With the recent onslaught of heavy rains affecting our area, it is probably a good time to talk about your home’s sewer line. When we experience the type of torrential downpours we have in recent weeks, the result can be some unwanted water in and around your home.
Why does this happen?
Incredibly heavy rainfall is rather uncommon, but a lot of drain systems are ill-equipped to handle such a volume of rain. Sewer line backups occur when there is simply too much water for the drain to handle, causing the backflow to retreat into your home’s plumbing system.
If the volume of water is great enough, it could seep up through the drains in your home, beginning at the lowest level. This is probably the reason your basement gets wet in heavy rains, or if you don’t have a basement, it might back up into your bathtub, sink, or toilet.
What can I do to prevent sewer backups?
If you experience a backup in your sewer system, first thing’s first: identify the problem. As we just discussed, it could be from extensive rain. But it could also be revealing an underlying issue.
First check the storm drain on your street. Local crews are always working, especially in inclement weather, to ensure the drains are clear. However, if you notice an obstruction, notably leaves or debris, you can help streamline the process by clearing it off.
If your problem is perpetual, or it occurs even during a normal weather event, that could be the result of a system blockage. Tree roots, foreign objects, and broken/collapsed pipes are the usual suspects if you are experiencing frequent backups.
What do I do now?
If you are experiencing regular issues with line backup, give us a call and we can help you get to the root of the problem. And remember, we are also available in the event of an emergency, 24/7. Give us a call at (270) 443-1067!