El Niño can change weather patterns across the country, and for some parts of the U.S., that can mean a wetter-than-usual winter. That doesn’t guarantee heavy rain in any particular city, but it’s a good reminder to make sure a home is ready before the wettest months arrive.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, El Niño conditions can influence winter precipitation patterns across the United States. Depending on where you live, that could mean more rain and a greater chance of dealing with drainage problems, leaks and water collecting around the home.
Before the rain picks up, take a closer look at these eight areas around the house.
Clogged gutters
Gutters filled with leaves, dirt, and other debris can’t move rainwater away from the house properly. Before a stretch of heavy rain, check that gutters are clear and that water has an unobstructed path toward the downspouts.
This is also a good opportunity to look for gutters that are sagging, loose or pulling away from the house. A relatively minor gutter problem can become much more noticeable when water starts pouring off the roof.
Downspouts draining too close to the house
Getting water off the roof is only half the job. Downspouts should also direct water away from the home rather than letting it collect beside the foundation.
FEMA specifically recommends checking whether downspouts are directed away from the building as part of preparing for urban flooding. Walk around the house and look for places where water could pool or flow back toward the structure.
Small roof problems
A tiny roof leak is much easier to ignore when it hasn’t rained in weeks. Several days of rain can make that same problem difficult to miss.
Look for obvious damage, such as missing or damaged roofing materials, and watch for earlier signs of moisture inside the home. If you already see a suspicious ceiling stain or signs of a leak, addressing it before prolonged rain arrives may prevent a bigger problem later.
Related: 15 Clever Ways to Stay Cool Without Sending Your Energy Bill Through the Roof
Water collecting around the foundation
Walk around the house and notice which direction the ground slopes. Address low spots where water collects against the foundation before repeated storms hit.
Improve drainage so water moves away from the home, and fill sunken areas around the foundation where appropriate. Homeowners should also check for cracks or other places where water has previously entered.
A sump pump that hasn’t been tested
A sump pump doesn’t help much if it doesn’t work when you finally need it. If the home has one, make sure it’s operating properly before heavy rain arrives rather than discovering a problem when water is already entering the basement.
A power outage can complicate matters even further during a storm. Consider a battery-operated backup and keeping sump pumps maintained.
Trees and branches close to the house
Rain may be the main concern, but storms can also bring wind and saturated soil. Dead, damaged or unstable branches hanging over a roof, driveway or other part of the property are worth noticing before bad weather arrives.
Look around the property for obvious tree problems rather than waiting until a storm is underway. Larger trees or questionable branches may require evaluation by a qualified tree professional rather than attempting potentially dangerous work yourself.
Related: These 8 Popular Trees Are Known for Aggressive Roots—and Costly Repairs
Outdoor drains and places water normally flows
Leaves and debris don’t only clog gutters. They can also collect around outdoor drains and other areas where stormwater needs somewhere to go.
Check nearby storm-drain inlets and street gutters for leaves or trash that could interfere with drainage. It’s also useful to watch where water travels during an ordinary rainstorm, since that can reveal low spots and drainage problems before a much heavier storm arrives.
Your insurance coverage
Preparing the house physically matters, but homeowners should also know what their insurance actually covers before a problem arises.
Standard homeowners insurance and flood insurance aren’t necessarily the same, so don’t assume every type of water damage is automatically covered. Reviewing coverage and asking an insurance provider questions before a storm can help homeowners identify gaps.
