Summer provides the ideal conditions for outdoor activities, especially water- related ones like swimming. However, rainstorms can have significant effects on your sewer system despite being refreshing and often necessary. If you want to prepare and protect your property from potential damage, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh can help. We provide pertinent information to help you understand the effects of summer rainstorms on your sewer system, ensuring you make a more informed decision.
Increased Water Volume
The immediate effect of summer rainstorms is the increase in water volume entering the sewer system. Heavy rain can overwhelm the system, causing backups and overflows. Sewer systems handle a specific capacity, and when that capacity is exceeded, it can cause devastating damage to your home and the environment. Routine inspections and maintenance by a professional plumber in Pittsburgh can mitigate property damage and health risks caused by exposure to contaminated water.
Soil Saturation and Pipe Shifting
Summer rainstorms can saturate the soil, causing the ground to shift. This shifting adds pressure to underground sewer pipes, leading to cracks or breaks. Older sewer systems, which may already have weakened pipes, are vulnerable to this kind of damage. If your plumbing pipes are damaged, call a trusted plumber in Pittsburgh to address leaks and flooding issues and reduce the risk of contamination in the local water supply.
Blocked Sewer Drains
Rainstorms often bring debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, with them. This debris can quickly accumulate and block sewer drains. Blocked drains prevent water from flowing freely through the sewer system, causing backups and localized flooding. Regular maintenance and professional cleaning of sewer drains can help mitigate this risk, but during intense storms, the sheer volume of debris can still pose a challenge.
Impact on Septic Systems
Homes with septic systems are not immune to the effects of summer rainstorms. Heavy rains can saturate the ground around a septic tank, preventing it from properly absorbing and filtering wastewater. This can lead to system backups and overflows, which can be both costly and hazardous. Homeowners with septic systems need to be particularly vigilant during heavy rains, ensuring that their systems are properly maintained and inspected regularly.
Health and Environmental Risks
The impact of summer rainstorms on sewer systems goes beyond property damage. Sewage backups and overflows can lead to significant health risks. Contaminated water can carry bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that pose serious health hazards to humans and animals. In addition, sewage overflows can pollute local water bodies, harming aquatic life and ecosystems. Consult a plumber in Pittsburgh to prevent these outcomes and provide effective sewer system maintenance for enhanced safety.
Summer rainstorms are a natural part of the weather cycle but have significant effects on your sewer system. By understanding these impacts and taking proactive measures, homeowners can help protect their property and health from the adverse effects of summer rainstorms on their sewer systems. Contact us at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh and schedule a consultation with our representatives. We provide regular maintenance and proper drainage management and use preventative devices to mitigate these risks and ensure a functional sewer system throughout the stormy season.
