When most people think of summer plumbing problems, they imagine leaky hoses or overworked sprinklers but one of the most frustrating issues that can hit homeowners in the Phoenix area during the hot season is a sewer backup.
Between increased water usage, extreme heat, and thirsty tree roots, your home’s plumbing system faces serious pressure in the summer months—especially if your pipes are older or haven’t been maintained in a while. Let’s explore the top reasons homeowners in Greater Phoenix may experience sewer line backups during summer.
What Causes Summer Sewer Backups?
Here in Greater Phoenix, several unique factors come together during the summer that make sewer issues more likely:
Tree Root Invasion
Even in desert climates, roots from nearby trees and plants will search aggressively for moisture—especially during long dry spells. If your sewer lines have even the tiniest crack, those roots can force their way in and cause a major clog.
Increased Water Usage
Summertime means more showers, more laundry, more dishes, and possibly more house guests. All of this extra activity sends more water and waste down your drains, putting additional strain on your sewer lines.
Heat-Related Pipe Expansion
Arizona’s extreme heat can cause older or poorly installed sewer pipes to expand and contract. Over time, this can lead to cracks, joint separations, or sagging lines—creating the perfect environment for backups to form.
Common Signs You Might Have a Sewer Issue
Early detection is key. Watch for these warning signs that a sewer backup may be forming:
- Slow-draining sinks, showers, or tubs
- Gurgling sounds coming from toilets or drains
- Unpleasant odors around your drains or yard
- Water backing up into low-level fixtures like basement or first-floor showers
- Soggy spots or sinkholes in your yard
Types of Residential Sewer Line Repairs
Traditional (Open Trench) Sewer Line Repair
What it is: This method involves digging a trench along the damaged pipe to expose and replace it.
- Best for: Severe damage or collapsed pipes.
- Pros: Complete visibility and access to the entire line.
- Cons: Disruptive, expensive, damages landscaping, driveways, etc.
Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
A less invasive alternative that avoids digging up the entire yard. There are two main types:
Pipe Lining (Cured-in-Place Pipe – CIPP)
- What it is: A flexible resin-coated liner is inserted into the existing pipe and cured in place, essentially creating a pipe within a pipe.
- Best for: Pipes with cracks, leaks, or minor corrosion but still structurally sound.
- Pros: Minimal digging, cost-effective, lasts 50+ years.
- Cons: Reduces pipe diameter slightly; not suitable for collapsed or severely misshapen pipes.
Pipe Bursting
- What it is: A bursting head is pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart and pulling in a new pipe simultaneously.
- Best for: Severely damaged or collapsed pipes.
- Pros: Full pipe replacement, no need to excavate the entire line.
- Cons: More expensive than lining; still requires two small access pits.
Spot Repair (Sectional Repair)
- What it is: Only the damaged portion of the sewer line is exposed and replaced.
- Best for: Localized damage or root intrusion.
- Pros: Less costly than full replacement; quicker fix.
- Cons: If the rest of the pipe is deteriorating, more issues may arise later.
Choosing the Right Sewer Line Repair Method
There are many factors at play that will help determine which sewer line repair option is best for your Greater Phoenix residence. Things that will be considered and discussed with your plumbing technician may include:
Pipe Condition and Material
- Why it matters: Older or brittle materials like clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg may not be suitable for trenchless methods like pipe lining. Severely collapsed or misshapen pipes typically require full replacement rather than repair.
- Example: If your sewer line is cracked but structurally intact, pipe lining may be possible. If it’s collapsed, pipe bursting or open trench replacement is necessary.
Depth and Location of the Line
- Why it matters: Sewer lines buried deep underground or beneath structures (like patios or garages) are more expensive and disruptive to access with traditional trenching.
- Example: A shallow line in your backyard might be repaired with minimal digging, while a deep line under a driveway may benefit from trenchless options.
Surrounding Structures (Driveways, Landscaping, Trees)
- Why it matters: Digging up a line can destroy landscaping, sidewalks, and hardscaping. If you’ve invested in your yard, trenchless methods preserve it.
- Example: Pipe lining avoids tearing up a decorative paver driveway or mature tree roots.
Budget
- Why it matters: Some methods, like trenchless repairs, can save money on restoration (e.g., replacing sod or concrete), even if the upfront repair cost is higher.
- Example: You might pay a bit more for trenchless repair but save thousands by not having to re-pour a driveway.
Local Codes and City Approvals
- Why it matters: Some cities restrict certain repair methods or require permits and inspections. Not all materials or techniques are allowed in every jurisdiction.
- Example: Your city might mandate a full replacement if the existing pipe is Orangeburg, or disallow pipe lining for lines connecting to the city main.
Don’t Wait—Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late
A sewer backup can cause thousands in damage and leave your home unusable for days. That’s why Hansen Family Plumbing & Air is offering $149 drain cleaning with a free camera scope to help you get ahead of the problem—before it becomes a messy (and costly) emergency.
Our expert team uses professional-grade equipment to clear your lines and inspect the full condition of your sewer system, so you can enjoy peace of mind all summer long.
