Heavy rain in Bucks County can overwhelm your home's drainage system fast. When storm drains back up, the water has to go somewhere — and that somewhere is often your basement, crawl space, or yard. Understanding how storm drainage works and what can go wrong is the first step to protecting your Bensalem home.
How Storm Drainage Works Around Your Home
Your home has two separate drainage systems: the sanitary sewer system (which handles wastewater from toilets, sinks, and showers) and the storm drainage system (which handles rainwater and surface runoff). In older neighborhoods across Bensalem and Bucks County, these systems are sometimes combined — which creates problems during heavy rain.
Storm drainage around your home includes gutters, downspouts, yard drains, French drains, and the municipal storm sewer system. When any part of this system gets overwhelmed or blocked, water backs up and looks for the path of least resistance — which is often into your home.
Common Causes of Storm Drain Problems
Clogged Gutters & Downspouts
Leaves and debris block gutters, causing water to overflow and pool around your foundation.
Tree Root Intrusion
Roots grow into yard drains and underground drainage pipes, blocking flow.
Sediment Buildup
Dirt and debris accumulate in yard drains and French drains over time, reducing capacity.
Overwhelmed Municipal System
During heavy storms, the city's storm sewer can back up, pushing water back toward homes.
Poor Yard Grading
Yards that slope toward the house direct rainwater toward the foundation instead of away.
Frozen Drainage
In winter, frozen downspouts and yard drains can cause ice dams and water backup.
Signs Your Storm Drainage System Has a Problem
- Water pools in your yard for hours or days after rain
- Your basement gets wet or floods during or after heavy rain
- Gutters overflow even during moderate rain
- You notice erosion or bare patches in your yard near drainage areas
- Yard drains are slow or completely blocked
- Water stains on your foundation walls
How to Protect Your Home Before the Next Storm
- 01
Clean Your Gutters Twice a Year
Spring and fall cleanings prevent the most common cause of water overflow around foundations.
- 02
Extend Downspouts Away from the House
Downspouts should discharge at least 6 feet from your foundation.
- 03
Clear Yard Drains Annually
Remove debris from yard drain covers and have them professionally cleaned if flow is slow.
- 04
Install or Service a Sump Pump
A working sump pump is your last line of defense against basement flooding.
- 05
Check Your Yard Grading
The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation at a rate of 1 inch per foot for the first 6 feet.
What to Do If Your Basement Floods During a Storm
If your basement floods during heavy rain, safety comes first. Don't enter a flooded basement if there's any chance of electrical hazards. Turn off the power to the basement at the breaker panel before entering.
Once it's safe, call All Drains immediately. We can help identify the source of the flooding, clear any blocked drains, and assess whether your sump pump needs repair or replacement. Acting quickly minimizes damage to your foundation, flooring, and belongings.
Storm Drain Service in Bucks County
All Drains provides 24/7 emergency service for storm-related drain backups and basement flooding across Bensalem, Langhorne, Bristol, Trevose, Feasterville, Southampton, Yardley, and all of Bucks County. Don't wait — call us the moment you notice a problem.
Need a Drain or Plumbing Expert in Bensalem?
We're available 24/7 across Bensalem, Langhorne, Bristol, Trevose, Feasterville, Southampton, Yardley, and all of Bucks County.