Summer in New Jersey brings backyard barbecues, beach days—and powerful storms that can quickly turn your yard and basement into a soggy mess. While most homeowners prepare for the season with sunscreen and bug spray, many forget one of the most critical parts of summer home prep: protecting your home’s plumbing. From flash floods to sewer backups, summer storms can overwhelm even well-maintained systems, leaving you with costly damage and dangerous water contamination. Whether you’re in Belford, Middletown, anywhere along the coast, or areas susceptible to storm flooding, now is the time to make sure your sump pump, sewer lines, and drainage are ready for whatever summer brings.
Don’t Let a Flooded Basement Ruin Your Summer
A properly functioning sump pump is your first line of defense against water damage. During heavy rain, rising groundwater can seep into your basement, threatening floors, walls, appliances, and valuables. A sump pump automatically redirects that water away from your home before it can accumulate. But here’s the catch—if your pump is old, poorly installed, or hasn’t been tested lately, it might not turn on when you need it most. Summer storms don’t come with much warning, and if the power goes out and your pump doesn’t have a backup battery or water-powered backup, you’re left completely unprotected. New Jersey homeowners should schedule a quick inspection with C & C to make sure the pump is operational, clean, and equipped with a backup to keep working during outages. It’s a small step that can save you from a big, expensive mess.
Sewer Backflow Isn’t Just Gross—It’s Dangerous
During a major storm, municipal sewer systems can get overwhelmed, causing raw sewage to back up into your home’s drains, sinks, tubs, or even toilets. Sewer backflow isn’t just disgusting—it’s a serious health risk. The bacteria and contaminants carried by this type of flooding can cause illness, ruin your belongings, and require full-scale sanitation of your home. The best way to prevent this nightmare scenario is to install a backflow preventer. This device stops sewage from reversing direction and entering your home’s plumbing during a surge. For homeowners in flood-prone or low-lying areas of New Jersey, a sewer backflow valve isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you already have one, make sure it’s been tested recently. If you don’t, now is the time to install one before the next heavy downpour hits.
Poor Yard Drainage Can Lead to Big Indoor Problems
Water pooling around your home’s foundation might not seem like a big deal in the moment—but over time, that moisture can seep into the structure, damage your foundation, and even make its way into your plumbing system. Clogged gutters, downspouts pointed the wrong way, or poorly graded soil can cause water to collect dangerously close to your home. One summer storm is all it takes for that water to find its way inside. Make sure your property is properly sloped to direct rainwater away from the house, and check that your gutters and downspouts are clear and moving water at least six feet from the foundation. If you have standing water in your yard after storms, it might be time to install a French drain or extend your gutter system.
Protect What You Can’t See Before It Becomes a Headache
Plumbing issues caused by summer storms aren’t always obvious right away. A slow drain or gurgling toilet might be your only warning sign before a full-blown backup. That’s why preventative maintenance is so important this time of year. Have a professional plumber inspect your sump pump, check your sewer line for blockages or root intrusion, and evaluate your property’s drainage system. It’s easier and far less expensive to prevent water damage than it is to clean it up. Plus, knowing your plumbing is storm-ready gives you peace of mind the next time thunder rolls in.
Keep Your Home Safe, Dry, and Storm-Ready This Summer
Summer storms are unpredictable, but your plumbing doesn’t have to be. With a few smart upgrades and a little preparation, you can protect your home from costly flood damage, sewage backups, and drainage issues that come with New Jersey’s wettest months. Whether you’re dealing with an outdated sump pump, worried about backflow, or just unsure if your drainage is up to par, now is the time to act.
Call C&C at 732-860-2660 today to schedule your summer storm prep inspection or ask about sump pump installations, sewer backflow devices, and custom drainage solutions. Let’s make sure your home stays dry—no matter how hard it rains.