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.
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.
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.
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.
Water and electricity can mix safely only when you set them up correctly. Here's how I set up every pump:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. A pool cover pump at the drain with a garden hose run to the street works well. Clear the leaves first.
Stay away from it and from any electrical equipment in water. Call a professional.
Run a garden hose into it. If the water backs up or drains slowly, get it cleared before the storm.
Yes. Call or text 855-840-7800 for same-day service.