May 20, 2025
How Flooding Can Damage Your Sewer Line
Memphis weather doesn’t always give much warning. Clear skies can turn into a downpour in just a few minutes. Most homeowners think about yard drainage or basement flooding, but few realize how storms and flooding stress your sewer line. It’s one of the most common ways underground plumbing systems get damaged. Keep reading to learn how flooding can damage your sewer line.
What Rainwater Does Below the Surface
When heavy rain falls, it doesn’t just flow down driveways or streets. It also soaks deep into the soil. As the ground fills with water, it becomes unstable. That shifting puts pressure on sewer lines buried around your home. In addition, rising groundwater forces moisture into cracks or weak spots in your pipes.
Older systems face more risk. Clay, cast iron, or aging plastic pipes often shift under stress. Their joints may separate. Cracks may widen. For that reason, even small damage can quickly become serious during back-to-back storms.
How Flooding Can Damage Your Sewer Line Over Time
At first, the signs can be easy to miss. Drains may gurgle. Toilets might flush slowly. After a storm, you might smell something foul near your basement or outside. In addition, you may notice patches of grass that stay soggy much longer than others.
Understanding how storms and flooding stress your sewer line helps explain why these problems appear. Soil erosion is a big concern. Water leaking from a pipe washes away the dirt that supports your driveway or patio. This can lead to cracks in your foundation. Also, wet soil encourages tree roots to grow toward your sewer line. Those roots find tiny openings and force their way inside.
What You Can Do Before the Next Storm
Fortunately, a few simple steps can help protect your home. First, schedule a camera inspection before rainy season begins. A trained plumber can spot early signs of trouble. In addition, clearing gutters and yard drains helps direct water away from your home. This lowers the pressure on the soil and on your sewer line.
Some homes may also benefit from a backwater valve. These devices stop outside sewage from backing up into your pipes during a flood. If your home has had sewer problems after storms, it’s worth asking a local expert about this option.
Don’t Let Storms Catch You Off Guard
Most sewer damage happens out of sight. However, that doesn’t mean it should be out of mind. If you’ve noticed strange smells or slow drains after heavy rain, your system could be under pressure.
By learning how storms and flooding stress your sewer line, you take the first step toward avoiding major repairs. Acting early protects your home, prevents health hazards, and saves you money over time. The trusted local team at Memphis Sewer & Water can give you the answers you need – so the next time it rains, you won’t have to worry about what’s happening underground.
Act now and enjoy true peace of mind during every season! Contact us at (901) 598-1999 or fill out our contact form today.
