It’s been pretty rainy recently! Summer storms in Buffalo aren’t exactly what we talk about most here in WNY, it’s usually the snow, but this summer has been full of storms, warnings, and flooding. Today on the blog we’re starting by discussing how you can prevent issues with your sewer during the rainy season. We’ll use this blog to talk about helpful tips and information for homeowners, property managers, and business owners who need to keep their plumbing in tip-top shape!
Let’s start the blog off right in the sunshine before another thunderstorm rolls through!
One of the worst-case scenarios for any property owner is a sewer backup. Anything in the basement could be ruined and the cost of damages can get into thousands. Summertime is a common season for sewer clogs and backups due to sudden heavy rainfall and unrelenting thunderstorms. Streets can face flooding, and basements can face issues with water and sewer backups. Too much water trying to go in the same direction is a powerful problem.
Communities with combined sewer systems, which route both stormwater and sewage water to waste treatment plants before directing the water into a water body are more prone to rain-caused sewer backups. Regardless, even sewer systems that aren’t combined can be backed up due to heavy rains.
How to Prevent Sewer Backups from Rain in the Summer
Protect Your Private Sewer Lateral
As a private property owner, you are responsible for your private sewer laterals, or the pip that connects your home to the public sewer system. Blocked or damaged private laterals can cause a lot of expensive problems. Consider having it inspected and cleaned semi-routinely by a licensed drain cleaning professional.
Consider Disconnecting Downspouts
In older neighborhoods, downspouts, driveway drains, and private stormwater connections sometimes flow to private sewer laterals. When it rains heavily, these connections can become inundated and cause backups of raw sewage. During a heavy rainstorm, each downspout could send 12 gallons of water a minute into the sewer system, so rerouting this water could also be beneficial.
Install/Replace Sump Pump
Sump pumps take storm water from inside a building and move it back above ground out into the surrounding landscape or to a public sewer designed only to carry stormwater. One way to prevent sewer backups is to have your sump pump inspected and ensure everything is working properly. If not, it may be time for a replacement.
Watch Your Tree Roots
Trees grow slowly, but tree roots can grow quickly when conditions are very wet. Tree roots tend to spread in the rainy season underground, which can end up growing right into your sewer line. Oddly enough, the waste moving through the pipes holds nutrients that can be beneficial to the plant’s growth. Tree roots can burst right through the piping and fill up space that eventually forms a blockage and no waste can flow through.
Consider a Backflow Preventer
Backflow preventers help to ensure water can only flow through your private sewer lateral in one direction. When it rains, the backflow preventer closes off your lateral from the public sewer pipe where it normally flows. This will remain closed until the public sewer pipe decreases, so you may need to limit water usage in your home during rain events.
These are just a few ways you may want to consider to prevent sewer backups here in Buffalo NY. Summer rain can wreak havoc on your home or business, so ensure you have a trusted plumber here in WNY to help you through these situations. By having a trusted drain cleaning specialist like Advanced Sewer & Drain Cleaning, you can trust that we will always have your best interest in mind. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to set up a time for us to come take a look!
