Rain Storms Hit Hard in Houston
Living in Houston means dealing with sudden downpours. These storms dump inches of water in hours. Your sewer and drain lines take the brunt. I’ve seen it firsthand over years of service here. Water overwhelms the ground. It seeps into pipes meant for waste. This causes backups and breaks. You might notice slow drains during dry spells. But after rain, problems worsen fast.
Think of your sewer system like veins under your property. Rain floods them with extra load. Houston’s soil holds water poorly. Clay and sand shift with moisture. Pipes crack under pressure. We get calls after every big storm. Homeowners face flooded yards and indoor messes. It’s not just inconvenience. It risks health from sewage exposure.
Our team at Top Quality Plumbing Services responds quickly. We know local weather patterns. Last year, Houston saw over 50 inches of rain. That’s above average. Storms like Hurricane Harvey showed the worst. But even normal rains strain systems. If you worry about your setup, check it now. Prevention saves money.
Why Houston’s Soil Makes It Worse
Houston sits on expansive soils. These expand when wet and shrink when dry. Your pipes sit in this shifting ground. Heavy rain soaks deep. Soil swells around lines. This pressure bends or snaps them.
We dig up damaged sewers often. Roots from trees add to the mess. They invade cracks rain creates. Water carries debris into your drains. It builds up fast. Clogs form before you see signs.
You live in a flood-prone area. The city sees 48 inches of rain yearly on average. That’s more than many places. Your home’s foundation settles with it. Sewer lines connect to it. Stress builds over time. One big storm tips the balance.
Sewer Lines Under Pressure
Sewer lines carry waste from your home to the main system. Heavy rains fill them beyond capacity. Ground water infiltrates through joints. It mixes with sewage. Levels rise inside pipes.
This backflow pushes toward your house. You get gurgling toilets. Sinks bubble up. In bad cases, sewage spills indoors. We clear these often after storms. Old clay pipes crack easiest. Houston’s age shows in many neighborhoods.
Pressure builds like a balloon filling too fast. Pipes bulge. Joints fail. Water erodes the soil around them. Voids form. Your yard sinks in spots. It’s a chain reaction from one rain event.
Drain Lines Face the Flood
Drain lines handle roof runoff and yard water. They connect to sewers. Heavy Houston rains overload them first. Gutters spill over. Water rushes into ground drains.
Pipes fill with mud and leaves. Flow slows. Backups happen quick. Your basement or crawlspace floods. We see this in flat areas. Water has nowhere to go but up.
Think of drains as your home’s first defense. They direct storm water away. But when saturated, they fail. Erosion under your foundation starts. Cracks appear over time. One storm leads to bigger fixes.
Spotting Trouble Early
You need to watch for signs after rain. Slow drains signal buildup. Foul odors mean sewage leaks. Wet spots in your yard point to breaks.
Gurgling sounds from pipes show air trapped. It’s water pushing back. Check your cleanouts. If water pools there, lines clog.
We advise inspections yearly. Especially before storm season. Houston’s June peaks bring the most rain. Early detection stops small issues from growing.
Common Problems from Rains
Backups and Overflows
Heavy rains cause the most backups. Water enters sewers through cracks. It forces sewage up. Your fixtures overflow. Clean up fast to avoid mold.
Cracks and Collapses
Pipes age in Houston’s wet climate. Rain widens old cracks. Soil washes away. Lines collapse. We repair with trenchless methods. No big digs needed.
Infiltration and Root Intrusion
Groundwater seeps in. It dilutes waste but adds volume. Roots seek water. They enter joints. Growth blocks flow. Storms speed this up.
These issues hit older homes hard. Many in Houston date to the 70s. Pipes wear thin. One event overwhelms them.
Protect Your Lines Before Storms
Start with your gutters. Clean them twice a year. Direct water away from foundations. Install downspout extensions. They carry runoff far.
Trim trees near pipes. Roots stay in check. Use root barriers if needed. We install them during services.
Seal cracks in your lines. We use epoxy liners. They stop water entry. It’s like armor inside pipes.
What to Do During a Downpour
Stay inside if possible. Monitor your drains. If water rises in them, shut off water at the main. It eases pressure.
Use buckets for sinks. Avoid toilets if backing up. Call us right away. We work 24/7. Our team arrives fast.
After the rain, walk your property. Look for pooling. Note soft ground. These spots need attention.
Our Repair Approach
We start with a camera inspection. It shows the damage inside pipes. No guessing. Then we choose the fix. For small cracks, we reline. For breaks, we replace sections.
Trenchless tech works best in Houston. It avoids yard tears. We finish jobs clean. You get back to normal quick.
Here’s how we handle a typical sewer repair:
- Locate the issue with video scope.
- Clear blockages with hydro jetting.
- Repair or replace the damaged part.
- Test flow and seal everything.
- Provide a warranty for peace of mind.
This process keeps costs down. You avoid full digs.
Long-Term Solutions for Houston Homes
Upgrade to PVC pipes. They resist roots and pressure better. We do full repipes. It future-proofs your system.
Install sump pumps in low areas. They handle extra water. Backwater valves stop reverse flow.
Schedule maintenance. We offer plans. Regular checks catch issues early. Houston’s rains won’t surprise you then.
Business owners, your commercial lines face bigger loads. Storms hit harder. We scale services to fit.
Why Trust Us for Your Plumbing
At Top Quality Plumbing Services, we hold licenses and insurance. Our techs train on local issues. We show up on time, even in storms.
You get clear quotes upfront. No surprises. We use quality parts. Jobs last.
Over 20 years in Houston. We know the terrain. From Katy to The Woodlands, we cover it.
Customers return because we listen. Your concerns guide our work.
Stay Safe This Storm Season
Heavy Houston rains test your sewer and drain lines. Know the signs. Act fast on issues. Prevention keeps your home dry.
We’re here when you need us. Call Top Quality Plumbing Services for an inspection. Let’s protect your property together. Reach out today. Our number works 24/7.