How Spring Can Lead to Sewer Backups

Each season brings its own set of troubles to the sewer system. In the springtime, sewer backups are most common because of the thawing snow and seasonal rain. The ground is usually too frozen to soak up the water from the rainy season. This results in water leaking into the walls and basements of homes in the greater Seattle area.

Luckily, you can rely on the pros at Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter for preventive steps to mitigate the risk of this happening. And, as always, we’re here to quickly assist you with the aftermath of your sewer backing up should that occur.

Three Reasons Why Spring Can Lead to Sewer Backups

Let’s begin with the most common ways the beauty of spring may be challenging for sewer systems around the Puget Sound.

Clogged Drains

The main sewer lines can become extremely clogged during the winter. Ice, snow, and debris can put pressure on the pipes, creating large clogs that prevent any water from getting through. This issue can be carried over to the following season, making it difficult to maintain clean drains in the home.

Damaged Sewer Lines

If your plumbing system wasn’t properly maintained during the winter, you could end up with a damaged sewer line once spring rolls around. As the seasons change, there is a global transition that involves the movement and/or melting of lots of debris, ice, and snow.

Flooding from PNW Rains

Besides outstanding coffee, beautiful mountain ranges, and the occasional Sasquatch sighting, our beloved Pacific Northwest is known for rain. And lots of it.

The heavy rainstorms in spring can cause significant damage to the outside and inside of the home. Once it gets out of control, rainwater and wastewater will back up and create possibilities for water damage, mold growth, and much more.

Steps to Take

Let’s now cover what the pros can offer homeowners to proactively ensure longer, healthier sewer pipes avoid sewer line replacement.

Sewer Inspection, Cleaning, and Maintenance

The general rule of thumb for sewer inspections is once a year for homes less than 10 years old. If your home is older, we recommend inspections and cleanings every 6 months, if possible.

At Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter, we’re here to help. We’ll get your sewers inspected, cleaned, and, if need be, completely relined, all in one fell swoop. And we’ll do it without having to trench or dig up the ground.

Once our techs arrive, each service begins with a comprehensive sewer camera inspection. We’ll identify any blockages or signs of damaged or cracked pipes. Whether it’s under the house, the yard, or the street, we’ll find it!

By completing a thorough inspection, our specialists can quickly determine the most effective cleaning or repair method, ensuring your sewer system is restored swiftly and cost-effectively.

Our sewer pipeline restoration is enhanced by integrating it with our meticulous cleaning procedures. We use large blades to tackle tree roots in pipes and employ powerful hydro jetting to efficiently clear any blockages.

How Hydro Jetting Technology Handles Sewer Backups

Hydro jetting utilizes high-pressure water jets to thoroughly cleanse the sewer pipes. The pressurized water not only removes debris but also maintains the pipeline’s integrity. This provides a robust foundation for any required maintenance work, and the sewer pipe is ready should any repairs be necessary.

After the cleaning, a detailed sewer camera inspection is conducted again to identify any remaining or potential issues.

When Sewer Repair or Replacement Becomes Necessary

If our technicians detect any structural problems, such as pipe misalignment, breaks, or severe damage, we suggest using one of our trenchless sewer pipe repair methods.

Trenchless repair greatly minimizes the need for excavation — internal repairs are both less intrusive and more efficient than digging up the yard or street!

Should the repair or replacement involve work in the public right-of-way, a permit from the City of Seattle (or the relevant jurisdiction) will be necessary. We can assist you in obtaining this permit.

Enjoy Beautiful Spring Weather With Healthy Sewer Lines

From Everett to Tacoma, from Seattle to Bellevue and all of the Eastside, communities wait patiently each year for the gorgeous PNW spring and summer weather. The team at Bob Oates is here to help everyone soak up all the beautiful sunshine by doing what we do best: keeping local plumbing and sewer systems running smoothly.

We hope the advice above helps you stay ahead of any possible sewer backups. And remember, regular sewer inspections and cleaning deliver specific benefits:

• Effectively prevent and address backups and blockages in a budget-friendly way
• Manage common debris (grease, roots, and sand) before it causes issues
• Assess the overall condition of your sewer line to identify problems early
• Enhance the longevity of your sewer line

At Bob Oates, we’re a family-run business that’s happy to have served the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years. Reach out to us anytime with any questions or to schedule an appointment!