Drain floods only in spring

Quick Answer:

If a floor drain backs up only in spring while you rake leaves or when snow melts, it’s often a seasonal runoff or groundwater issue, not an instant collapse of an old drain tile. Check the pattern over several melts, clear gutters and roof runoff, test the sump system and battery backup, and inspect exterior drain tiles near the footing for blockage or crushing. If the problem repeats or reaches finished spaces, get a professional inspection.

Why This Happens

Spring brings melting snow, heavy rains and a lot of leaf debris that can overwhelm roof gutters, downspouts and exterior drains. Groundwater rises during thaws, and water that normally soaks away can be forced toward your foundation. Older drain tile systems can be crushed, silted shut or disconnected, and a weak or dead sump pump can’t keep up. Small seasonal events are common, but repeated or increasing flooding usually signals a failing component or a flow path that needs repair. For related seasonal patterns, see Drain floods after thaw and for issues when soil is saturated, see Backup when ground saturated.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1) Monitor the pattern

• Keep a simple log for the next few springs: date, weather (heavy rain, rapid thaw), and when the drain overflows.
• Note whether flooding happens only during rapid melts or after heavy rain; one-year data can be helpful, but two to three spring cycles confirm seasonality.
• Photograph or video the overflow event and any nearby wet spots—this helps pros diagnose recurring problems.

2) Inspect and clear gutters and downspouts

• Check gutters and downspouts for spring clogs from leaves and debris; clear them so roof water is directed away from the foundation.
• Make sure downspouts extend several feet away from the house and terminate on solid ground or a splash block. If they discharge toward the foundation, reroute or extend them.
• After clearing, run a hose where downspouts discharge to confirm water flows away, not toward the footing.

3) Test sump pump readiness and backup power

• Run the sump pump with water (pour in a bucket) to confirm it starts and discharges properly.
• Check the pump’s power connection, clean the intake screen, and verify the discharge line is clear and routed away from the foundation.
• If you have a battery backup or generator hookup, test the battery and the automatic switch so the system will work during a power outage.

4) Check exterior drain tiles and areas of concentrated flow

• Walk the perimeter and look for spots where water pools or runs toward the foundation—note and photograph these concentrated flow areas.
• Visually inspect near the footing for signs of blocked or crushed exterior tiles (sinking ground, wet spots, or soft soil). Don’t dig aggressively; limited hand probing at safe distances can confirm wet soil.
• If you suspect broken or buried tile, document locations and call a professional for a camera inspection or targeted excavation rather than attempting major repairs yourself.

What Not to Do

• Do not assume a single spring overflow is harmless—ignoring it can let problems worsen.
• Avoid filling window wells, low spots or drainage swales with soil simply to hide water stains—that only redirects the problem and can trap water against the foundation.
• Do not delay calling a pro when flooding repeats every spring or when finished spaces, insulation, or drywall get wet; early professional assessment prevents bigger repairs later.

When to Call a Professional

• Flooding repeats for two or more springs, increases in severity, or reaches finished rooms or mechanical areas.
• You see new foundation cracks, bulging floors or persistent damp spots despite clearing gutters and testing the sump.
• You suspect broken or crushed drain tile, or you’re not comfortable excavating near footings—use a licensed waterproofing contractor or plumber for diagnostics and safe repairs.

Safety Notes

• Avoid entering standing water near electrical devices; shut off power to affected circuits if safe to do so and call an electrician for wet wiring.
• Use basic PPE—gloves and boots—when inspecting wet soil and drains. Do not wade into deep or fast-moving runoff.
• Digging near foundations can be dangerous and may affect structural support. For significant excavation, hire a professional with proper shoring and permits.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Will fixing gutters stop spring floods? Clearing and extending gutters helps a lot, but it may not solve issues caused by high groundwater or broken exterior tile.
• Can I test the sump pump myself? Yes—pour water into the pit to make the pump run and check discharge, but don’t work on electrical components unless you’re qualified.
• How long should I monitor before calling a pro? If it repeats for two springs or worsens during the first season after simple fixes, call a professional for a full inspection.

More in this topic

For more related fixes and similar symptoms, see Basement Drain Backs Up Only After Rain.