Why Sewer Lines in Michigan Need an Inspection During the Rainy Season

Homeowners throughout West and Southwest Michigan know that once the summertime is here, it will also bring with it a lot of rain. Typically, July through early September will experience the most rain. Fortunately, anyone who lives in this part of the state can turn to Service Professor to help ensure their sewer lines are in good shape. Otherwise, even a minor storm could create a major issue when it comes to overflows and other problems.

How a Sewer Line Inspection Helps

Michigan is well-known for having flooding during and after major rainstorms. This indicates that the sewer infrastructure needs a serious overhaul, but it can also be a sign of pipe damage, leaks and blockages in your own sewer line. Having your sewer line looked at during a professional plumbing inspection before a big storm hits is your best defense against a flooded basement and yard because it’ll identify blockages, cracks or root intrusion before heavy rain overwhelms the system. It’ll also help protect you from related damage, including the following.

Prevents Sewer Overflow

Preventing your sewer from overflowing is your top priority. Otherwise, you’ll be left with a huge mess on your hands due to raw sewage. Getting regular sewer line inspections can help identify and eliminate small blockages before they have an opportunity to get big.

If your property frequently deals with sewer overflows, it’s extremely important to reach out to a professional plumber for assistance. Otherwise, you could be dealing with health complications and environmental impacts with each overflow.

Protects Public Health

Having your sewer system overflow can be very dangerous, especially for small children who don’t have a fully developed immune system. After all, even if the water overflow from your sewer line looks mostly clear, it can actually contain raw sewage. You can be exposed by simply walking through it, which may lead to:

• Parasitic infections
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Skin rashes
• Eye and ear infections

Reduces Environmental Impacts

When a backup in your sewer line causes a flood, it could end up overwhelming the entire system. As a result, nearby soil and waterways often become contaminated. Avoid this problem by having your sewer line inspected and cleaned regularly.

Extends Infrastructure Life Span

Your individual sewer line connects to the larger sewer system infrastructure. If you fail to take care of your sewer line, it can lead to combined overflows, which may cause raw sewage to enter nearby lakes and rivers. Additionally, groundwater can be contaminated when sewage leaks into the soil.

Even worse, a failing sewer line leads to property damage and backups, along with contributing to your area’s sewer overflows. Each homeowner is responsible for doing their part to help maintain the sewer system infrastructure so that it works better for everyone.

Prevents Property Damage

Last but certainly not least is the risk of widespread property damage due to a backed-up sewer. Forgetting to get your sewer inspected can easily allow a small blockage to turn into a major problem. Before you know it, your entire property will be flooded, including your basement.

Other problems you can face include:

• Mold
• Structural issues
• Water damage
• Health hazards

Impact of Heat and Rain

Living in West or Southwest Michigan means that heat and rain can impact your sewer system. Heat leads to expansion and contraction, which can cause ruptures or cracks. Additionally, shifting soil can cause collapsed pipes, and saturation causes drain backups. Meanwhile, heavy rain causes your sewer to overflow or back up. Let’s explore each of these more closely, beginning with heavy rain.

Blockages and Debris

If you’ve ever looked at your storm drain after a big rainstorm, then you’ve undoubtedly noticed twigs, leaves, etc. in the drain. Once enough debris enters the system, it will inevitably lead to a blockage.

Increased Sewer Discharge

When the rain becomes severe, it might cause your sewer system to release untreated or partially treated wastewater into nearby streams and rivers. This could become a catastrophe, particularly if kids play in the stream or if anglers go fishing. In addition to the previously listed side effects of raw sewage, you could also face:

• Respiratory problems
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Higher cancer risk

Combined Sewer Overflows

If you happen to live in an area with a combined sewer system, it can easily lead to a mixture of sewage and rainwater being released. Sadly, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference until you’ve already been exposed.

Now that we’ve seen what heavy rainfall can do to your West or Southwest Michigan sewer, let’s turn our attention to the role heat plays.

Added Water Pressure

When it becomes hot, it might cause your pipes to expand. This becomes a problem when it causes existing constrictions or blockages to become even worse.

Tree Root Infiltration

Tree roots always have the potential to weaken or crack your pipes, but it becomes an even bigger issue during hot weather. Tree roots seek out moisture wherever they can find it, including your sewer system.

Material Degradation

Sewer line materials can crack and dry when the temperature rises. Unfortunately, this makes them more susceptible to leaks and blockages.

Southwest Michigan Sewer Line Inspections

One of the good things about modern sewers is that they typically utilize long-lasting PVC pipes. Cast iron and copper have become things of the past because they don’t have the longevity of PVC. In other words, if we have to replace your pipes, you’ll probably be set for life. Also, modern techniques such as trenchless sewer line repairs will save you a lot of money and heartache. Long gone are the days when your yard or driveway automatically needed to be dug up!

Drain Cameras

Our drain camera enables us to take a look inside of your main sewer line. The camera is attached to a flexible cable, which makes it easier to see exactly what is going on. By utilizing our drain camera, we’ll be able to catch problems such as:

• Sewer system connections
• Cast-iron or PVC pipes
• Stoppage or drainage issues
• Locating lines

Contact West Michigan’s Best Plumbers

Whether you reside in West or Southwest Michigan, Service Professor can take care of your sewer lines. We offer regular preventative maintenance, along with repairing pipes or replacing your sewer line. We’ve been in business for more than 40 years and received numerous awards and certifications, including:

• Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
• 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For
• Angi Super Service
• Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite
• Best of Grand Rapids
• Best of HomeAdvisor

Furthermore, we’ve earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and we are proud of our excellent reviews on Google. We also guarantee 100% satisfaction with our work. If you find a problem within 30 days, simply call us, and we’ll fix it! When your sewer line needs inspecting in Southwest or West Michigan, reach out to Service Professor for fast service.

Meet the Author

Katie Pisall