Is Your Home Ready for Rain? What to Check Before rainy season
Roof, gutters, downspouts and exterior drains can be easy to ignore during Southern California's dry months. Here's what homeowners should check before the rain arrives.
Rain problems often start before it rains
For much of the year, gutters and exterior drains may barely get used. During that time, leaves, dirt, roofing debris and other material can accumulate without causing an obvious problem.
Then the first significant storm arrives.
A gutter that looked fine during summer can overflow. A blocked downspout can send water where it wasn't intended to go. A patio or yard drain covered with leaves can allow water to pool around the property.
That's why before the rainy season—not during the first storm—is the best time to inspect and clean your home's drainage system.
1. Check the Roof for Potential Leaks
Look for visible signs of damage such as loose, cracked or missing shingles or roof tiles, deteriorated flashing, cracks, damaged sealant, or other areas where water may be able to enter.
Small roof problems are much easier to address when they're discovered before several days of rain.
2. Clean the Gutters & Check the Downspouts
Gutters collect water from the roof and direct it into the downspouts. Leaves, dirt and roofing debris can restrict that flow and cause water to overflow.
Cleaning should include the gutters and downspouts, not just the debris you can see from the ground.
3. Clear Exterior Drains
Check drains around patios, walkways, side yards, driveways and other low areas.
Leaves, soil and landscaping debris can cover a drain opening and prevent water from escaping when rain arrives.
Pay particular attention to areas where you've noticed water pooling during previous storms.
What Can Happen When Water Doesn't Drain Properly?
A clogged gutter or drain doesn't necessarily mean your home will suffer damage. But when rainwater can't follow its intended path, it can increase the risk of problems such as:
Roof leaks and water intrusion: A damaged roof or vulnerable area can allow water into the structure.
Fascia and roof-edge damage: Overflowing gutters can repeatedly expose these areas to water.
Water against exterior walls: Overflow can direct water toward stucco, siding, windows and other exterior surfaces.
Pooling around the property: Blocked exterior drains can allow water to accumulate in patios, walkways and low areas.
Landscape erosion: Concentrated runoff can wash away soil and landscaping materials.
Interior water damage: Once water finds a path inside, what started as an exterior maintenance issue can become a much more involved repair.
Why Prepare Now?
This year, there is an additional reason to get ahead of rainy-season maintenance.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center reported in September 2026 that El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event during fall and winter 2026–27.
That doesn't mean Los Angeles is guaranteed to experience extreme rainfall. El Niño can influence seasonal weather patterns, but the effects vary by location and from one event to another.
For homeowners, the important part is much simpler:
Don't wait for the first major rain to find out something isn't working properly.
Use the dry weather to inspect, clean and address potential problems while they're easier to deal with.
Pre-Rain Home Checklist
☐ Check roof for loose, cracked or missing shingles/tiles
☐ Look for visible cracks, deteriorated sealant or flashing problems
☐ Clean gutters
☐ Check and clear downspouts
☐ Clear exterior drains
☐ Remove leaves and debris around drainage areas
☐ Check areas where water has pooled in the past
☐ Address known roof leaks before the rain
☐ Check for signs of previous water intrusion inside the home
How Often Should This Be Done?
For many homes, a pre-rain inspection and cleaning once a year is a good preventative-maintenance routine.
Properties surrounded by trees or with gutters and drains that collect debris quickly may need attention more frequently.
The important thing is not to wait until water is overflowing during a storm to discover that something is blocked or damaged.
Want Us to Check It for You?
You don't have to inspect and prepare everything yourself.
Home Fix Club can help get your property rain-ready before the rainy season arrives.
We can check for visible roof concerns, clean gutters and downspouts, clear accessible exterior drains, and identify potential drainage or maintenance issues that may need attention before the rain.
Book a consultation and we'll take a look at what your property needs.
Serving homeowners throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding Los Angeles communities.