As fall sets in, it’s time to prepare your home’s sewer and drainage system for the seasonal challenges ahead.
Tree roots, falling leaves, and increased water flow can all cause drain blockages or expensive sewer repairs.
While you may be busy enjoying fall festivals, pumpkins and apple cider, throw on a cozy sweatshirt and fuzzy slippers, and use these five essential maintenance tips to prevent clogs and keep your drains running smoothly through the holiday season.
You can also reach out to our Crete drain and sewer specialists with any questions you may have, or to schedule routine maintenance!
South Suburbs
NW Indiana
1. Clean Leaves Out of Gutters & Downspouts
Fall means falling leaves. And sometimes, these leaves get stuck in the gutters and downspouts of your home. It’s a good idea to clean all gutters and downspouts in the fall to ensure that rainwater can flow freely away from your home, avoiding potential water damage. Cleaning them now will prevent you from having to deal with blockages later on in the winter!
To effectively clean your gutters and downspouts, follow these steps:
- Remove leaves and debris: Use a small trowel or gutter scoop to clear out all leaves, twigs, and debris from your gutters.
- Flush gutters and downspouts: After removing the debris, use a hose to flush water through the gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of blockages and flowing properly.
- Inspect for damage: While cleaning, check for any signs of damage to the gutters or downspouts, such as cracks, loose sections, or rust, and repair or replace them as needed.
- Install gutter guards: Consider installing gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from collecting in the gutters in the first place, reducing future maintenance.
By taking these steps, you’ll keep your gutters and downspouts in top condition and protect your home from potential water damage throughout the fall and winter months.
2. Clear Out Tree Roots from Sewer Lines
Tree roots are always a common issue with sewer lines. This is especially true if there are lots of trees or shrubbery on your property. Fall is a great time to do preventive maintenance on your sewer line to clear out roots that find a way into your sewer pipes.
Fall is also the start of the busy holiday season, which usually means more visitors to your home. Ensuring your sewer is clear now by scheduling sewer rodding if you need it will ensure your sewer and drains can handle the additional use.
3. Check Your Sump & Ejector Pumps
If your home has a basement, it’s likely equipped with a sump pump and or an ejector pump. These pumps play a crucial role in managing groundwater and wastewater. Fall is a great time to check your sump and ejector pumps and their pits for clogs in the discharge lines. Regular checks can help prevent unexpected headaches during winter storms and snow melts.
Follow these steps to check your sump and ejector pumps:
- Inspect the pits: Clear out any debris, dirt, or buildup in the sump and ejector pump pits that could obstruct the pump’s operation.
- Test the pump: Unplug each pump and then plug it back in. The pump should activate when you plug it back in, which confirms that it’s functioning correctly.
- Simulate water flow: Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit. The sump pump should turn on automatically and begin pumping water out. For the ejector pump, run water in the basement plumbing fixtures and check for proper drainage.
- Check discharge lines: Make sure the discharge lines are clear and free from blockages. These lines carry water away from your home, so it’s crucial they are in good working order.
- Inspect for wear and tear: Check the pumps for signs of damage or wear, such as rust, cracks, or loose connections. If you notice any issues, consider contacting a professional for repairs or replacement.
By performing these simple checks in the fall, you can ensure your sump and ejector pumps are ready to handle the heavy rainfall and snowmelt of the coming seasons.
4. Use Drain Traps Throughout Your Home
A simple year-round tip that’s pretty effective is the use of traps over frequently used drains, like bathtubs and bathroom sinks. These traps catch hair and debris that can easily lead to clogged pipes and forcing you to call in a professional for drain cleaning.
With more visitors to your home during the holidays, this preventive measure is invaluable in keeping your drains flowing smoothly!
5. Get Your Sewers Rodded
One last tip to prepare your sewer for the fall season? If you haven’t already, and especially if your home is surrounded by lots of trees, have your sewer rodded to clear out roots and other debris that manages to find its way into your line.
And with more visitors in your home during the holidays, a sewer rodding is a good idea to be sure things will flow smoothly all season long.
Drain & Sewer Maintenance Help From the Pros
Prepare your home for the fall season by following these essential sewer and drain maintenance tips. With a little proactive care, you can enjoy the autumn festivities without worrying about unexpected drainage problems.
But no matter what kind of sewer or drain issue you’re experiencing, or what time of year it is, Reid & Pederson is always just a phone call away! We’ll get there quickly and solve your drain or sewer problem in no time.
We also have a sewer maintenance program that will help keep your system running smoothly all year long.
Looking for expert sewer maintenance in the South Suburbs or NW Indiana? Call our local team today to schedule a fall drain inspection and avoid holiday clogs.
South Suburbs
NW Indiana
Fall Drain & Sewer Maintenance FAQ
Learn More About Drain & Sewer Maintenance in Crete & Beyond
Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!
My sewer line is already clogged due to lack of maintenance, and that is why I’m thinking of having it addressed by a professional service. Anyhow, I also agree with you that it will be best to clean and inspect the sewer line thoroughly. Thank you for suggesting the importance of preventive maintenance as well.
You’ve written it so nicely, and you’ve come up with some great ideas. This is a fantastic post!
Thanks for sharing this informative information with us!
This is a great reminder to prioritize sewer maintenance as fall approaches! The importance of checking sump pump functionality really resonated with me, especially with potential heavy rain on the horizon.
The blog mentions that grease buildup can contribute to clogs. Are there any preventative measures homeowners can take beyond avoiding pouring grease down the drain? Perhaps you could provide a future post with some tips for catching or filtering grease before it enters the sewer system.