Last Revised: 2/10/26
When the weather forecast calls for a severe thunderstorm or heavy rain, you should hope for the best but plan for the worst. Basement flooding (and a few other risks) can become a real possibility if your home isn’t prepared.
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably take steps throughout the year to protect your home, and when it comes to a heavy rainstorm in the forecast, there are a few key questions that are best answered earlier than later: Will your sump pump hold up? What if the power goes out? Should you be doing something ahead of time to protect your home?
Here’s the good news: storm prep doesn’t have to be complicated or even stressful. With a simple game plan and the right systems in place, you can brace for any storm with confidence instead of worry.
At Mattioni, we’ve been helping homeowners protect their homes for over 75 years. We’ve seen how a home that’s prepared handles significant rainfall differently from one that’s not. We’re here to give you a clear, actionable plan so you can weather any storm with peace of mind.
How Should I Prepare My Home Before a Storm?
The key is acting early, before the rain starts. Here’s your storm prep game plan:
Test Your Sump Pump – And Get a Battery Backup if There’s Still Time
Your sump pump is your basement’s first line of defense against flooding, but there’s one important thing to be aware of. If you lose power (which isn’t uncommon during a big storm), this line of defense could be left lifeless.
It’s the ultimate frustration. You installed a sump pump to avoid basement flooding, and then when the flood risk is highest, the pump’s power source is most vulnerable.
That’s why installing a battery backup is a logical step for many homeowners. It could be the difference between riding out the storm in peace and realizing that rainwater will keep coming in until the storm passes. We’ve been there, trust us.
Whether you have a battery backup or not, it’s smart to test your sump pump to make sure it kicks on properly and discharges water where it’s supposed to (usually a nearby sump basin). If the storm is coming overnight, this 5-minute check-in will give you some much-needed peace of mind.
Unplug Electronics or Use Quality Surge Protectors
Lightning doesn’t have to strike your home directly to cause problems. Voltage spikes from nearby lightning can short-circuit sensitive electronics if they’re not protected. Unplugging sensitive equipment like computers, TV’s, and appliances is the best way to do this, but quality surge protectors will also add a layer of protection.
Look for surge protectors with a high joule rating (at least 1,000+) and indicator lights that show the protection is active. Surge protectors can wear out over time, so if yours doesn’t have a working indicator light, it might not be doing its job as well as it used to.
Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts (If You Have Time)
Clogged gutters can lead to water pooling near your foundation or leaking into your roof. Many people don’t realize that your home’s exterior drainage system is one of the best ways to prevent flooding anywhere in your home before it happens.
If you have time and can do so safely, clear out any leaves and debris so water can flow freely away from your house. If the storm is already moving in, it’s likely too risky to get up on your home, and is not advisable to do so.
Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Is
If a pipe bursts during the storm, you need to know exactly where your main water shutoff valve is located and how to turn it off. Even better, take a couple minutes to label it, test it, and make sure it’s not seized up from sitting unused for years.
If you’re not sure where it is, or it’s not working properly, give us a call and we’ll help you locate it and make sure it’s operational.
Move Valuables Out of Your Basement
If flooding is a real possibility in your area, don’t wait until water is seeping in to move important items to higher ground. Important documents, electronics, and irreplaceables should be moved upstairs or set on a higher surface before the storm hits.
Additional Storm Prep Checklist
Beyond your sump pump and surge protectors, here are a few often-overlooked areas to check:
- Sewage ejector pumps: If you have bathroom fixtures below your main sewer line, test your sewage ejector pump the same way you’d test your sump pump. These fail during power outages too, and the mess is much worse.
- Window well drains: If you have basement windows with wells, make sure the drains at the bottom aren’t clogged. These can fill up fast and leak into your basement.
- Floor drains: Check that floor drains in your basement are clear. Water can back up through these during heavy rain.
- Sump pump check valve: Inspect your check valve to ensure water isn’t flowing back into the pit, which will cause your pump to cycle constantly and wear out faster.
During the Storm: What to Watch For
If your sump pump is running continuously and struggling to keep up, it might be time to call for help before it burns out completely. A pump that’s been running non-stop can overheat (depending on its quality), and if it fails during peak flooding, you could be in trouble.
Why Mattioni Has Been Trusted for Storm Prep since 1948
When it comes to protecting your home from storm damage, you want a team that’s seen it all. We’ve been helping homeowners throughout the Greater Philadelphia area prepare for severe weather for three generations. Our 5-star reputation isn’t just about fixing problems after they happen, it’s about helping you prevent them in the first place.
Our seasoned technicians know exactly how to help you stay one step ahead.
Ready to Storm-Proof Your Home?
Schedule a sump pump inspection and battery backup consultation with Mattioni today. Our expert technicians will test your system, recommend upgrades if needed, and give you total peace of mind before the next storm rolls through.
Call us today at (610) 400-8510 or book your appointment online, and we’ll get a trusted technician to your home fast – because when storms strike, every minute counts.
