Preventing Sewer Backups During the Fall Rainy Season

In Conroe, the arrival of fall brings cooler weather, football season, and—if you’re not prepared—unexpected plumbing problems. While Texas doesn’t experience long months of heavy rain like some states, we do get a short but intense rainy season between September and October.

Unfortunately, this is exactly when many homeowners let their guard down. After a hot summer, the last thing on anyone’s mind is the risk of a sewer backup. But even a single heavy downpour can overwhelm your plumbing system if you aren’t ready.

Sewer backups are more than just an inconvenience. They can cause costly damage to your home, ruin flooring and furniture, and even expose your family to harmful bacteria. Fortunately, a little preparation goes a long way in preventing these issues.

Here’s what Conroe, homeowners need to know to protect their homes during the fall rainy season, courtesy of Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling.

Why Fall Rain Can Lead to Sewer Backups

Even though Texas doesn’t see months of steady rainfall, the bursts of heavy rain we do get in September and October are enough to strain sewer systems. The ground may be dry and compacted from summer heat, making it harder for water to drain naturally. As a result, stormwater runs quickly into drains and sewers, often overwhelming them.

At the same time, many sewer lines in older neighborhoods may already be partially blocked with grease, debris, or tree roots. When sudden heavy rain hits, these blockages can cause water and waste to back up into your Conroe, home. This is especially common in areas with aging infrastructure or homes that rely on older clay or cast-iron sewer pipes.

Simple Steps to Prevent Sewer Backups

The good news is that there are several practical steps you can take now—before the rain arrives—to minimize your risk of a sewer backup.

Clear Outdoor Drains and Gutters

One of the easiest things Conroe homeowners can do is check their property’s outdoor drainage. Leaves, sticks, and dirt often build up in gutters, downspouts, and yard drains during the summer. If they’re clogged, rainwater has nowhere to go and may flood near your foundation.

From there, it can overwhelm your sewer system or seep into your basement or crawlspace.

Take time to:

• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Check yard drains and storm drains for blockages.
• Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation.

This simple maintenance task can prevent thousands of gallons of stormwater from overwhelming your sewer line.

Inspect and Maintain Your Sump Pump

For Conroe, homes with basements or crawlspaces, a sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding. But a sump pump that hasn’t been inspected since last spring might not work when you need it most.

Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit until it activates. If it doesn’t turn on, or if it struggles to pump water out quickly, it may need repair or replacement. Consider installing a battery backup as well—fall storms can bring power outages, and the last thing you want is for your sump pump to quit working in the middle of a storm.

Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection

One of the most effective ways to prevent a backup is to have your sewer line inspected by a professional plumber. Using a camera, plumbers can spot potential problems such as tree root intrusion, cracks, or buildup inside your sewer pipe. Addressing these issues before heavy rain arrives can save you from a major disaster.

If your sewer line is partially blocked, your plumber may recommend hydro jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clear the pipe. In some cases, trenchless repair options can reinforce or replace damaged sections without digging up your yard.

Be Smart About What Goes Down Your Drains

Fall is also the season for family gatherings, football parties, and big holiday meals. Unfortunately, this is also when Conroe homeowners often put extra stress on their plumbing.

Grease, oils, and food scraps that go down the drain can solidify inside your pipes, making backups more likely during heavy rains.

Protect your sewer line by:

• Never pouring grease or oil down the drain.
• Scraping food scraps into the trash or compost bin.
• Installing drain screens to catch hair and debris in sinks and showers.

The less buildup inside your pipes, the better they can handle sudden increases in water flow.

Know the Warning Signs of a Backup

Sometimes, backups don’t happen all at once. Instead, your plumbing system may give you subtle warning signs.

Keep an eye out for:

• Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets.
• Water backing up in showers or tubs when flushing the toilet.
• Slow-draining sinks throughout the house.
• Unpleasant sewer odors indoors or in the yard.

If you notice these signs, call a plumber immediately. Catching the problem early can prevent a complete backup.

Why Professional Plumbing Help Matters

While Conroe, TX, homeowners can take many steps to reduce the risk of sewer backups, some solutions require professional expertise. Plumbing companies like Milton Frank Plumbing & Cooling have the equipment and training to detect hidden problems in your sewer line and recommend long-term fixes. More importantly, if you do experience a backup, trying to handle it yourself can be hazardous.

Sewage contains harmful bacteria and contaminants that require professional cleanup and proper safety gear.

By scheduling a routine plumbing inspection before the rainy season, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is ready to handle whatever weather comes your way. Call 281-645-9596 or reach out by request service online to schedule an inspection today.