Backup worsens every rainy season

Quick Answer:

If backups get worse every rainy season, start by comparing past events and inspecting all parts of your stormwater path. Check gutters, leaders, swales and surface drains for clogs or damage, review recent landscaping or hardscape changes, test the sump pump under load, and schedule a camera inspection of lateral lines if problems persist. These steps will tell you whether a simple repair will do or if a professional diagnostic is needed.

Why This Happens

Stormwater diversion systems rely on many parts working together. Over time any single weak link can reduce capacity: gutters clog, downspouts separate, yard grades settle, surface drains fill with sediment, roots intrude into pipes, or a sump pump loses capacity. Heavy seasons can reveal gradual failures that were barely noticeable before, so backups can become more frequent or worse each year.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Compare past incidents

Gather notes, photos or receipts from each rainy season. Write down dates, how much rain fell if you can find totals, where water appeared, and what damage occurred.
Look for patterns: is the same corner always wet? Do backups follow particularly heavy storms or happen even after moderate rain? This helps decide if the issue is capacity-related or a failing component like a pump.
If backups often follow long wet periods, pay special attention to changes linked to **Backup after prolonged rain**.

2. Inspect gutters, leaders, swales and surface drains

Clear leaves and debris from gutters and test that each downspout discharges properly and is connected to its leader.
Walk your property during light rain or use a hose to watch water flow through swales and surface drains. Look for pooling, erosion, or sections where flow is blocked.
Check for deterioration: cracked drain grates, collapsed swale edges, or soil washing into drains. Fixing these often stops surface overflow before it reaches lower systems.

3. Review recent property changes

Think about any landscaping, driveways, patios, or fence posts added since backups began getting worse. New hardscape or raised beds can redirect water or reduce soak-in areas.
Compare the timing of those changes to your year-over-year notes. If blockage started after work was done, that’s a likely cause — see guidance on **Backup after landscape changes**.

4. Test the sump pump under load

If you have a sump, pour water into the pit to simulate heavy inflow and watch how the pump responds: does it start reliably, run steadily, and remove water quickly?
Listen for long run-times, repeated cycling, or failure to start. Those are signs the pump is undersized, worn, or the discharge is blocked.
Make sure the backup power or secondary pump (if present) also works.

5. Schedule a camera inspection of lateral lines

Hire a qualified plumber or drain specialist to run a camera down lateral sewer and storm lines. They will identify root intrusion, bellied or collapsed sections, offset joints, and heavy sediment buildup.
Camera results guide repair choices — root cutting, localized relining, or full replacement — and avoid guessing repairs that won’t last.

6. Keep a seasonal log going forward

Record weather dates, what you inspected, repairs made, and how the house performed. Over several seasons this log makes it easier to spot a decline rather than a one-off event.

What Not to Do

Do not rely on temporary sandbags or short-term pumps as the only remedy; those mask a worsening failure and can give a false sense of security.
Don’t ignore increasing frequency or severity — call a pro when backups grow more frequent or more severe each season for a diagnostics plan.
Avoid digging or altering shared sewer laterals yourself. Improper work can make a problem worse or create liability issues.

When to Call a Professional

Make the call if backups continue to increase each season despite basic fixes.
Schedule a pro promptly when a camera inspection is needed, when you suspect a collapsed pipe, or when the sump pump repeatedly fails under simulated load.
Ask for a written diagnostic plan with options and costs before authorizing major repairs.

Safety Notes

Avoid standing in floodwater — it can hide sharp objects and contain raw sewage or energized electronics.
If water reaches electrical panels, shut off power at the main only if you can do so from dry ground; otherwise call an electrician or emergency services.
Wear gloves and a mask when handling contaminated materials, and disinfect surfaces after water recedes. For major sewage events, hire professionals for cleanup.

Common Homeowner Questions

Why are backups getting worse each year?
Gradual wear, clogging, root growth, or reduced surface drainage capacity typically cause progressive worsening.
Will a new pump always fix it?
No. A new pump helps if the problem is pump capacity, but line damage or surface runoff issues need separate fixes.
How soon should I get a camera inspection?
If basic checks don’t stop recurring backups or if backups are more severe each season, arrange a camera inspection promptly.