Summer Sewer Concerns: What Homeowners and Business Owners in Atlanta Should Know

May 1, 2025

Summer in Atlanta means sunshine, cookouts, and, unfortunately, an uptick in sewer issues. Rising temperatures and sudden storms can put serious strain on your plumbing system, whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial property.


Here’s a closer look at the most common summer sewer concerns and how to stay ahead of them before they become major (and messy) problems.


1. Heavy Rain Can Overwhelm Sewer Lines

In the summer, sudden downpours are a regular part of life in Georgia. When too much rainwater enters the sewer system too quickly, it can lead to backups, especially in older neighborhoods or properties with aging infrastructure.


Residential impact: You might notice water backing up into sinks, tubs, or even basement floor drains.

Commercial impact: Restaurants, retail shops, and apartment buildings may deal with overflow, slow drains, or sewage smells that can affect customers or tenants.


PRO TIP FROM OUR PLUMBERS: Schedule a camera inspection to check for blockages or root intrusion, and consider backflow prevention devices if you’re in a flood-prone area.


2. Tree Roots Thrive in Summer Heat

Summer is the growing season, and that includes the roots of nearby trees and shrubs. Roots naturally seek out moisture, and if you’ve got even the smallest crack in your sewer line, those roots will find it.


Signs of Root Intrusion:

  • Gurgling drains
  • Slow toilet flushes
  • Frequent clogs in multiple fixtures


Left unchecked, root damage can lead to a total collapse of the sewer line, which is expensive to dig up and replace.


PRO TIP FROM OUR PLUMBERS: Regular maintenance and hydro jetting can keep roots from turning into a major repair job.


3. Increased Water Usage Puts Pressure on Sewer Lines

Between laundry, lawn care, and more people staying at home (or customers walking through your doors), summer water usage spikes. That extra strain can reveal weak points in your sewer system.


For homeowners: Backyard entertaining and kids home from school can cause plumbing systems to work overtime.

For businesses: Gyms, restaurants, and retail spaces often experience higher foot traffic and bathroom use.


PRO TIP FROM OUR PLUMBERS: Routine sewer line inspections and drain cleanings are a great way to prevent unpleasant surprises during your busiest months.


4. Foul Odors? It’s Not Just the Heat

Sewer gas smells are more noticeable in the summer, and they’re often a sign of a venting issue or a hidden sewer line leak. Not only are they unpleasant, but they can also pose health risks if ignored.


Our team of expert plumbers can detect leaks and repair damaged pipes quickly, keeping your home or business safe and odor-free.



Need Help with Summer Sewer Issues? Call Plumb Works First.

Whether you’re dealing with slow drains at home or sewer backups at your business, our licensed technicians are trained to handle plumbing issues of all shapes and sizes. We offer prompt, professional service to keep your systems flowing smoothly all summer long.


Schedule a sewer inspection or drain cleaning today, or call now.


Are you a commercial property manager? Learn more about our preventative maintenance plans.

Don’t wait until it backs up—stay ahead of summer sewer problems with a little help from your local plumbing experts.


