Every season of the year brings its own unique set of challenges to your home’s drainage system, and having reliable resources like RentWise tenant support can make it easier to stay informed about proper care and maintenance. The problems that come with the hot summer months are different from the ones you deal with in winter, spring, and fall. Knowing how to protect your drainage system during these changing weather conditions is vital for your wallet and the health of your plumbing system.
How do the seasons of the year impact your drains, and what should be your response?
How Winter affects your drains
Freeze-thaw cycles increase the stress on water pipes and drains, as well as the amount of debris flowing into the drainage system. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles weaken the pipes and increase the frequency of leaks, clogs, and blockages.
Frost penetration also affects the function of the shallow sections of your drainage system. Cold weather makes the water flowing through the pipes sluggish. This increases the rate of buildup inside the pipes, making the system more prone to clogs.
Freezing temperatures also make the debris – grease, soap scum, food scraps, etc. – in your pipes more rigid. The combination of sluggish water and rigid debris within the drainpipes increases the risk that your sewer line will become clogged.
What to do about these problems
- Professional drain cleaning before winter reduces the risk of drain clogs and blockages because it clears the accumulated debris from your pipes.
- Inspect the drainage system and fix defects in the pipes. The smallest crack can become an opening for cold weather to wreak havoc on your drains.
How Spring affects your drains
Constant rainfall in spring may lead the soil around the sewer line to become oversaturated. Since soil becomes heavier when it is waterlogged, it exerts more pressure on the pipe, causing cracks and misalignment. Heavy rains may also cause the soil underneath the pipe to move, leading to bellied sections in your sewer line.
The possibility of tree root intrusion into the sewer line increases in spring. With plants experiencing the most growth at this time of year, sewer lines are more susceptible to attacks from invasive plant roots trying to break into them. If there are bad joints, weak sections, or minor leaks in your sewer line, plant roots can penetrate the line.
What to do about these problems
Prepare your drainage system ahead of the rainy months to reduce the risk of severe drainage problems in your home. The recommended steps include:
- Ensure the soil around your property is properly sloped to promote even water infiltration into the soil.
- Inspect the sewer system to spot issues that may have developed during winter. Fix all problems at once.
- To minimize the risk of tree root intrusion into the sewer line, remove plants with invasive root systems from the areas around your sewer line or install root barriers.
How Summer affects your drains
Extreme summer heat increases the risk that your drainpipes and sewer line will expand. With this constant stress, pipe joints and seals can weaken, and the pipe may warp or leak.
The heat can also cause the soil to shrink and shift, exerting enough force on your sewer line to cause cracks and other damage. High temperatures also increase the risk that P-traps in unused rooms will dry out, causing sewer odors to enter your home.
With all the outdoor cooking that happens in summer and more people in your home (visiting friends and family, as well as kids on holiday), the amount of grease and other debris flowing into the drainage system may increase.
What to do about the problems
- Install drain screens on shower, sink, and bathtub drains. This helps to reduce the amount of grease, hair, soap, scum, and other debris entering your drains.
- Dispose of grease by pouring it into a sealed container and dumping it in the trash. Place trash cans around your home to keep family members from misusing the drains.
How Fall affects your drains
Falling leaves and outdoor debris increase the risk that drains will clog in the fall. As the weather cools, the accumulated debris inside your drainage system can start to congeal, slowing the flow of water through the pipes and causing the system to clog.
Although most trees shed their leaves and stop growing visibly, their roots don’t slow down. In the absence of water, tree roots may target the warm, nutrient-dense water inside your sewer line. This increases the potential for tree root intrusion into the pipes.
What to do about the problems
- Inspect the sewer line for weaknesses that can be exploited by tree roots. Have your sewer line cleaned professionally to remove leftover debris from summer.
- Keep gutters, downspouts, and your yard clean to reduce the likelihood of dead leaves entering the sewer line.
Finally, hire a professional Palos Hills, IL plumber for a comprehensive audit of your home’s drainage system to identify vulnerabilities and recommended solutions.
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