Gresham, Oregon, is known for its lush greenery, thriving gardens, and yes — its famously rainy climate. While rain brings life to the Pacific Northwest, it can also take a toll on your home’s plumbing system in ways many homeowners don’t realize. Understanding how Gresham’s weather patterns impact your plumbing can help you protect your home, avoid costly repairs, and maintain a healthy, functioning system year-round.
At Einstein Pros Gresham, we’ve seen firsthand how local weather challenges affect plumbing, and we’re here to help you stay ahead of issues caused by the rain.
Gresham’s Rainy Climate: What You Need to Know
According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Gresham experiences an average of 150 rainy days per year, with some months seeing persistent, heavy precipitation. This extended period of wet weather can introduce unique challenges to your home plumbing system, including:
- Increased water infiltration around your foundation
- Saturated soil that exerts pressure on underground pipes
- More strain on sewer and drainage systems
These factors combine to create plumbing issues that, if left unchecked, can escalate quickly.
How Rain Affects Your Plumbing in Gresham
1. Foundation and Sewer Drain Problems
Heavy rainfall saturates the soil around your home’s foundation. When soil becomes waterlogged, it expands and puts pressure on your foundation walls and underground sewer pipes. Over time, this pressure can cause cracks or even shifts in your pipes, leading to leaks, blockages, or sewer backups.
Sewer backups are particularly common in rainy climates like Gresham’s due to the city’s combined sewer system, which carries both stormwater and sewage in the same pipes. During heavy rains, these pipes can become overwhelmed, causing wastewater to flow back into homes.
2. Clogged Gutters and Downspouts
Rain causes gutters and downspouts to carry large volumes of water off your roof and away from your foundation. If these components are clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, water will overflow and pool near your home’s foundation, increasing the risk of basement flooding and water infiltration.
Regular gutter maintenance is critical to ensure water flows freely and does not compromise your plumbing or home structure.
3. Increased Risk of Pipe Freezing
While Gresham’s climate is generally mild, the winter months can bring temperatures near freezing. Rain combined with cold nights can freeze vulnerable pipes, especially those exposed in crawl spaces or unheated areas. Frozen pipes can burst, causing costly water damage and emergency repairs.
4. Mold and Mildew from Plumbing Leaks
Rain increases moisture levels both outside and inside your home. If your plumbing system develops leaks — often due to weather-related pipe damage or aging infrastructure — the excess moisture can create an environment perfect for mold and mildew growth, which pose health risks and structural damage.
How to Protect Your Plumbing in Gresham’s Rainy Weather
Regular Plumbing Inspections
The best defense against rain-related plumbing issues is regular inspections by trusted professionals. Einstein Pros Gresham offers comprehensive plumbing checkups to identify weak points before they become emergencies. Checking sewer lines, drains, and sump pumps can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Maintain Gutters and Drainage Systems
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year ensures proper water flow away from your home. Additionally, consider installing gutter guards to reduce debris buildup. Proper drainage minimizes water pooling around your foundation, protecting underground pipes from pressure damage.
Install Backwater Valves
Because combined sewer systems in Gresham can back up during heavy rains, installing a backwater valve is an effective way to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home. Backwater valves act as one-way gates, allowing wastewater to exit your home but blocking any reverse flow.
Insulate Vulnerable Pipes
To avoid freezing during cold, rainy months, insulate exposed pipes, especially in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. Pipe insulation kits are affordable and easy to install, reducing the risk of burst pipes and water damage.
Why Choose Einstein Pros Gresham?
At Einstein Pros Gresham, we specialize in plumbing services tailored to the Pacific Northwest climate. Our licensed plumbers understand the unique challenges Gresham homeowners face due to the rainy weather and are equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect your plumbing system year-round.
From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, we provide dependable, transparent service focused on your home’s longevity and safety.
Additional Resources for Gresham Homeowners
- Learn more about preparing your plumbing for rainy seasons
- Understand combined sewer overflow systems
- Tips for protecting your home from basement flooding
Rain is part of life in Gresham, but your plumbing doesn’t have to suffer because of it. Stay proactive with regular maintenance, and rely on the trusted experts at Einstein Pros Gresham to keep your home safe, dry, and comfortable no matter how hard the rain falls.
Contact Einstein Pros Gresham today to schedule your plumbing inspection and get ahead of rainy season plumbing problems.