How Milwaukee’s Weather Affects Sewer Drains and How to Prepare

Anyone who has been around Milwaukee long enough knows we experience a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year, from freezing winters to heavy spring rains and humid summers. These seasonal shifts can have a significant impact on sewer drains, leading to issues like blockages, backups, and pipe damage.

Understanding how weather affects sewer systems can help homeowners like you take preventative measures to maintain proper drainage and avoid costly repairs. Regular maintenance and awareness of the effect seasonal changes have on plumbing can help prevent sudden emergencies and keep your system functioning efficiently. Here at Knight Sewer and Drain, we have a few tips to help you better understand the weather has on your sewer system.

How Each Season Impacts Sewer Drains

Winter: Freezing Temperatures and Pipe Contraction

During winter, Milwaukee’s freezing temperatures can cause water inside sewer pipes to freeze, leading to blockages and cracks. As water expands when it freezes, it places pressure on the pipe walls, potentially causing them to burst. Additionally, cold weather can cause pipes to contract, which can lead to small fractures that worsen over time. Snow accumulation and ice formation can also contribute to ground movement, shifting pipes out of alignment and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

How to Prevent Winter Sewer Issues:

• Insulate exposed sewer pipes to minimize freezing risks.
• Keep a slow trickle of water running in extremely cold temperatures to prevent ice formation.
• Ensure your home is properly heated, especially in areas with plumbing, such as basements and crawl spaces.
• Seal cracks and leaks around your foundation to prevent cold air from reaching underground pipes.

Spring: Heavy Rain and Sewer Backups

When spring hits in Milwaukee, so does the rain, and this can overwhelm the municipal sewer systems. Excess water can back up into residential sewer lines, particularly in homes with poor drainage or aging infrastructure. Plus, melting snow can introduce excess water into the system, which increases the likelihood of blockages. Heavy rains can also lead to saturated soil, which increases pressure on underground pipes, making them more susceptible to leaks and collapses.

How to Prepare for Spring Sewer Challenges:

• Clean your gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from sewer lines.
• Install a backwater valve to prevent municipal sewer backups from entering your home.
• Schedule a sewer inspection before the rainy season to detect potential issues early.
• Ensure your yard is properly graded to direct runoff away from your foundation and sewer line connections.

Summer: Droughts and Tree Root Intrusion

The dry and hot summer conditions in Milwaukee can cause the soil to shift, affecting the stability of underground pipes. As tree roots search for moisture, they often invade sewer lines, causing obstructions and structural damage. Once inside, roots continue to grow, leading to blockages and leaks. The combination of dry soil contraction and root growth makes summer a critical time for monitoring underground plumbing.

Preventative Measures for Summer:

• Water your yard regularly to prevent soil from shrinking and shifting around pipes.
• Avoid planting trees near sewer lines to reduce root intrusion risks.
• If tree roots have previously been an issue, schedule routine root cutting or consider installing root barriers.
• Monitor for slow drains or unusual odors, which may indicate root intrusion before it becomes a severe blockage.
• If the problem gets bad enough, call Knight Sewer and Drain for help

Fall: Leaf and Debris Accumulation

As trees shed their leave in the fall, they’ll begin to accumulate in gutters, storm drains, and sewer lines. If left unchecked, this debris can lead to blockages, restricting water flow and increasing the risk of backups. Fallen leaves and other materials can also enter storm drains, exacerbating blockages and causing localized flooding during the heavy autumn rain.

How to Prepare Your Sewer System in Fall:

• Routinely clean gutters and yard drains to prevent blockages.
• Inspect and clear storm drains near your home to ensure proper water flow.
• Consider installing gutter guards to minimize leaf buildup.
• Schedule a professional sewer cleaning to remove debris before winter sets in.

Additional Weather-Related Sewer Issues

Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Pipe Cracks

The frequent free-thaw cycles that occur throughout the year in Milwaukee can cause pipes to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks and leaks. This is especially problematic for older homes with aging sewer infrastructure. As the ground repeatedly freezes and thaws, shifting soil can further strain pipes, leading to misalignment and even collapse.

Preventative Steps:

• Schedule a sewer line inspection before winter to check for vulnerabilities.
• Repair small cracks early to prevent major pipe failures.
• Use flexible piping materials that can better withstand temperature changes.
• Ensure that sump pumps and drainage systems are working correctly to prevent excess water from seeping into the sewer system.

Flooding and Sewer Overflows

Milwaukee is prone to heavy rain and occasional flooding at various points of the year, which can overwhelm the sewer system and result in overflows. This can lead to sewage backups in basements and lower levels of homes, creating unsanitary conditions and requiring costly cleanup efforts. Overflows are not only a financial burden but also a health hazard, as the contaminated water can introduce bacteria and mold into the home.

How to Protect Your Home from Sewer Overflows:

• Elevate your appliances in flood-prone areas to minimize damage.
• Ensure your sump pump is working properly and consider installing a backup pump.
• Invest in a flood alarm system to detect water intrusion early.
• Install check valves on sewer lines to prevent backflow from municipal systems.
• Keep storm drains near your home free of debris to help manage excess water during extreme weather events.

Long-Term Sewer Maintenance Tips for Milwaukee Homeowners

Conduct Routine Inspections

Having a professional inspect your sewer system annually can help you identify small problems before they escalate. A camera inspection can help you detect cracks, root intrusion, and buildup that may require cleaning or repairs. Routine inspections are particularly important if you live in an older home or properties with large trees nearby.

Schedule Preventative Sewer Cleanings

Regular cleanings help remove debris, grease, and other blockages that can accumulate over time. Preventative maintenance is particularly important for homes with older pipes or a history of sewer issues. Hydro jetting is a highly effective method for clearing pipes and preventing buildup from leading to major clogs.

Upgrade Outdated Sewer Lines

Does your home have clay or cast-iron pipes? Consider upgrading to modern materials like PVC, which are more resistant to weather-related damage. Trenchless sewer replacement options allow for minimal disruption while improving long-term durability. If you own a home in an area more prone to flooding, you may also benefit from upgrading to larger diameter pipes to accommodate heavy water flow.

Monitor Water Usage

Extreme weather events can increase the strain on sewer systems. Monitoring water usage during storms can help prevent overwhelming the drainage system. Try to space out laundry loads, limit excessive water use, and avoid major water-intensive activities during heavy rain can prevent additional pressure on aging infrastructure.

Milwaukee’s weather presents unique challenges for sewer systems, but homeowners can take proactive steps to minimize risks. From insulting pipes in winter to clearing gutters in fall, seasonal maintenance plays a critical role in preventing sewer backups and cost repairs. Taking these steps will protect your property and ensure a healthier, more reliable plumbing system for the future. At Knight Sewer and Drain, we can help you clean and maintain your sewer system no matter what the season or the weather conditions. Contact us today to learn more about our services!