If you live in Nashville or the surrounding Middle Tennessee region, you know that spring and summer often bring heavy rain, flash floods, and storm runoff—all of which can create major plumbing headaches. And for homeowners with basements or crawlspaces, the rainy season presents a unique risk: water intrusion, sump pump failure, foundation damage, and hidden leaks that can quickly become expensive problems.
At Green Group, we help homeowners across Nashville, Murfreesboro, and Franklin get ahead of plumbing issues before the storms hit. This comprehensive rainy season plumbing checklist is designed to help you protect your basement or crawlspace, avoid flooding, and maintain your plumbing system through Tennessee’s wettest months.
Why the Rainy Season Matters for Plumbing
Nashville sees an average of 47 inches of rain per year, much of it concentrated in spring and early summer. With high rainfall comes:
- Elevated groundwater, increasing the risk of foundation leaks
- Backed-up storm drains and overwhelmed sewer lines
- Water intrusion through basement windows, doors, or cracks
- Pressure on sump pumps, French drains, and downspout systems
If your plumbing and drainage systems aren’t prepared, even a minor storm can lead to flooding, mold growth, wood rot, or structural issues.
The Rainy Season Plumbing Checklist for Nashville Homes
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your basement or crawlspace for Middle Tennessee’s rainy season.
1. Test Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding. It removes excess water that collects in the sump pit and redirects it away from your foundation.
✅ What to Do:
- Test the pump by pouring a bucket of water into the pit—make sure it turns on and drains properly.
- Check the float switch to ensure it’s not stuck.
- Inspect the discharge line outside your home—make sure it’s clear of blockages and slopes away from the house.
- Consider a battery backup system in case of power outages.
If your sump pump is more than 7–10 years old or sounds like it’s struggling, call Green Group at 615.756.5057 for a replacement or maintenance service.
2. Inspect and Clean Floor Drains
Basement floor drains and crawlspace drains can easily clog with debris or sediment, especially if they haven’t been used in a while.
✅ What to Do:
- Pour a gallon of water into floor drains to ensure they flow properly.
- If the water drains slowly, clean out any visible debris.
- Use a plumbing snake or call Green Group for professional drain cleaning services if needed.
Keeping these drains clear can help prevent water from pooling on your basement floor during storms.
3. Look for Leaks or Cracks in the Foundation
Heavy rains increase hydrostatic pressure around your foundation, and even tiny cracks can become pathways for water.
✅ What to Do:
- Inspect interior basement and crawlspace walls for hairline cracks or damp spots.
- Look for efflorescence, the white powdery substance that signals water seepage.
- Check corners, seams, and where pipes enter the foundation.
If you find any issues, Green Group can assist with leak detection and plumbing-related foundation sealing.
4. Seal Window Wells and Basement Windows
Window wells can fill up with water during rainstorms, especially if your yard doesn’t drain properly. If they’re not sealed well, the water can leak into your basement.
✅ What to Do:
- Make sure window wells are free of debris, leaves, and mulch.
- Inspect seals around basement windows and reseal with waterproof caulking if needed.
- Consider installing clear window well covers to keep out rain and debris.
5. Check Gutters, Downspouts, and Drainage Lines
Poor surface drainage is one of the biggest contributors to basement water problems during the rainy season.
✅ What to Do:
- Clean gutters to prevent overflow.
- Ensure downspouts direct water at least 5–10 feet away from your foundation.
- Consider adding extensions or underground drain lines to move water farther from your home.
- Look for standing water near your foundation after a rainstorm—that’s a sign drainage isn’t working properly.
Green Group offers exterior plumbing and yard drainage solutions to help redirect water away from your home safely.
6. Inspect Crawlspace Vents and Vapor Barriers
Homes with crawlspaces can face mold, wood rot, and pest problems if too much moisture builds up underneath the home.
✅ What to Do:
- Make sure crawlspace vents are clear and functioning.
- Check for signs of standing water or damp insulation.
- Inspect your vapor barrier for tears or signs of mold.
If your crawlspace smells musty or feels damp, Green Group can assess whether a dehumidifier, drainage system, or sump pump is needed.
7. Watch for Signs of Sewer Line Backups
Rainy season doesn’t just affect stormwater—it can also impact your home’s sewer line. When the municipal sewer system is overwhelmed, it can back up into private sewer laterals, especially in older Nashville neighborhoods.
✅ Warning Signs:
- Gurgling drains or toilets after rain
- Slow drains in multiple fixtures
- Foul odors coming from basement floor drains
Call Green Group immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. We provide camera inspections and trenchless sewer repair to resolve the issue quickly.
8. Schedule a Whole-Home Plumbing Inspection
Don’t wait until you’re ankle-deep in water to address your plumbing system. A pre-rainy-season inspection gives you peace of mind and allows you to catch minor issues before they become major ones.
✅ What We Check:
- Sump pumps, floor drains, and sewer lines
- Foundation penetrations and pipe insulation
- Pipe material and age
- Water pressure and valve function
- Basement and crawlspace moisture concerns
Call Green Group at 615.756.5057 to schedule your seasonal plumbing inspection.
The Importance of Preventative Plumbing During Rainy Season
It’s easy to take plumbing for granted—until a storm hits and your basement starts flooding. Investing a little time and energy into seasonal plumbing care can save you thousands in water damage, repairs, and mold remediation.
Benefits of preventative care:
- Avoid emergency plumbing calls
- Protect your home’s foundation and structure
- Maintain healthy indoor air quality by reducing mold risk
- Increase home value and buyer confidence if selling
Protect Your Basement and Crawlspace with Green Group
As Nashville’s trusted plumbing experts, Green Group is here to help you prepare for the rainy season with fast, reliable service and preventative care. From sump pump repairs to drainage solutions and leak detection, we’ve got your basement and crawlspace covered.
🔹 Serving Nashville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, and surrounding areas
🔹 Expert basement and crawlspace plumbing solutions
🔹 Drain cleaning, sewer inspection, and waterproofing support
Call us today at 615.756.5057 or visit www.greengrouptn.com to schedule your rainy season plumbing checkup.
Don’t wait for the next storm to expose a hidden problem—let Green Group protect your home from the ground up.