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Sewer Line Backup During a Summer Storm
A sewer line backup becomes a nightmare, especially during a summer storm. It is because heavy rains often overload sewer lines, which leads to Backs up. It, in turn, causes significant sewer damage and jeopardizes health. Considering this, let’s explore a few practical tips to manage and prevent sewer line backup during summer storms.
Causes of a Sewer Line Backup
Before discussing the preventive measures for the sewer line backup during summer storm, it is important to understand its prominent causes. It will help in taking the appropriate measures timely. Take a look at the following two causes of sewer line backup.
Heavy Rainfall and Overflowing Sewer
Summer storms bring heavy rainfall that can overload sewer systems. Due to this, excess water enters the sewer lines, leading sewer lines to backs up. This sewer line backup further causes sewer lines to overflow into your home, creating a dirty and unhygienic situation. So, it is important to understand the effects of rainfall on the sewer system to prevent the problem.
Blocked Sewer Line Due to Tree Roots
Another prominent cause of sewer line backup is Tree roots. These tree roots block and damage the sewer system by penetrating the lines. This situation worsens during summer storms because more water gets into the system. However, regular monitoring and maintenance can help here in promptly identifying and addressing root intrusions.
Related: how you can get rid of the roots in your sewer line.
Immediate Measures to Take During a Sewer Line Backup
Shut Off The Water Supply
Upon noticing a sewer backup, immediately shut off the water supply to your home. In this way, you can prevent further water from entering the sewer system. You can do this by locating the main water valve and turning it off to stop the water flow.
Avoid Using Plumbing Fixtures
Don’t use any plumbing fixtures during a sewer line backup, including sinks, toilets, and showers. Avoiding the use of these fixtures will prevent you from adding more water to the system, which worsens the backup. Therefore, resolve the issue first before you resume normal use of your plumbing.
Preventative Measures for Future Storms
Regular Monitoring of Sewer Lines
Checking your sewer lines regularly helps in identifying potential sewer line issues beforehand. You can call a professional plumber to carry out a camera inspection of your sewer lines. It will appropriately identify any blockages, damage, or tree root penetrations. Sewer line backup become very bad if not tackled timely. So, it needs prompt attention.
As a long-term solution, establishing a regular maintenance schedule will help to keep your sewer system unclogged. This maintenance includes regular cleaning, checking, and quickly resolving any minor issues. Through this constant maintenance, you can prevent sewer line Backup and ensure the efficiency of your sewer system.
Backwater Valve Installation
To prevent sewage from flowing back into your home, a backwater valve is an efficient device. So, by installing this device, you can protect your home during heavy rainstorms. However, you will require a professional plumber to install this valve in your main sewer line. After installation, this valve offers an additional protective layer against sewer line backup.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
By cleaning the blocked gutters and clogged downspouts, you can protect your home from sewer line backup. Sometimes, hair or other debris clog the gutters, leading to major plumbing problems. So, consistently cleaning the gutters will enable rainwater to flow away from your home. Thus, it will also reduce the risk of overloading your sewer system, leaving behind a clean sewer system.
Related: 7 Ways To Get Hair Out of Your Clogged Drains
Use Drain Covers
You can also consider installing drain covers that catch the hair and debris. In this way, the hair and debris will stay on the screens and not penetrate the drain. You can clean the drain covers timely and avoid any clogs in the sewer system.
Change Old Sewer Lines
Older sewer lines can face more damage and blockages. Plumbers now design sewer lines to withstand heavy use and prevent root intrusions. So, if your house has old sewer lines, upgrade to newer versions, which are more durable.
Professional Help and Emergency
However, if the issue persists or you experience a severe sewer backup, you should call a professional plumber instantly. A plumber can quickly detect the problem and provide an instant solution. Remember that plumbing problems call for quick repair and replacement. So, do not delay the professional help. Otherwise, it leads to more extensive damage, such as backed-up toilets or sewer line backup that requires costly repairs.
Contact Lifetime Plumbing For Emergency Plumbing Services
If you want emergency plumbing services, Lifetime Plumbing is ready to serve you on one call. You can contact our plumbers anytime, as we are available for 24/7 hours. We have a vast team of expert plumbers who offer expert solutions to all kinds of plumbing or sewer problems.
You can also contact Lifetime Plumbing to get the estimated service charges by answering a few questions. We will require answers to these questions to adequately analyze the situation and suggest if it needs repair or replacement. Our sewer line services include:
- Camera Inspections
- Hydro Jetting
- Drain Snaking and Plunging
- Patching to address minor leaking
- Sewer line repair in case of extensive damage
- Sewer Line replacement in case of corroded pipes
At Lifetime Plumbing, we understand how important sewer systems are and how vulnerable they can be if not appropriately maintained. During summer storms, it may get even worse. So, we suggest regular maintenance and inspection of the sewer system to prevent the a sewer line backup during a summer storm.
By following the necessary preventive measures and scheduling regular maintenance, you can avoid sewer line problems. Look for signs that your sewer lines require repair or replacement and plan the action accordingly. If any of the above-mentioned measures don’t work, contact Lifetime Plumbing for expert help and to ensure a functioning sewer system.
