Most of the year, the biggest water problem in Santa Clarita is not having enough of it. This winter could be different. NOAA’s outlook favors a wetter-than-average December through February, thanks to a strong El Niño. Rain on sun-baked ground runs off rather than soaking in. Every drop has to go somewhere. So how to prepare?
Start at the top with a roof checkup. If it’s been a while, have your roof inspected before the storms arrive. Cracked tiles or worn flashing are easier to fix in dry weather.
Clean gutters and downspouts. Months of dry weather leave gutters packed with debris. When they clog, rainwater spills over and soaks the ground beside your foundation. Clear them, check for sagging sections, and make sure downspouts empty a few feet from the house.
Clear your area drains. Patio and side-yard drain grates fill with dirt over the summer. A clogged drain can turn an ordinary storm into standing water against your walls. Note any low spots where water pools every time it rains.
Give your pool some room. Rain can raise the water level quickly. If your pool is near the top, lower it to the manufacturer’s recommended level and clear the deck drains. Afterward, test and rebalance the water, since rain throws off pH and sanitizer levels.
Check outdoor outlets. Look for cracked or missing weatherproof covers, and test outdoor GFCI outlets using the TEST and RESET buttons. If electrical equipment gets wet, don’t touch it until it’s been inspected.
Plan for an outage. Keep flashlights and charged power banks where you can find them in the dark. Learn how to manually release your garage door, with the door fully closed, so you aren’t stuck if the power goes out. Or invest in a whole-home generator to keep the power on.
Walk the property when the rain stops. New ceiling stains, overflowing drains, or water around equipment are easier to deal with when you catch them early.
This winter, the goal is making sure the rain ends up in the right places.
For more information about Conejo Services CSLB #536465 go to www.ConejoServices.com/SantaClarita or call 661-520-4484.