Everyone loves the foliage of fall. As the leaves change from green to bright reds, oranges, and yellows, you will see couples taking picturesque walks, children jumping in leaf piles, and the cheer of the upcoming holidays beginning to brew. Yet, amidst all the fall fun, there is one element of foliage that is not enchanting–autumn leaves causing sewer line clogs.

What do we mean, you ask? We’ll explain just what this problem is and how you can avoid it so you can enjoy the most festive months of the year without debris like autumn leaves causing sewer stinking them up.

How A Sewer System Works

Your sewer line isn’t just important for your home. It connects to the sewer lines of other nearby homes, creating a sewer main line for your area of the community. This sewer main line allows sewage water to travel from the homes in your community (including your home) and head toward a treatment plant, where it is cleaned of all waste and debris so it can re-enter the clean water system of your neighborhood.

In addition to sewer pipes, your home also has vent pipes. These are crucial pipes that ensure the air pressure within your sewer system is stable so that wastewater can flow properly down towards the main sewer line, while also providing oxygen to begin the process of breaking down bacteria within the waste. Additionally, vent pipes expel dangerous gases produced by the wastewater so they are released outside of your home.

The Problem With Leaves in Your Sewer

When leaves build up in your main sewer line, they can cause several issues. 

Firstly, areas of your home may be filled with an unpleasant sewage smell. This is a huge warning sign that something is going on with your sewage system. 

Secondly, you can actually experience a backup sewage into your home. Aside from being gross, sewage in your home can be dangerous. Remember those harmful gases sewage waste produces? That’s just the beginning; sewage is filled with dangerous bacteria (like the kind the oxygen from the vent pipes are supposed to break down) and viruses, as well as other microorganisms that can make you and other members of your household (including pets) quick sick.

Thirdly, sewage backups can cause serious damage to your home. Flooding that is not cleaned right away often leads to mold buildup, warping of materials, and even structural damage to your home. Add in smelly sewage and you’re going to want that cleaned up immediately–which will cost you bucketloads. It is much more cost-effective, healthy, and stress-free to prevent sewage backups in the first place.

How Can I Keep Leaves From Clogging My Sewer Line?

The best way to keep leaves out of your main sewer line is to have your sewer system inspected and cleaned regularly, especially during the fall. Be careful when you rake or blow leaves off your lawn; if the leaves end up in the sewer grate in the road, they can cause a clog in your main sewer line. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to warning signs that you may have a sewer problem brewing. If you smell anything stinky in your home or on your property, or all your drains are having a difficult time draining water, you should contact an expert right away to inspect your sewer system. A good indicator that you are dealing with a main sewer line problem is if all the drains in your home are experiencing issues versus just one toilet or sink.

Sewer professionals like A&L Cesspool will inspect your sewer system for you to make sure it is clean and free of debris like leaves and tree roots. We can also advise you on best practices for taking care of your sewer system to prevent backups. And, of course, if you do experience a backup, we are here to repair your sewer system so you can have a functioning and safe home.