Heavy rain is a fact of life in Northeast Ohio, and while it might make the lawn lush, it can also wreak havoc on your sewer system. One moment you’re enjoying the sound of rain on the roof, and the next your basement is filling with sewage, your shower won’t drain, and the toilet is bubbling like a cauldron. What gives?
Stormwater should flow into storm drains and out to local waterways, while wastewater belongs in the sanitary sewer headed for treatment. But when those systems get overwhelmed, blocked, or damaged, all that water and everything in it can surge backward into your home, where it definitely doesn’t belong. Let’s break down exactly what causes a backup when the skies open up, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
What Is a Sewer Backup? Why Does It Happen During Heavy Rain in Akron & Northeast Ohio?
A sewer backup occurs when something prevents wastewater from flowing away from your home through the sanitary sewer. Instead of moving down and out like it should, sewage travels in the opposite direction into your floor drains, bathtub, washing machine, or plumbing fixtures. Yuck!
During heavy weather, the amount of stormwater entering both public and private drainage systems increases dramatically. If the system is damaged, poorly designed, or overwhelmed by flood-level rain, it can’t handle the volume. That pressure pushes wastewater and contamination back into homes. And yes, it’s just as gross and dangerous as it sounds.
Municipal System Overload
Some cities, especially older ones like many in Ohio, still rely on combined sewer systems that funnel both stormwater and sanitary sewer waste through the same pipes. During intense rain, these pipes can’t keep up. It’s like stuffing a firehose’s worth of water down a drinking straw.
When the city’s waste management infrastructure can’t keep up with rainfall, there’s nowhere for the excess water to go. So it follows the path of least resistance — right into your basement, bathtub, or bathroom. That’s when it’s time to call a plumber in Akron & Northeast Ohio at 330-800-5171!
Saturated Soil Sends Water into Pipes
When the soil becomes oversaturated from heavy rain, that moisture doesn’t just sit there. It exerts pressure on cracks, joints, and weak spots in underground pipes. This is especially true for older clay or cast iron pipes, which are prone to corrosion and shifting.
That groundwater can seep into the sanitary sewer system through compromised pipes, adding more unwanted water and organic matter to an already stressed network. It’s not only dirty but also a health hazard, ripe with bacteria, gas, and even virus risks.
Stormwater Inflow
Storm drain systems are designed to carry clean rainwater away from homes and streets. But poorly constructed connections, like downspouts and yard drains tied into sewage lines, can funnel massive amounts of stormwater into the sanitary sewer during a storm.
The result? A dangerous mix of waste and stormwater in a system that wasn’t designed for it. This kind of cross-contamination not only causes backflow into homes but also contributes to pollution in local rivers and streams, endangering both public hygiene and aquatic plant life.
Damaged or Aging Pipes
Your pipes are out of sight, but they should never be out of mind, especially if your home was built before the disco era. Cast iron, clay, and even early plastic piping can develop cracks, holes, or collapses over time. That’s how groundwater, roots, and debris sneak in.
Even a small leak can become a big deal during a storm. That’s why regular maintenance and annual inspections are so important. They allow you to check and fix failing pipes before a disaster happens.
Blockages Amplified by Rain: Grease, Debris & Tree Roots
That old cooking oil down the sink, a clump of feminine hygiene products in the toilet, or a blob of wet paper towels in the trap might not seem like a big deal… until a storm hits. These small clogs act like barriers when rainwater and wastewater rush through the system, turning minor issues into major backups.
And let’s not forget tree roots. A thirsty tree doesn’t care if it’s invading your pipe. All it knows is that there’s moisture inside and dry soil outside. The combination of rain and roots is especially treacherous, often requiring camera inspection, leak detection, or full-on pipe repair.
Signs of Impending Backup During Wet Weather in Akron & Northeast Ohio
Before a full-blown backup floods your basement floor, your home will give you warning signs. If you notice gurgling toilets, slow-draining sinks or showers, or a sudden odor that smells like sewer gas, it’s time to pay attention.
Other red flags? Water bubbling in your toilet when the washing machine drains, or floor drains suddenly backing up during a storm. If you see moisture around your basement or your dehumidifier is working overtime, these are indicators that backflow is brewing.
Tips to Prevent Sewer Backups During Heavy Rain in Akron & Northeast Ohio
To stop a backup before it starts, the best defense is a good offense. Here are actionable, expert-approved steps every homeowner can take to stay one step ahead of stormwater, clogs, and catastrophic water damage.
- Get a Sewer Camera Inspection: Want to know exactly what’s lurking in your pipes? A camera inspection gives you a clear look at hidden debris, invading tree roots, cracks, or sagging areas. It’s the perfect first step toward proactive maintenance and leak detection, and helps you understand the risk level before weather becomes a problem.
- Avoid Flushing Problem Items: Only two things belong in the toilet: human waste and toilet paper. Nothing else. Flushing feminine hygiene products, paper towels, wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), or food scraps can cause clogs that build up over time. The result? A backup that hits hardest during heavy rain.
- Upgrade Old Pipes: Still rocking those 1940s cast iron or clay lines? It might be time to explore repiping. We’ll replace failing pipes with new materials.
- Clean Out Your Sewer Line: Scheduling regular drainage cleanouts can remove stubborn grease, debris, and roots before they become a flood hazard. This is one of the most effective ways to clear blockages and keep things flowing during storms.
- Add a Sump Pump (and a Battery Backup!): A reliable sump pump moves excess groundwater out of your basement, especially in high water table areas. Add a battery backup to stay protected during power outages, when the risk of flooding is often highest.
- Seal Foundation Cracks: Water doesn’t just back up — it seeps. Use waterproof sealants to patch cracks in your basement walls and floor, and consider installing a dehumidifier to keep moisture under control. This helps prevent mold, drywall damage, and ruined carpet or upholstery.
- Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters dump rain straight into your foundation. Keep them clear of leaves, grease, and debris, and angle downspouts at least 6 feet away from the house. This keeps stormwater from pooling around your soil and working its way into your pipes.
Stay Dry Through Summer Storms in Akron & Northeast Ohio with Apollo
Heavy rain doesn’t have to lead to emergency plumbing service calls and scrambling to move furniture off the floor. Apollo Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to help protect your home with expert plumbing solutions designed to keep your sanitation system running like it should.
Don’t wait for a sewer backup to ruin your weekend. Contact us today at 330-800-5171 to schedule your plumbing inspection in Akron and throughout Northeast Ohio. Our expert plumbers are excited to help you protect your home!
