At Red Lilly Plumbing, we know it’s true that here in Los Angeles we only average four inches of rain per month, which hardly seems like something to be concerned about. However, longtime residents know that when it rains, it often pours, leading to sudden flooding in some cases. Flooding during rain storms can cause untold damage to your home and belongings, and most forms of homeowner’s insurance don’t cover losses from floods. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of flooding from your sewer lines.
Pipe and sewer blockage is the most common culprit when it comes to backup in your lines. This can cause water to travel back up and out of your drains, a nasty problem for anyone who’s experienced it. On especially rainy days, the city’s sewer systems can become overburdened by the increased volume of water, leading to backups in the lines. While there’s nothing you can do to expand the capacity of Los Angeles sewer systems, you can keep your lines clear to help alleviate the problem.
You may already know this, but a major cause of sewer blockage comes from solid objects being flushed down the drain. Hair, dirt, and grease are all items that sometimes find their way into drains. Putting screens on your drains and disposing of cooking oils and fat in the garbage can help you avoid this costly mistake. In addition, you should make sure that the only things that get flushed down your toilet are human waste and toilet tissue. All other items, including the moist wipes that are becoming a popular substitute for toilet tissue, can obstruct your sewer lines and should not be flushed.
Damaged pipes can also be subject to sewer backups. If your water is draining slowly, it could be because of a structural defect. Your pipes should be inspected if they are draining poorly to rule out such defects, including root infiltration in the pipes. If any defects are found, the pipes can then be replaced before your lines back up.
Properly maintaining your plumbing and keeping debris out of your drains can make a world of difference when it comes to preventing backups in the lines. You may not be able to fix the Los Angeles sewer system, but you can make sure you’re house is prepared before the rains come.