San Francisco’s Atmospheric River Season 2024 Has Arrived: Don’t Let Storm Drain Backups Turn Your Home Into a Water Disaster Zone

San Francisco’s 2024 atmospheric river season has proven to be one of the most challenging in recent memory, with two atmospheric rivers in early February bringing extensive flooding, intense winds, and power outages to portions of California. San Francisco was under a flash flood warning as the atmospheric river stalled over the Bay Area, with up to 1 inch of rain falling before 1 p.m., and another 1 to 3 inches expected. As these powerful weather systems continue to impact the region through the season, homeowners must take proactive steps to protect their properties from devastating storm drain backups and flooding.

The Reality of San Francisco’s Storm Drain Crisis

Recent atmospheric river events have exposed critical vulnerabilities in San Francisco’s aging infrastructure. Along Marina Boulevard drains backed up, forcing cars to drive through deep puddles and sluice water onto sidewalks, while “These two drains right here on either side of the street, we literally couldn’t see them. This was up above the curb. We were just blindly scraping trying to get it unclogged until we could see the little tornado start” according to a local business owner who had to manually clear blocked storm drains to prevent flooding.

Problems arise in systems that combine storm water and raw sewage into the same pipeline. During many rain storms, the systems are exposed to more volume than they can handle, and the result is a sewage backup situation that allows sewage to spew out into basements and other low lying drains. This is particularly concerning for San Francisco residents, as San Francisco was under a flood advisory with particular impacts to low-lying areas and areas that do not drain well.

Understanding Your Home’s Vulnerability

San Francisco’s unique geography and aging infrastructure create perfect storm conditions for sewer backups. San Francisco County has unique challenges that require local expertise. The older infrastructure means many homes still have galvanized steel pipes that corrode over time, leading to low water pressure and discolored water. The area’s beautiful trees can send roots into aging sewer lines, causing backups.

Warning signs of impending sewer backup include gurgling sounds, slow drains, or water backing up in unexpected places, and water emerging in the bathtub when the washing machine drains — a clear indication of a sewer backup. This cross-connection of plumbing is a serious sign that the main sewer line is obstructed.

Essential Protection Strategies for Your Home

The most effective defense against storm drain backups is installing a backwater valve. A backwater valve prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during heavy rain. It’s a simple yet highly effective solution for minimizing the risk of sewer backups. A backwater prevention valve is a fixture installed into a sewer line in the basement of your home or business to prevent sewer backflows. A properly installed and maintained backwater valve allows sewage to go out, but not to come back in.

Sump pumps provide another critical layer of protection. If your basement is below the water table level, you will need a sump pump in order to keep water out of your home, particularly during a flooding or storm event. Sump pumps work on a simple principle: they detect when the water level around your house is too high, and then pump water away from it where it can safely drain elsewhere. They are one of the most effective means of preventing basement flooding.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

When it comes to protecting your home from atmospheric river damage, professional expertise is essential. Contact a qualified, licensed contractor or plumber to install your backflow prevention devices, making sure they are aware of local codes. For all areas below the BFE, your contractor or plumber should: make a floorplan of your plumbing drains and fixtures, identify the size of the pipes connected to the impacted drains, and determine which valves would work best on each pipe.

For San Francisco residents seeking reliable plumbing protection, working with a trusted local Plumber in San Francisco, CA ensures you receive expert service tailored to the region’s unique challenges. Sugar Bear Home Services is proud to be locally owned and serve South San Francisco and surrounding areas. At Sugar Bear Home Services, we perform fast, reliable, and affordable repairs for homeowners in South San Francisco. With over twenty years of experience, we’ve built a reputation for our commitment to honest pricing and exceptional service.

Immediate Actions During Storm Events

During atmospheric river events, homeowners should take immediate protective measures. Monitor weather reports to stay informed about impending heavy rainfall to prepare in advance. During storms, limit water use in your home to reduce the load on your drainage system. Keep your floor drains clear of obstructions. Depending on your drain’s location, it can be tempting to place a rug or storage unit on top of it, but when you do need it, you will be thankful if water is easily able to flow into it and you don’t have to worry about moving furniture during a water emergency.

Why Local Expertise Matters

Sugar Bear Home Services believes in providing quality service, not just chasing money. If the work is exceptional then money will come. They also believe in honesty and loyalty. Their skilled technicians are available 24/7 to handle any repair, big or small. They’re available day and night for emergencies and urgent service requests. Their pricing is competitive and offers value without hidden fees.

The company’s founder, Lawrence Smith, moved to Diamond Heights in San Francisco by 1991, and San Francisco is one of the many cities he has visited and is proud to say it’s his new home. He now lives in South San Francisco. This local connection means they understand the specific challenges San Francisco homeowners face during atmospheric river season.

Don’t Wait for Disaster

With rainfall amounts of over 20″ in the North Bay and daily and multi-day records set for rainfall during recent atmospheric river events, the time for preparation is now. Sewer backup and flooding can be devastating and costly for homeowners, leading to property damage, health hazards, and significant cleanup expenses. Fortunately, there are several proactive measures you can take to minimize the risk of these unfortunate events. By implementing these strategies, you can protect your home and ensure peace of mind.

San Francisco’s atmospheric river season demands respect and preparation. By investing in proper backflow prevention systems, maintaining your plumbing infrastructure, and partnering with experienced local professionals, you can protect your home from the devastating effects of storm drain backups and flooding. Don’t wait until the next atmospheric river strikes – take action now to safeguard your property and your family’s safety.