I was catching up with my client today and we started talking about the possibility of a very wet winter this year due to El Nino. That got me thinking: September is actually the perfect time to get your house ready for rain, while everything is still dry and contractors aren't completely slammed.
Here are a few things I'd check now:
Check your roof: If you've noticed a leak during past storms or even a suspicious water stain on the ceiling. Don't wait for the first atmospheric river to find out whether it's still there.
Have a roofer take a look while the roof is dry. A small repair now can save you from a much bigger headache later.
Clean those gutters: Clogged gutters can't move water away from your house, so they overflow exactly where you don't want them to. Clear out leaves and debris, and while you're at it, make sure your downspouts are actually directing water away from the foundation rather than dumping it right next to the house.
Don't forget your yard drains: I learned this one the hard way in 2022 during the 1000 year storm. In Jan 2022, I discovered that the drains in my yard were completely clogged with leaves and debris. I ended up using a little tool called a Drain King that attaches to a garden hose, expands inside the pipe, and uses water pressure to help clear the blockage. You can get it on Amazon for $20!
Make sure your sump pump actually works! Having a sump pump doesn't do much good if it's unplugged, switched off, or hasn't worked in three years. Before the rain comes, test it and make sure it works. I had to replace my sump pump in the middle of the 1000 year storm in 2022 and that wasn't fun
Check your exterior caulking: Take a look around windows, doors, exterior penetrations, and anywhere you've had water intrusion before. Cracked or deteriorated caulking is much easier to deal with on a sunny September afternoon than in the middle of a January storm.
Prepare now, not when it's pouring