Fall in NYC can be a very beautiful time of year. The leaves change color, the weather gets cooler, and the city comes alive with energy. However, it’s also the time of year when your home’s drain lines are most likely to back up. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to avoid fall drain line backups.
Before we get into how to prevent fall drain line backups, let’s take a quick look at what usually causes them.
Accumulation of Leaves and Debris
As the leaves fall and the rain comes down, the potential for your drains to back up increases. Accumulation of leaves, rainfall, and even snow can cause your drains to back up. Pay attention to the warning signs like slow drainage, gurgling sounds, and bad odors coming from your drains.
Fall Drain Line Backups include Area Drains & Yard Drains
Those falling leaves and resulting debris leave your area drains and yard drains particularly exposed to backups. Always clean out both the grating and drain sump before a heavy rain floods you out.
The Fall Season Causes Clogged Gutters
If your gutters are clogged, they can cause runoff to collect around your home. This can lead to water seeping into your home, which can cause problems with your foundation. It can also cause flooding in your basement or crawl space.
Improper Drainage
If your home doesn’t have proper drainage, it can lead to water collecting around your foundation. This can cause problems with your foundation, as well as flooding in your basement or crawl space. To avoid this, it’s important to make sure your home has proper drainage.
How Do You Know If You Have a Fall Drain Line Backup Problem?
Fall is a favorite time of year for many people. While you’re enjoying the cooler weather and the changing leaves, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards that come with the season. As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, be on the lookout for these warning signs that indicate a potential problem:
Slow drainage: If you notice that your drains are draining slower than usual, it could be a sign of a clog.
Gurgling sounds: If you hear gurgling sounds coming from your drains, it could be a sign of a clog.
Bad odors: If you notice bad odors coming from your drains, it could be a sign of a clog.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to take action right away. Ignoring the problem won’t make it go away, and it could lead to more serious problems down the road.
Fall Plumbing Tips That Can Make a Huge Difference
Now that you know more about what can cause fall drain line backups, let’s take a look at some tips to help you prevent them.
Keep an Eye on the Leaves
As the leaves fall, keep an eye on the ones that are near your drains. If you see any that are starting to accumulate, clear them away. We know how easy it can be to let the leaves pile up, but it’s important to take the time to clear them away.
Check Your Gutters and Drain Pipes
As leaves fall from the trees, they can clog up your gutters and drainpipes. If left unchecked, this can cause serious damage to your roof and foundation. To avoid this, be sure to clean out your gutters at least once a month during the fall season. You may also want to consider installing gutter guards to make the job easier.
Inspect Your Pipes for Leaks
Leaking pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems during the winter months. To prevent this from happening, take a few minutes to inspect all of the exposed pipes in your home (e.g., those in the attic, basement, or crawlspace) for any signs of leaks or other damage. If you find any, be sure to have them repaired by a licensed professional before the cold weather sets in.
Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valve Is Located
In the event of a burst pipe, it’s important to know where your home’s water shut-off valve is located so you can quickly turn off the water supply and minimize damage. The valve is usually located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home.
Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Hoses
When the temperatures start to decline, it’s time to drain and disconnect all outdoor hoses from your faucets. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting when the cold weather sets in.
Consult a Professional When Needed
When it comes to your home’s drains, it is important to remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, it is much easier to prevent clogs from happening in the first place than it is to fix them after they have already caused problems. A professional drain cleaning service can help you maintain your drains and keep them free of clogs. Likewise, a professional and licensed sewer contractor can provide you with a long-lasting solution to any sewer or drain issues you may be experiencing.
While there are a variety of do-it-yourself (DIY) drain cleaning solutions available on the market, it is generally not recommended that homeowners attempt to clean their own drains. First and foremost, many DIY drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be dangerous if used improperly. In addition, these products often only provide temporary relief from clogs and do nothing to address the underlying problem. If not used correctly, DIY drain cleaners can also damage your pipes, which can lead to even more serious and expensive repairs down the road.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
When you hire a professional drain cleaning service, you can rest assured that your fall drain line backups and other drain problems will be properly resolved. A good service will use high-quality equipment to clean your drains and remove any blockages. In addition, they will be able to identify any potential problem areas in your drains and make recommendations for how to avoid future clogs. By hiring a professional drain cleaning service, you can save yourself time, money, and hassle in the long run.
If you reside in the area of NYC, Balkan is The Team You Trust. After over 70 years and over 80,000 satisfied customers, Team Balkan has a proven track record.