glass of water
April 20, 2026
When we think about spring cleaning our home, images like decluttering the garage or washing windows often come to mind. However, spring cleaning our home water quality isn’t always top of mind. Yet the time is certainly right.
storm drain
March 23, 2026
Being proactive remains a key element of a successful business, and it certainly holds true when preparing for the possible devastating effects of stormy season. Spring remains one of the Atlanta area’s rainiest times of the year. According to Weather Spark, the average monthly rainfall from March through May ranges from 3 to 4.6 inches. Heavy spring storms can rain hard on a commercial facility. If unprepared, it can potentially lead to serious problems, causing everything from business downtime to costly repercussions. The following are several heavy rain-related issues that can cast a dark cloud on a commercial building and how to avoid them. Sump Pump: Fighting the Flood When it comes to flooding, stormwater remains a dreaded culprit. Having a properly functioning sump pump can help proactively help fight a flood. A sump pump collects groundwater from around a building’s foundation and pumps it away from the structure, deterring damage. Plumb Works suggests all businesses have one, especially those with a crawlspace or basement. Consult the experts at Plumb Works for sump pump installation, replacement, and preventative maintenance. Protection from Sewer Backups Heavy rains can overload a city’s sewer system. Backwater valves, a specific type of backflow prevention device, protect businesses from sewer backups by allowing wastewater out, but automatically closing to keep sewage from flowing backward. Plumb Works can install, test, and make sure your backwater valve is working properly. The Importance of Storm Drains Commercial storm drains are equipped to drain excess rain and groundwater from the areas surrounding a business, such as parking lots and sidewalks, preventing flooding, damages, and unsafe conditions. Some storm drain systems include a catch basin, which captures stormwater and separates any debris that may have come along with it. Having Plumb Works inspect, clean, and repair storm drains and catch basins can help businesses avoid a flood of unwanted costs. Cutting Out Grease Commercial kitchens require a grease trap, which keeps the plumbing system from being impacted by an overload of grease. If a grease trap isn’t functioning properly, it can have an adverse effect on a plumbing system during heavy rain. Too much grease limits pipe capacity, which can cause heavy rain to overwhelm a system, leading to backups. To avoid this, consult a plumbing professional company like Plumb Works that specializes in grease trap services. Avoiding Clogged Drains Plumbing systems in commercial facilities often fall prey to clogged pipes due to unwanted items being flushed or disposed of down drains. This can further complicate things when a mass amount of rain overwhelms a plumbing system. Businesses experiencing frequent clogs can benefit from hydro jetting. The most effective drain-cleaning solution available, hydro jetting uses high-pressure water jets to blast through clogged drains and restore peak plumbing performance. Schedule hydro jetting in advance of the rainy season to make sure pipes are functioning at their best under any possible pressure. Plumb Works Can Help Protect Your Business During Rainy Season Don’t let your business get washed away due to flooding and sewer backup challenges during the rainy season. Lean on a Plumb Works expert by calling 404-524-1825 or scheduling an appointment online.
An antique shot of the Lenz Building
February 26, 2026
When Lenz, Plumb Works’s long-time marketing agency of record, chose its new headquarters on Decatur Square, they didn’t have to look far for a plumbing partner that could get the job done right — literally right down the street.
Graphic of water tap connected to a heart shape
February 20, 2026
The following are five ways to keep your plumbing system’s heart beating strong all year long.
January 29, 2026
The following are three of the top plumbing resolutions for your home this year.
January 7, 2026
When a busy restaurant experiences a plumbing issue, every minute counts. High water bills, hidden leaks, and unexpected downtime can impact operations and revenue.
December 18, 2025
Recently, Plumb Works had the opportunity to partner on a successful grease trap replacement project for an Atlanta-area Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant
Handyman and toolbox
December 12, 2025
Business owners and operators can consider the following commercial plumbing calendar to help bypass any issues that might clog your project pipeline.
By Lizzi Skipper November 25, 2025
Nothing puts the cold chill on the festive holiday season like a frozen or burst pipe. Frozen pipes are bad enough, but when they burst, the problem worsens and can easily lead to flood damage requiring costly repairs. This all-too-common occurrence affects an estimated 250,000 homes in America each year. And Georgia may be a hot bed for frozen pipes. According to a State Farm report released in 2023, Georgia topped the list of frozen pipe-related losses at $100 million (from August 2002-August 2023.) Plumb Works remains your go-to source for frozen or burst pipe calls in our service area. However, there are some simple tips you can apply to protect pipes in cold weather and help avoid a house call. Before the thermometer dips below freezing – that’s 32 degrees Fahrenheit – do the following:
Lenz building
October 21, 2025
When Lenz, Plumb Works’s marketing agency of record, moved into its new home, an historic building on the Decatur Square, it didn’t have to look far.
Show More