April Showers can Bring More Than May Flowers

No doubt about it, we have had some wet weather in Central Alabama and the odds are we will add to it with more spring showers. Our Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air plumbers in Montgomery, AL know spring is a favorite time of year for many people, but it can lead to drainage problems. No, we’re not talking about unclogging a drain in the kitchen sink or a shower drain.
Instead, we want to make sure you check with our plumbers in Auburn, AL to make sure you are prepared for spring runoff. With ground that’s already saturated, spring rain can quickly make things worse. The water has no place to go and if your home’s drainage system isn’t in tip-top shape, it can mean water in the basement or crawl space.
The more serious problem is saturated ground can affect your home’s sewage system. A break in the pipe or an invasive root can allow groundwater to enter the system, meaning the home’s wastewater has no place to go. Many rural Alabama residents face a higher risk because they are on septic systems. In either case, the result could be a damaging and disgusting sewage backup in the home. It can happen at any time, but the risk does go up in the spring when the ground is really wet. Here are some warning signs to watch for that could indicate problems in your sewer pipe:

• Water backs up in other drains – Let’s say you flush the toilet and hear water gurgling in the tub or shower. It’s a sign the water is being blocked by a clog and is looking for another way out
• Bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles – When there is a clog, air can get trapped as the water tries to drain. This will cause bubbling. You may notice bubbles when you flush a toilet or when a sink is trying to drain.
• More than one drain is clogged – If multiple drains clog simultaneously, it can be a sign that there is a problem brewing. Especially if the drains are ones you don’t use routinely.
• Toilets aren’t flushing like they should – When your toilet doesn’t flush like it should no matter how many times you use the plunger, it can be another sign of drain issues. Toilet problems can be particularly unpleasant and not something you want to delay getting repaired.

If you experience any of these warning signs, you should call Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air to get help from one of our licensed Auburn plumbers. Among the many tools we can employ is a video camera to inspect your sewer pipes outside the home. If we do find a problem, it doesn’t mean you have to dig up your yard. We also have a hydro jetting machine. It uses high pressure water to clear blockages, even tree roots that have invaded your pipes.
Spring showers are cool and we need them, but when there’s too much water it’s a problem. Now is the time to make sure your home is up to the challenge. If you need help just call Dixie Electric, Plumbing & Air. Call Dixie and it’s done!