Why Sewer Lines Back Up During Storms and King Tides

If you live in Virginia Beach, Norfolk or Chesapeake, you already know how much water our region deals with. Nor’easters, tropical storms and king tides raise the water table and fill municipal lines, and that shows up in homeowners’ drains as slow toilets, gurgling tubs and — in the worst cases — sewage backing up into the lowest fixture in the house.

What is happening underground

Your sewer lateral runs from the house to the city main. When the main is surcharged by storm water or groundwater leaks into old pipes through cracks and joints, your line has nowhere to drain. Any partial blockage — grease, roots, a sagging section — makes the problem worse.

Tree roots and older pipe

Many homes here still have clay or cast-iron laterals. Roots from oaks, maples and pines find their way into joints looking for water. A camera inspection shows exactly where roots, cracks or bellies are so you can fix the right section.

If your lowest drain gurgles every time it rains hard, the line is telling you something. Have it inspected before the next storm.

How to protect your home

Keep grease and wipes out of the drains, know where your outdoor cleanout is, and consider a backwater valve if your home has had a backup before. Having the main line cleaned and inspected every few years is inexpensive insurance, especially before hurricane season.

If you are dealing with a backup right now, stop running water in the house and call us — we are available 24/7 for sewer emergencies throughout South Hampton Roads.

Sewer Drains Hampton Roads

Questions?