How to Deal with Sewer Line Backups from Summer Thunderstorms
Rain and thunderstorms are a natural part of summer in New York, and there’s something pretty wonderful about listening to those familiar sounds while you stare out the window on a lazy day. However, this type of weather can also cause serious problems for homeowners. No one likes to deal with sewage issues, but summer storms are one of the biggest cause of them in our area. Here is an explanation of why storms cause backed up sewer lines and how you can fix the issue with high-quality plumbing fixtures NYC.
Excess Water, Flooding, and Sewer Pipes
One of the biggest risks of summertime rain is extra water flowing into your home’s sewer pipes. Even with the most minor flooding, excess water can seep into cracks in and around your home and find its way into the sewer pipes. This excess rainwater is a very common cause of sewer line backups. When water backs up in your sewage line, it can leak out into your home and cause water damage and awful smells.
Fallen Trees from Storms and Tree Roots
Another cause of sewage issues during a New York summer is fallen trees. This is because tree debris can break loose and enter the sewage pipes to cause blockages. Trees often fall during summer storms due to lightning strikes and high winds.
Also, tree roots grow the most during the spring and summer seasons, and these roots can actually extend into your plumbing pipe systems. Like all plants, trees need water to live, and pipes can serve as a water source and nutrients. This excess pressure from the tree roots causes pipes to bend and crack, thereby causing blockages.
Warning Signs of a Sewer Line Backup
If you’ve never dealt with many sewage issues in the past, you might not know exactly what to look for or when to call a professional. One telltale sign of a sewer line backup is water backing up from the toilet into the bathtub or shower drain. Drain plugs can help prevent bathtub backups in the short-term, but it is necessary to identify the source of the problem and have it looked at by a professional right away.
It is also common to notice slow draining in your bathtub and laundry lines, toilets that don’t flush like they normally do, and bubbles in your sinks when they try to send water down the drains. You may also notice a foul smell coming from the drains in your home when you have a sewer line backup. Not only are the smells unpleasant, but they could be signs of bacteria and other microorganisms that present health risks to you and your family.
How to Fix These Sewage Issues
Fortunately, there are ways to fix your sewage issues in the summer months and replace old, faulty plumbing fixtures NYC. The most logical step when you notice a problem is to call your local plumber to determine how extensive the damage is. If it is more of a blockage than a break, he or she may be able to perform a simple repair. To get the job done, a technician may cut through the clog and fully clean out the main sewer pipe to the inner wall. From there a high-power water sprayer can be used to rid the pipes of debris. However, a full sewer line replacement with new parts may be needed for sewer line cracks and more extensive damage.
Contractors, businesses, and homeowners all look to Central Plumbing Specialties and our Grande Central Showrooms for help when replacement parts are needed. To shop for new plumbing fixtures NYC, stop by one of our beautifully appointed showrooms on 56th Street, Park, Bond, Yonkers or Rockland to browse kitchen and bath supplies for your home.