A backed up sewer line can be both problematic and costly. When frequent summer showers make an appearance, it can result in a sewer line not functioning as it should which results in wastewater inside your home. Whether you're on the public utility system or your home has a septic tank system, there are a few things to consider when dealing with excessive summer showers and a backed up sewer.
Backed Up Sewer Line and City Utilities
When a city experiences torrential downpours or daily summer showers it puts a strain on the city's utility system. It's evident there will be problems when we see roads flooding as the draining water spills out onto to street or pooling water standing in yards and businesses because it has no place to go. This excess water plays havoc on sewer lines, as well, causing the water to back up into your home.
As the rains subside and the water dissipates, the lines will return to normal but in the interim, consider these options:
- Use less water whenever and wherever possible
- Don't flush the toilet after every use unless necessary.
- Do not put tissue in the toilet.
- Limit the number of baths or showers.
- Use paper plates and cups and plastic utensils to lessen dishes.
- Have access to a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water.
- Have the plumbing checked each year to ensure there is nothing blocking the drains. This, too, can cause lines not to work properly. Add the addition of increased water due to rain to an already malfunctioning water line and sewer back up can occur.
- Contact a professional plumbing service to remove standing water, check for damage, make any repairs, and install or replace back up water valves to prevent future situations.
Backed Up Sewer Line and Septic Tanks
If your home has a septic system, a backed up sewer line due to heavy or frequent rainfall can happen and it usually centers around the system's drainfield. Once the drainfield becomes overly saturated from rain water, the system itself cannot manage the water entering into the septic tank. When the system attempts to pump the water into a flooded drainfield, the result is wastewater backing up into the home.
Like homes with public utilities, there are things to consider with a septic tank system.
- If the tank hasn't been pumped, call a plumber to see if this needs to be done to help avoid excess wastewater backing up into your home.
- Limit water use for bathing, washing clothes, and dishes.
- It's also possible the drainfield is no longer working at 100 percent due to a lack of necessary bacteria and enzymes.
- If the drainfield is in an area that tends to "pool" creating a standing water situation, a pump can be used to remove the excess water.
- Other problems affecting the drainfield include tree roots, filters, overuse, and inadequate drainage.
For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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