March through May is one of the rainiest seasons in Maryland. In some areas, particularly in May, Maryland can see more than 8 inches of rain. Although April starts out relatively mild, as temperatures warm, heavy rains can set in. Unfortunately, heavy rain can cause problems with sewer lines, including damage to them. At Stang Plumbing in Gaithersburg, MD, we want to help you understand the dangers of heavy spring rain and how to prevent them.
Why Spring Rain Stresses Sewer Systems
Saturated soil creates immense pressure on sewer lines buried under the ground. Because of this excess pressure, sewer pipes can shift, crack, or break. When pipes become damaged, water can infiltrate through cracks, leading to issues such as overcapacity, accelerated tree root invasion, and sewage backups into the home.
Maryland’s older plumbing infrastructure and mixed sanitary systems can increase the risk of problems developing. Rain alone isn’t the only issue; it exacerbates any underlying weaknesses in your plumbing system.
Common Causes of Sewer Problems During Spring Rain
There are multiple causes of sewer line problems during spring rains. It’s important to understand these common issues so you can address them before the rainy season arrives.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots seek moisture so they can grow and thrive. Sewer pipes provide an excellent source of water and nutrients. Tree roots can invade the smallest of cracks and widen the damage as they grow. When tree roots invade, they can cause cracks, blockages, and pipe collapse.
Aging Pipes & Damage
Older plumbing infrastructure, often made of clay or cast iron, is more likely to become damaged in heavy spring rains. Groundwater coupled with soil movement puts added stress on weak spots, potentially leading to pronounced pipe damage throughout the season.
Existing Clogs
If your pipes are already clogged, there’s already a problem. Any additional pressure from heavy rain can cause full backups, even if you only have partial blockages now.
Overloaded Municipal Sewer Systems
Heavy rains overwhelm city systems because they exceed the capacity of storm drains and treatment facilities. That can cause sewer overflows, basement backups, and street flooding. The excess water has nowhere to go, so it can back up into homes.
Warning Signs of Problems After Heavy Rain
It’s important to pay attention to the signs of potential problems after heavy rain. Knowing what to look for will help you know when to call a professional, so keep an eye out for the following:
- Slower drains during rain
- Water backing up in fixtures
- Gurgling toilets
- Sewage smells
Do not ignore even the smallest of signs. These are the early stages of problems that cannot be ignored, as they will only worsen. If these issues occur only during storms, it’s a strong indicator of rain-related problems, and you should likely call for professional sewer repairs.
Solutions That Work
You should not attempt to diagnose and repair your sewer line problems on your own. These are not DIY projects; you need specialized tools and experience to get them done. Professional plumbers have an array of tools and techniques at their disposal.
Professional Inspection
One of the first and most effective things you can do is to schedule a professional inspection. Our plumbers use specialty cameras that can snake through your sewer line. We see real-time images of tree root invasion, cracks, and pipe collapses.
Drain Cleaning & Hydro Jetting
Drain cleaning and hydro jetting are the best tools for clog removal. Drain cleaning uses specialized tools, such as augers, to remove clogs.
Hydro jetting is highly effective at removing deep clogs. It pushes clogs through and cleans the sides of the pipes to help prevent blockages from recurring quickly. You should consider hydro jetting every few years to keep your sewer lines clean and flowing freely.
Root Removal
Some homes need root removal to prevent or repair severe damage that occurs because of invasive tree roots. Roots can grow two to three times as wide as the tree’s canopy. Our professionals use mechanical rooters to cut through blockages. Hydro jetting also blasts through invasive roots, breaking them up and flushing them down the line.
Backflow Prevention
A backflow preventer is essential to protect your family’s water supply. It prevents contaminated water from your sewer lines from backing into the potable water lines. They are critical if you have irrigation systems, fire sprinklers, or wells.
Prepare Your Sewer Lines for Heavy Rains
It’s always a good time to take action and protect your sewer lines. Our plumbing professionals can perform a sewer line inspection to check for problems. We offer a wide range of plumbing services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. Allow us to protect your plumbing system and prepare it for the heavy rains our state can see.
Contact Stang Plumbing today to schedule a sewer line inspection in Maryland.
