Your sewer line transports wastewater and sewage away from your home. It’s a vital part of your plumbing system for maintaining a healthy and hygienic environment. Unfortunately, summer’s higher temperatures can affect your sewer lines in many ways. They can cause sewer line materials to expand, soil to shift, and biological activity to increase. You may think that your pipes are safe since they are buried, but prolonged heat can still result in structural damage and blockages.

Shifting Soil and Pipe Damage

Hot weather causes the ground to dry out. As a result, the soil shrinks and shifts. This puts a lot of pressure on your sewer line. It can cause the pipes to break, crack, or become misaligned. Once this happens, you’ll need professional repairs to remedy the situation.

Tree Root Invasion

Water becomes scarce during extended periods of heat. During these episodes, tree roots will search for moisture. Unfortunately, your sewer line is an excellent source of the essential water they want. Those roots will find their way into any cracks in the pipes, which leads to major blockages.

Pipe Material Fatigue

High temperatures can make pipe materials expand and contract. This increases the risk of cracks and damage, especially in older, brittle pipes.

Increased Risk for Blockages

Heat hastens the decomposition of organic matter. When this happens in your sewer line, you’ll notice unpleasant odors. Also, things like grease and soap residue can build up along pipe walls over time. When this happens, they are more likely to stick to the walls of the pipes. You’ll find yourself dealing with slow drains and clogs.

Weak PVC Pipes

PVC pipes are quite durable, but excessive heat can reduce their strength. This makes them more susceptible to thermal stress and breaking.

Increased Pressure Failures

Extreme temperatures can lead to fluctuating water pressure in your sewer line. This can potentially overload the system and cause leaks. There is more of a risk for this in older systems or those that have existing damage. Also, heat waves increase water use, which further contributes to pressure fluctuations.

Watch for warning signs indicating issues due to the heat. This includes gurgling sounds in pipes, slow drains, sewage odors, and higher-than-normal water bills. To avoid such summer issues, water the ground around your sewer lines. This keeps the soil from drying out and shifting. When planting new trees, make sure to place them away from the sewer lines to avoid root invasions. You can also take advantage of routine sewer line inspections. A professional plumber will be able to recognize potential problems and help you avoid them. If you have concerns or require sewer line services, contact McHales in Levittown, PA.