Summertime Sewers: Now Is the Best Time for Sewer Cleaning

When summer rolls around, most homeowners are thinking about vacations, backyard barbecues, and home improvement projects—not sewer maintenance. But here’s the truth: summer is actually the ideal time to inspect and clean your sewer system.

Whether you’re living in a newer home or an older one with aging pipes, preventive maintenance during the warmer months can help you avoid costly and messy plumbing emergencies later in the year. Let’s explore the top three reasons why summer sewer inspections and cleanings are so important: increased usage, aggressive root growth, and preparing your home before fall hits.

Increased Water Usage

Summer tends to be a high-usage season for household water systems. Whether it’s hosting guests, kids being home from school, running sprinklers, or filling up pools, your plumbing and sewer lines are under more stress. This increased demand means your sewer lines are working overtime, and any existing blockages or weak spots in the system are more likely to cause backups or slow drainage.

A summer inspection allows professionals to catch these issues early. By cleaning out accumulated debris, grease, or other obstructions, you reduce the risk of a clog turning into a flood. It’s much better to address these issues on your terms than during an emergency that disrupts your entire household.

Tree Root Intrusion Peaks

During the summer, trees are in full growth mode—and their roots are constantly on the hunt for moisture. Sewer lines, especially older clay or concrete pipes, are a prime target. Tiny cracks or joints in the pipes can become entry points for tree roots, which grow rapidly once inside, creating blockages or even breaking the pipes apart.

Professional sewer inspections, especially those using camera technology, can spot root intrusion before it becomes a full-blown problem. And summer is the right time to act: plumbers can safely remove roots using hydro-jetting or mechanical tools, and recommend permanent solutions like root barriers or trenchless pipe lining if needed.

Get Ready for Fall Rains

Late summer is the perfect time to prepare your home for the heavier rains of fall. If your sewer line is even partially obstructed, autumn leaves and rainfall can easily overwhelm your system, leading to slow drains or sewage backups—often when you least expect it.

By having your sewer cleaned in summer, you’re ensuring your plumbing is clear and functioning at full capacity before the wetter months arrive. Think of it as pre-season maintenance that protects your property when you need it most.

A Good Idea All Around

A summer sewer inspection isn’t just smart—it’s essential. With increased usage, rapid root growth, and the looming fall weather, now is the time to ensure your sewer lines are clean, clear, and ready. Don’t wait for an emergency to force your hand. Schedule your inspection today and enjoy peace of mind all season long.

We keep things easy when it comes to sewer work. Go with Charleston’s First Choice in HVAC and plumbing by calling our hotline and letting us know how we can serve you.