The Hidden Impact of Winter on Your Drain & Sewer System

Many homeowners start noticing slow drains, basement backups, or even sewer odors as winter fades and spring rains arrive. If your wastewater system isn’t draining like it should, you might be dealing with hidden issues left behind by fall and winter.

Spring is prime time for drain backups, thanks to shifting soil, tree root growth, and seasonal debris buildup. Let’s break down what happens to your drains, sewer lines, and storm drains over the colder months—and how to prevent costly problems before they start.

How Fall & Winter Wreak Havoc on Your Drain & Sewer System

How Fall Leaves & Debris Set the Stage for Spring Drain Clogs:

• Leaves, twigs, and dirt collect in storm drains and outdoor pipes, leading to blockages.
• Cooler temperatures cause grease and oil to harden inside kitchen drains, increasing the risk of clogs.

How Winter Freezing & Thawing Damages Sewer Lines:

• Pipes expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate, weakening joints and sewer lines.
• Snowmelt saturates the soil, putting pressure on underground drain pipes and causing shifts or cracks.
• Tree roots, desperate for moisture in frozen ground, creep into tiny sewer line openings, eventually leading to major blockages.

When spring rains arrive, these existing issues get worse, resulting in slow drains, standing water, and sewage backups.

5 Common Spring Drain Problems & Why They Happen

1. Slow or Gurgling Drains

• Often caused by grease, soap, and winter debris clogging your pipes.
• If multiple drains are slow, it could indicate a sewer line blockage.

2. Tree Root Intrusion

• Roots invade sewer lines through small cracks, expanding in the spring and blocking wastewater flow.
• Left untreated, roots can break pipes and cause major repairs.

3. Basement Drain Backups

• Melting snow and spring rains overwhelm the sewer system, leading to backups in floor drains and sump pumps.
• This is especially common in older homes with aging sewer lines or combined sewer systems.

4. Outdoor Drain & Storm Sewer Blockages

• Fall leaves and winter ice clog storm drains, driveways drains, and yard drains.
• If these backups aren’t cleared, water can pool around your foundation, increasing the risk of flooding.

5. Sewer Gas Smells Indoors

• If you notice rotten egg odors near floor drains, it could mean a dry trap or a venting issue.
• Spring winds and shifting soil can impact sewer vents, leading to indoor odors.

How to Prevent Drain Backups & Sewer Issues This Spring

1. Inspect & Clean Your Drains – Start with a visual check of all indoor & outdoor drains to spot early warning signs.
2. Flush & Maintain Floor Drains – Pouring water down unused floor drains keeps sewer gas traps full and prevents odors.
3. Check Outdoor & Storm Drains – Make sure yard drains, driveway drains, and downspouts are free of debris before heavy rains arrive.
4. Schedule a Professional Drain Inspection – A video sewer inspection can identify hidden cracks, root intrusions, or blockages before they cause backups.
5. Consider Preventative Maintenance – Services like hydro jetting can clear stubborn buildup, grease, and invasive roots before they cause a full-blown clog.

Protect Your Drains Before Spring Storms Hit

Your wastewater system works hard all year—don't let winter damage go unnoticed. With spring rain on the way, now is the time to make sure your sewer lines, storm drains, and indoor pipes are ready for the season ahead.

If you’ve noticed slow drains, gurgling noises, or sewage odors, a quick drain inspection can catch small issues before they turn into major repairs.

Want a worry-free spring? Schedule your drain check-up today and Get Your Life Flowing Today!®