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.
Water always goes to the lowest point. In a lot of LA homes, that’s the garage at the bottom of a sloped driveway, a basement, or a sunken patio with one small drain. These are the places I get called to first in every big storm.
Garages
- Downhill driveways send water straight into the garage door. A trench drain at the bottom only works if it’s clear, so clean it out before the storm.
- Set your pump right in front of the trench drain or the door threshold. Run the hose out the side and down to the curb.
- Get things off the floor: boxes, tools, paint and anything with a plug. Water heaters and furnaces in the garage should never sit in water. If water reaches them, stay away and call a pro.
- A door threshold seal or sandbags help slow water down, and the pump moves out whatever gets past them.
Basements and below-grade rooms
Basements are less common in Southern California, but hillside homes often have lower levels set into the slope. Water comes in through window wells, light wells and the joint where the wall meets the floor. Check the sump pump if you have one: pour in a bucket of water and make sure it starts. A second utility pump makes a good backup.
Below-grade patios and pool decks
A sunken patio is basically a bowl, and its single drain plugs with leaves in minutes. Clear it before the storm, set a pool cover pump at the drain, and run a garden hose to the street. If the patio connects to a door into the house, that’s your priority.
Drains to check this week
Check gutters, downspouts, area drains, trench drains and patio drains. If you run a hose into a drain and it backs up, it’s clogged. Our team can clear it: see our drain cleaning and floor drain services.
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.
Garages are where extension cords end up lying in puddles. Mount the plug on the wall, hang the cord up high, and if a puddle forms near the panel, step back and call.
Area pages: North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Burbank. If water gets in, see water damage restoration.
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
Why does my garage flood every time it rains hard?
Usually because the driveway slopes toward it and the trench drain is clogged or too small. Clear the drain and set a pump at the threshold.
Can I put a pump in my sunken patio drain?
Yes. A pool cover pump at the drain with a garden hose run to the street works well. Clear the leaves first.
My water heater is in the garage. What if water reaches it?
Stay away from it and from any electrical equipment in water. Call a professional.
How do I know if my patio drain is clogged?
Run a garden hose into it. If the water backs up or drains slowly, get it cleared before the storm.
Do you clear drains before storms?
Yes. Call or text 855-840-7800 for same-day service.
