Even though the Northwest does see a lot of adverse weather during the summer, it is typically the driest season of the year. We don’t see frost or freezing temperatures that would usually affect drains and gutters, and it is not like autumn when fallen leaves clog up your drains. You would probably assume that the summer is the safe season for drainage, and that is true – to a point.
The summer presents its own issues with blocked drains in the Northwest – and that means your sewers, septic tanks and drainage systems are equally affected.
Summer Considerations
The summer is the season when branches of plants grow further due to the sun’s rays, including a huge growth in underground roots. That means that root intrusion into your underground pipes is at its highest risk, and small cracks become the weak spots to exploit.
As the ground dries up in the hot sun and the water table drops, the potential for subsidence and ground movement will present issues for underground structures in your foundations, including your septic tanks and drains. While these issues may not be noticeable immediately, and take time to fully do damage, by the time the freezing winter comes, it can greatly increase the risk of costly damage that could result in multiple areas of your home requiring professional drain repairs.
Flash Floods
In the Northwest, we don’t just get rain – we get A LOT of rain! Even in the summer months, the potential for flash floods is high. When that happens, the soil becomes very hard and compacted in the heat, meaning water will not drain away as it usually would.
This will put excessive strain on your drainage system, potentially becoming overwhelmed when there is a bad storm. It can result in a full system failure and pooling and flooding your property. The result can be mould and water damage to your floors, walls and foundations.
Bacteria and Heat
Another huge issue during the summer months with your drains is that bacteria will multiply in hot conditions. If your pipes are not flowing freely due to a blockage in the system, the accumulated bacteria will build, resulting in nasty smells from your drains.
This is as unpleasant for the health of your drains and gutters as it is for your smelling senses. The bacteria growth may get lodged so deep into your system that you may require a CCTV drain survey to assess its location and potential for further issues.
The upside to the summer is that it is the perfect time for drain maintenance checks with professionals in drain unblocking Manchester. Contact the team at Blocked Drains Northwest today.