A sewer backup after heavy rain in St. Louis can have more than one cause. The public sewer may be overwhelmed, but roots, buildup, damage or an obstruction inside the private sewer line can also restrict the flow.
That’s why it’s important to determine what is actually causing the backup before deciding what needs to be done.
Rain Can Overload Sewer Systems
Parts of the older City of St. Louis have combined sewer systems. That means rainwater and wastewater travel through the same pipes.
Most of St. Louis County has separate storm and sanitary sewers, but heavy rain can still cause problems. MSD Project Clear explains how the St. Louis area’s combined and separate sewer systems work.
Rainwater can enter sanitary sewer lines through cracks, damaged joints and improper connections. When enough extra water gets in, the system can become overloaded.
Sometimes that water comes back through basement floor drains.
Is It Your Sewer Line or the Public Sewer?
Just because sewage backs up during a storm doesn’t automatically mean your main sewer line is clogged.
The public sewer could be overloaded.
But your own line could also have tree roots, grease buildup, a partial blockage or pipe damage that’s restricting the flow. Professional main sewer line and drain cleaning can address blockages that are restricting flow inside the private line.
And sometimes both problems are involved.
What Appears to Be a Mop Head in a Sewer Main
The photo above shows All Service Drain technician Jeff holding what appears to be a mop head removed from a sewer main. It’s a striking example of why identifying the actual cause matters before deciding what needs to be cleaned, inspected or repaired.
What Should You Do?
If sewage is coming up through your basement floor drain, stop using water inside the house until the problem can be checked.
Keep people and pets away from the wastewater.
If the problem only happens during heavy rain, or your neighbors are experiencing it too, the public sewer system may be involved.
If the problem keeps happening, a sewer camera inspection may help identify roots, damage or other restrictions inside your line.
Need Help With a Sewer Backup?
If heavy rain is causing a sewer backup, slow drains, gurgling toilets or water coming through a basement floor drain, call All Service Drain & Sewer Inspections at 314-409-7425. We can inspect the line, identify restrictions and help determine the appropriate next step.
We serve homes and businesses throughout the St. Louis metro area, including St. Louis City and County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County. We specialize in drain cleaning, main sewer line cleaning and sewer camera inspections.
