By Giovanni Longo, third-generation master plumber and certified Flood Mitigation expert, Flood Brothers Plumbing
Forecast note (as of Nov 5, 2026): NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has an El Niño Advisory in effect and expects a strong-to-very strong El Niño through January–March 2027, with chances remaining above 83% (CPC ENSO discussion, Oct 8, 2026; CPC status update, Nov 2, 2026). The National Weather Service in Los Angeles (AFD 12:43 PM PST Nov 5) keeps dry offshore weather through about Wednesday, a chance of light rain Thursday, Nov 12, then wet and unsettled weather from about Friday, Nov 13 into that weekend, with ensembles showing decent chances of widespread 1+ inch totals though timing and amounts remain uncertain (NWS Los Angeles AFD). NWS San Diego likewise flags a large trough late next week with substantial rain possible but low confidence in the details (NWS San Diego AFD). El Niño raises the odds of a wet winter, but it doesn’t guarantee one. Check weather.gov/lox before each storm.
Save this to your phone. When the rain is coming down sideways at 2 a.m., you won’t want to read an article. You’ll want a list.
3 days before the storm
- ☐ Pump bought and tested (a submersible utility pump or a pool cover pump)
- ☐ Discharge hose reaches the curb, with 10 to 15 feet extra
- ☐ GFCI outdoor outlet tested: TEST cuts the power and RESET brings it back
- ☐ Outdoor-rated, heavy-gauge cord, as short as possible
- ☐ Gutters, downspouts, patio drains and driveway drains cleared of leaves
- ☐ Downspouts pointed away from the house
- ☐ Valuables and papers moved up off garage and lower-floor floors
- ☐ Photos of your home and belongings taken for insurance
- ☐ Flashlight, phone charger and towels ready
Storm day
- ☐ Pump set in the lowest spot, on a paver
- ☐ Hose runs downhill to the gutter with no kinks
- ☐ All plugs and connections off the ground and dry
- ☐ Cars moved out of the driveway dip if it collects water
During the storm
- ☐ Check the pump every 1 to 2 hours, or use a float switch
- ☐ Clear leaves off the pump intake (UNPLUG FIRST)
- ☐ Keep checking garage thresholds and lower doors
Stop and call if
- ☐ Water reaches an outlet, appliance or the electrical panel: get out and call an electrician or your utility
- ☐ Water smells like sewage
- ☐ Water is rising faster than the pump can move it
- ☐ A slope, wall or hillside is moving or cracking: leave and call 911
Safe when it’s set up right: the electrical part
Water and electricity can mix safely only when you set them up correctly. Here’s how I set up every pump:
- Plug into a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet only, and test it first: press TEST (power should cut off), then RESET. If it won’t trip or won’t reset, don’t use it.
- Use an outdoor-rated, heavy-gauge extension cord (12 or 14 gauge), as short as you can get away with. Skip thin indoor cords and power strips.
- Keep every plug and connection off the ground and dry. Hang it on a hook, set it on a bucket, or put it in a weatherproof connection box.
- Never handle the pump, cord or plug while you’re standing in water.
- Unplug before you touch, lift or move the pump. Every time.
- If water reaches an outlet, appliance or your electrical panel, get out and stay out. Call a licensed electrician or your utility. Don’t try to pump your way out of that one.
After the storm
Take photos before you clean up. Dry everything within 24 to 48 hours. EPA flood-cleanup guidance stresses drying wet materials within 24 to 48 hours (EPA). If that’s more than you can handle, our water damage restoration team can help. Local pages: Encino, Tarzana, Calabasas.
Need a hand before or during the storm?
Call or text 855-840-7800. A live person answers 24/7, and we offer same-day service. Flood Brothers Plumbing is licensed, bonded and insured (CA License C36-985487), we’ve been at this for more than 15 years, and we work directly with your insurance company. If water already got in, see our water damage restoration service: water removal and drying, odor treatment, tarps and board-ups.
Gio’s $99 Special
Before the El Niño rains and the holidays, get a sewer mainline snake plus camera inspection for $99. Mention "Gio’s $99 special" when you call or text 855-840-7800. Mention the special when booking; valid through 12/31/2026. See Gio’s $99 Special.
FAQs
What should I do the night before a big storm?
Test your pump and GFCI outlet, lay the hose out to the curb, clear your drains, and move valuables off the floor.
How often should I check my pump during the rain?
Every hour or two during heavy rain, unless you have an automatic float switch.
Can I clean leaves off the pump while it’s running?
No. Unplug it first, and never touch the pump or cord while you’re standing in water.
When should I stop and call for help?
When water reaches outlets or the electrical panel, when it smells like sewage, or when it rises faster than you can pump it. Call or text 855-840-7800, 24/7.
