Summer Sewer Maintenance in Memphis Made Easy With 5 Tips

Summer Sewer Maintenance in Memphis Made Easy With 5 Tips

Summer in Memphis brings heat, heavy storms, and shifting soil, and all these stress your home’s sewer systems. What may start as a faint odor or a slow drain can quickly turn into a costly repair if ignored. Small issues often get worse in the summer because pipes and vents are under extra pressure. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to prevent these problems and keep your home safe. Below are 5 practical tips for summer sewer maintenance in Memphis. Discover what you can do and when to call a professional.

5 Tips for Summer Sewer Maintenance in Memphis

Tip 1: Keep Drains & P-Traps Filled

Every drain in your home has a P-trap designed to hold water and block sewer gases from coming back inside. If sinks, tubs, or floor drains are not used often, the water in these traps can dry out. Running water in unused drains once a week is enough to keep them sealed and effective. This simple step is one of the easiest ways to stop bad odors from entering your home.

Tip 2: Inspect & Clear Sewer Vents

Sewer vent pipes allow air to flow through the system, keeping water and waste moving freely. If a vent becomes clogged, pressure builds up and odors escape indoors. Summer storms often blow leaves, twigs, or even bird nests into these vents. If you can safely access your roof, check the vent opening for blockages. Clearing away debris can prevent slow drains and odor problems.

Tip 3: Watch for Warning Signs Indoors

Gurgling toilets, slow drains, and foul odors around the foundation are early signs of trouble. Pay special attention after heavy rain. If smells get stronger, it could mean cracks or sags in the line. Ignoring these warnings often leads to expensive repairs later, so it is best to act quickly.

Tip 4: Protect Older Sewer Lines

Clay and cast-iron pipes were commonly used in Memphis homes for decades. While they worked well in the past, they are vulnerable to shifting soil and summer heat. These materials can crack or collapse, allowing sewage to leak. If your home has older pipes, regular inspections are the best defense. Finding small problems early prevents emergencies that could cost thousands to fix.

Tip 5: Schedule a Summer Sewer Checkup

Summer is an ideal time to schedule a professional inspection. Plumbers can use cameras to check inside your sewer line and spot weak points before they fail. Preventative maintenance is much less expensive than emergency repairs. Getting ahead of issues during summer gives you peace of mind before the heavier rains of fall arrive.

When to Call a Memphis Sewer Expert

DIY steps help, but some situations need professional attention. Call a sewer expert if odors return even after you run water in drains, if several drains slow down at the same time, or if you notice sewage backing up after storms.

These problems usually point to serious damage that only trained professionals can fix. You do not have to live with bad odors or risk sewer failure. Memphis homes face unique challenges with heat, storms, and shifting soil, but local experts know how to handle them.

For fast inspections, reliable repairs, and peace of mind, contact Memphis Sewer & Water today. Staying ahead of problems now can save you money and protect your home all year long.

Get a sewer inspection now and enjoy peace of mind! Contact us at (901) 598-1999 or fill out our contact form today.