Increased Water Flow Causes Pressure

April rainstorms can overwhelm municipal sewer systems. When excess water enters the system, pressure builds and can force wastewater back toward homes.

This reverse flow is known as sewer backflow and can cause serious damage.

Common Causes of Sewer Backups

• Heavy rainfall overwhelming sewer systems
• Tree roots blocking pipes
• Grease and debris buildup
• Aging or damaged sewer lines

Homes with basements are especially vulnerable because they sit below street level.

Warning Signs to Watch

• Multiple drains slowing at once
• Gurgling noises in plumbing
• Sewer odors
• Water backing up into tubs or floor drains

These signs indicate pressure buildup in the system.

Preventive Measures

To reduce risk:

• Schedule regular sewer inspections
• Avoid flushing non-flushable items
• Install a backflow valve
• Maintain clean drain lines

Professional services from <a href=”https://www.pnsplumbing.com/”>Putman & Sons Plumbing</a> can help protect your system.

Do Not Wait for a Backup

Sewer backups can cause extensive damage and health hazards. Taking preventive steps now is the best way to protect your home.

The post How April Weather Can Trigger Sewer Backups appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

We’ve all dealt with a slow drain now and then — but ignoring it can lead to major plumbing problems. While it might seem harmless, that slow drain could be warning you about deeper issues in your system.

1. The Early Signs of Trouble

A slow drain usually starts with minor symptoms:

• Water pooling in your sink or tub
• Gurgling sounds from drains
• Foul odors rising from pipes

These symptoms often indicate buildup from soap, grease, or hair. But if it’s happening in multiple drains, the issue could be more serious — like a clogged main sewer line.

2. The Hidden Dangers of Ignoring Slow Drains

When drains slow down, water pressure increases behind the clog. Over time, this pressure can cause leaks or burst pipes. Slow drains can also lead to standing water, which attracts bacteria, mold, and even pests.

If you notice repeated blockages, it may signal a cracked pipe or tree root intrusion — problems that require professional inspection.

3. DIY Fixes vs. Professional Solutions

Many homeowners reach for chemical drain cleaners, but these harsh solutions can corrode pipes and worsen the problem. Instead, try natural remedies like baking soda and vinegar for minor clogs. For deeper issues, a professional drain cleaning is the safest and most effective choice.

4. How Professionals Fix the Problem

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we use advanced video inspection technology to locate blockages deep within your plumbing system. For stubborn clogs, our hydro jetting service uses high-pressure water to safely clear debris and restore flow — no chemicals, no damage.

5. Prevent Future Drain Problems

Preventive care is key:

• Avoid pouring grease down drains.
• Use drain strainers to catch hair and debris.
• Schedule annual drain inspections.

Don’t Ignore the Signs

A slow drain today could be a serious plumbing issue tomorrow. Don’t wait for water damage to strike — act early.

Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing at (248) 652-0990 or visit pnsplumbing.com for professional drain cleaning and inspection services.

The post When a Slow Drain Means a Bigger Plumbing Problem appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Truthfully, sewer line backups are the worst! There is a lot of damage that can occur because of a sewer line backup. It is easy to get caught up in life without realizing the signs of the start of a sewer line backup.

What is a Sewer Line Backup?

A sewer line backup is a backup that occurs in the sewer line of a home. This is a big issue when residents live in a second or third-story building. When a pipe backs up, it is usually because of a clog.

The ‘backup’ occurs when water starts to rise, pushing waste and other objects out with it.

Causes of Sewer Line Backup

The only known cause of a sewer line backup is food that is stuck inside of the pipes. When food gets shoved down the drain, it does not always fall apart and run smoothly through the pipes. Instead, sticky and fatty foods stay inside the pipes.

The biggest cause though is the wrongful disposal of oil. Fatty grease and oil cause clogs as they do not disintegrate well. When the oil cools after being hot, it becomes solid.

Sewer Line Backup Solutions

What are some solutions we can try at home? Usually, if waste is backing up in a home, there are no solutions we can give you. Instead, residents and homeowners should contact their local plumbing technicians in Southeast Michigan.

Conclusion

Overall, sewer line backups cause a lot of damage to a home as well as uncomfortableness. Instead of dealing with a situation like this alone, call your Southeast Michigan plumber!

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