Why Do My Drains Back Up When It Rains?

Have you ever found yourself in a soggy situation when it rains? You know the drill—the clouds gather, the skies open up, and suddenly, your drains decide to play tricks on you. It’s a common head-scratcher for many homeowners across Australia: Why do drains seem to stage a revolt when the raindrops fall?

In this article, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of it all. We’ll unravel the mysteries behind those frustrating drain and sewer backups during rainy weather and, most importantly, equip you with practical know-how to tackle the issue. So, let’s get to the bottom of this watery conundrum.

Blocked or Clogged Drains

One of the most common issues associated with heavy rains is clogged or blocked drains because debris and dirt build up inside, disrupting the water flow. You may face this problem in your home because most systems don’t handle a lot of water, debris, and trash.

You will know that your drains will block or clog when you start having a misty sewage smell from the rainwater moving through your drains. When you identify this problem, you should request your plumber to clean the drains to prevent the clogging and blocking from happening or causing the odours in your home.

Damaged Pipes

If you have exposed old sewer pipes, they will likely break when it rains. Prolonged periods without rain make your drain dry out and sometimes crack. When it rains, the running water in them causes them to rupture. You can detect you have broken drains if you recognise a change in the colour of water in your property.

In addition, if the water pressure is low, this can indicate a cracked line or a severe leak. In this case, you should replace the drains to ensure the issue doesn’t reoccur even when it rains.

Crawl Space and Basement Flooding

A flooded basement or crawl space is one of the biggest problems you can face in your home. Flooding can make wooden floors rot, damage your furniture, and cause severe damage to your foundation. Heavy rains worsen flooding in the two areas, especially if your home doesn’t have the proper drainage system.

Water collects in your garden or yard, and with nowhere to flow, it can cause severe problems in your home. To avoid this problem, it’s advisable to have an area drain to prevent outdoor flooding and channel water away from your driveways, walkways, basements, and other areas.

Increased Pressure on Drains

Under regular instances, there is less likelihood of increased pressure on drains from occurring. However, the ground saturates with heavy rains, making the surrounding dirt or soil muddy, leading to increased pressure. Increased pressure outside the drains can cause problems such as bursts and ruptures of the sewer drains and water heater pipes.

Movement of Underground Pipes

Mud formation, saturated grounds around drains, and mudflows can occur when it rains, making the underground pipes move. Because of this, the drains are forced to bend, strain, or move too much from their lines, leading to ruptures, breakages, or complete clogging. In some cases, debris gets into the ruptured drains, leading to water blockages and making the water back up inside your house or basement.

Sewer Backup

Sewer backups can occur because of a clog in the drains when your municipal sewer is backed up. Heavy rains worsen the sewer backup, seeping messy, dirty, and unhygienic water into your house through the toilet.

When your sewer linings are blocked or clogged by debris deposits or pipe shifting, you should take care as you handle the issue because further damage like bursting occurs. If the drains back up because of sewer backup, you should leave your plumber to deal with it because of the damage that may arise if you try performing the sewer repair yourself.

Septic Tank Flooding

Heavy rains can affect your septic tank because, with flooding, the area surrounding the tank becomes saturated with water. This causes the drain field supporting the septic tank to be blocked.

The clogging stops wastewater from draining, making it flow back into the septic tank. When this problem happens, you should wait for the drains to clear before adjusting your septic tank. However, you need to seek help from your plumber for more long-lasting solutions.

Tree Roots in Drains

Tree roots can grow to the extent that they interfere with the drains around your property. Unfortunately, when the roots search for water, they can lead to severe plumbing issues. When it rains, some drains may start to crack or leak.

These damages may be minor, but they are enough to provide moisture and nutrients for the trees. The tree will start growing towards the pipes and end up penetrating the drains, leading to severe blockage or damage.

Shifting Ground

Different soils don’t hold water in the same way. When some soils get soaked, the ground may shift, leading to broken pipes or blockages. Shifting grounds can cause blockages or damage to your drains, leading to backups. If your home is in an area susceptible to mudslides, planting trees around your house is advisable.

The roots help hold the ground together, minimising the risks of landslides. To avoid the problem, you should avoid installing galvanised pipes because they are rigid and easily blocked, even with a minimal ground shift. The best option is PPR (Perforated PVC Pipe) pipes that are more long-lasting, flexible, and can withstand ground shifts.

Overflowing or Blocked Gutters

Gutters also face problems when it rains when they get filled with water and collapse, leading to structural damage to your property. Overflow and blockages in your gutters can be caused by leaves, sticks, and other types of debris that get into the gutters. You should prevent the problem by checking your gutters regularly for debris and leaves that cause blockages.

What to Do When Drains Get Blocked During Rain

If your drain backs up when it rains, you should first assess the severity of the blockage. Do this by running water from the tap and checking how slow or fast it flows. If the drain isn’t flowing, it shows that your drains are blocked and require immediate attention.

While you can use professional tools and chemicals to clear the backup, you shouldn’t try using them if you don’t have enough plumbing experience or knowledge. However, there are some things you can do to solve the problem:

Regular maintenance

Routine inspection and cleaning of your gutters and downspouts to ensure they are debris-free is essential. Trim tree branches near your sewer lines to minimise the risk of root intrusion.

Consider scheduling professional sewer system inspections, especially if you have an older property. This is where leak detection technology can come in handy. These advanced systems can pinpoint leaks in your pipes before they become a significant problem.

Install backflow prevention devices

Consider installing backflow prevention devices in your drains to stop wastewater from flowing back into your home during heavy rain. These devices are designed to automatically close off your sewer line when needed, protecting your property from backups.

Additionally, having a reliable sump pump in your basement can be a lifesaver if your area is prone to flooding. A well-maintained sump pump can quickly remove excess water and prevent basement flooding during heavy rain.

Redirect downspouts

Extend your downspouts away from your home’s foundation to direct rainwater away from the property. Proper yard grading can also help channel water away from your home.

Contact professionals

If you’re experiencing chronic drain backups during rain, it’s essential to consult with plumbing professionals or drainage experts. They can assess your situation and recommend tailored solutions to address the issue.

Get Your Home’s Drainage Rain-Ready!

Rainy weather doesn’t have to be synonymous with drain dilemmas like sewage backups. By understanding the causes of drain backups and taking a few steps, you can keep your home rain-ready and dry. Remember, regular maintenance is your secret weapon.

We get it—some drainage issues can be as stubborn as a rainy day in winter. That’s when it’s time to call in the experts. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re facing persistent problems.

Plumbing pros and drainage wizards are there to save the day and keep your home cosy, even when it’s pouring outside. So, next time the heavens open up, you’ll be armed with knowledge and ready to face the rain without worrying about drain backups. Here’s to staying dry and stress-free, rain or shine!