Spring is in full swing & summer is right around the corner. While you don’t have to worry about snow and ice, warmer weather can bring about new problems. Sewage backups are one of them. Here is some information on these backups and how to prevent them.

What causes sewage backups?

Summer storms are a major cause of sewage backups. When rainfall amounts are too much for a storm system to handle, water can seep into the sewage system and cause it to overflow & enter your home.

Sewage backups can also happen due to system blockages. Flushing the wrong things down your homes drains, such as paper towels or grease, can create backups. If the city system becomes blocked, backups can be widespread.

Effects of sewage backups

If left unaddressed, sewer backups can cause several problems in your home. This excess water can lead to foundation damage, rot & other risks like electrical fires.

Backups not only damage your home, but they have the potential to affect your health. Sewage backups can expose you and your family to pathogens that can make you sick. Warm temperatures can cause bacteria to multiply at an accelerated rate, worsening the risk of illness.

How to avoid sewage backups

While there’s nothing you can do about the weather, you can take basic steps to protect your home and family.

Items like grease, large pieces of food, or coffee grounds should never be washed down the drain.
Avoid flushing paper towels or baby wipes, as these can cause blockages.
Keep sump pumps, basement or crawlspace drains, gutters & downspouts clear of debris. This can help prevent rainwater from entering your sewer system.
Schedule annual maintenance appointments for your home plumbing system.

summer sewage backups

If you have a backup in your home that needs to be addressed, Tiger’s expert plumbers and drain technicians are available 24/7 to help. We offer everything from drain clearing services to complete sewer re-pipe services. Give us a call or schedule service online and we will make sure your homes drainage system is ready for the summer!