy rainfall, their basement began taking on water quickly. Our technician responded the same day, diagnosed the issue, and installed a new high-performance sump pump system. The home was protected from further water damage, and we upgraded the system to provide better long-term reliability during Michigan’s heavy rain seasons.
Sewer Backups
Heavy rain saturates the soil around sewer lines and puts stress on municipal systems. When capacity is exceeded, sewage can back up through floor drains, toilets, and tub drains, which is as bad as it sounds. This is especially common in older neighborhoods in Holland, Saugatuck, and Douglas where aging infrastructure wasn’t built for today’s rain events.
If you’re seeing sewage smells or slow drains throughout the house after a storm, call a plumber right away. A video camera inspection can quickly pinpoint whether the issue is in your line or the municipal system.
Basement Water Intrusion Through Cracks
Hydrostatic pressure (the force of water-saturated soil pressing against your foundation) can push water through hairline cracks in basement walls and floors. This isn’t always a dramatic flood; sometimes it’s just persistent dampness or small seeping spots. But left alone, it can lead to mold, structural damage, and poor air quality.
Homes that sit in low areas or near wetlands are especially susceptible. If you’re seeing moisture after a heavy rain, it’s worth getting eyes on it sooner rather than later.
Clogged Outdoor and Floor Drains
Storms flush debris (leaves, sediment, mud, etc.) into exterior drains, window wells, and floor drains. When those get clogged, water backs up and finds the path of least resistance, which is usually your basement. Keeping these drains clear before storm season is a simple step that can prevent a much bigger headache.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit and confirming it activates.
- Locate your main water shut-off in case of a plumbing emergency.
- Check for slow drains. They can be an early sign of a backup in the making.
- Clear any visible debris from outdoor drains and window wells.
- If your sump pump is aging, don’t wait for it to fail during a storm.
When to Call Us
If you’re dealing with water in your basement, a sump pump that isn’t working, backed-up drains, or anything that appeared after recent heavy rains, give us a call. We serve homeowners throughout Ottawa and Allegan counties. We offer 24/7 emergency services because we know flooding doesn’t wait until Monday morning.
Don’t wait until the next storm rolls in to find out your system can’t keep up. A little preparation now goes a long way when the rain really starts to fall.