One of the most disconcerting things for a number of homeowners is Toilets that refuse to flush after a heavy downpour. Some unexpected plumbing issues that arise are undoubtedly troubling as well. A flush is dependent upon the correct operations of the Plumbing system, drainage, and sewer lines. During the latter stages of heavy rainfall, these systems get compromised making it inevitable for backup to prevail. In this guide, we will walk through some of the issues that stem from a rainy spell, as well as the solutions needed to solve these problems and preventative solutions that can be used to mitigate plumbing issues in the future.
You may ask yourself, why do Toilets won t Flush after Heavy Rain?
A home’s plumbing system can be altered in numerous ways due to heavy rainfall. Some of the more common problems of toilets not flushing after heavy rains include venting problems, sewer line backups, and clogged drain lines. Let us take a deeper look into these causes:
Backup on the Sewer Line
After heavy rainfall, a clogged sewer line is one of the reasons a toilet may stop flushing. When there is heavy rainfall, it can flood the public sewage system. If it is already running in full, the additional rainwater will cause it to overflow, pushing waste water back into homes where it is not wanted. This is referred to as a sewer backup.
This, on top of being undesirable, can also cause problems that make your toilet lift. Your sewer line is not able to join the public sewage system, and that causes the water waste to be pushed back into your house. It may flow back into your toilets or through other drains in your house.
Signs of these Backups in the Sewer Line Include:
- Gurgling and bubbling noise while flushing the toilet.
- Sinks and tubs are experiencing slow drainage.
- Water or waste being dished out of the floor drain.
How to Resolve Issues Regarding the Backup of Sewer Line:
- Search for Obstacles: If there is a blockage in the toilet and some other drain in your place, that could be the reason for the backup of the sewer line. Try plunging into the toilet.
- Consider Hiring a Plumber: If you are still facing the same issue, you will need the assistance of a plumber who has the required equipment to perform a camera inspection of your sewer line. He will also be able to clean any blockages that might have formed that are preventing you from fully utilizing your sewer line.
Drain Line Blockages
Sometimes, the backup of the sewer line might be a result of a clogged drain line that connects the toilet to the sewer line or the septic tank. In some instances, heavy rain can push debris and sand from your plumbing. If it gets pushed too much, it can eventually get trapped in the drain line.
Blockages can greatly reduce the flow of waste from the toilet. This will lead to a situation where you will be able to flush a toilet, but the bowl will not clear completely.
Possible Signs Associated With Blocked Drain Lines:
- Makes it possible for a toilet to flush, but does so only partially.
- Returning wastewater to other drains like the bathtub or even the shower.
- Drains freeing of waste have some foul-smelling air trapped within them.
Ways to Clear Drain Line Blockage:
- Utilize a Plunger: If a Plunger is used correctly, then a few small clogs can be cleared with ease.
- Snaking a Drain: If the blockage is further down the drain, then clear it with a plumbing snake designed for this purpose.
- Hydro Jetting: In extreme situations, hydrojetting (utilization of high-pressure water) may be the only option left for clearing the clog
Inadequate Ventilation in the Plumbing System
All plumbing works incorporate a pipe system that has a venting network through which air passes to balance pressure. These vents may get blocked by debris or water, enabling heavy rains to work on these vents. So, for the toilets, if the vent is not properly maintained, the toilet is not able to get enough water. Hence, it fails to flush properly.
Indications of Ventilation Problems:
- The toilet has issues like bubbling and does not flush appropriately.
- Drainage in different plumbing fixtures is very slow.
- Disgusting smells come from the toilet.
Methods to Reduce the Effects of Ventilation Problems:
- Inspect Vents: For any obstructions, make sure that the roof vents are clean.
- Clear the Vents: Remove any blockages that serve as obstructions to free ventilation.
- Call A Plumber: Some professionals can help with unblocking the venting system.
Storage Tank with Excessive Volumes
In the case where your home is connected to a septic system, the intake and discharge of heavy rains could lead to flooding in the tank, hence rendering it unable to efficiently process waste. The implosion of a septic tank will probably lead to an eruption of fluid into the plumbing system, causing a denial of flush for toilets.
Indications of a Flooded Septic Tank:
- The toilets are flushing inefficiently or not at all.
- Unpleasant smells are coming from the drains.
- You can see sewage in your yard.
Solutions for a Flooded Tank:
- Overflow Check: Seek areas in your yard where sewage could have spread.
- Tank Inspection: Have an expert check the tank to determine if any maintenance is required.
- Pumping: In the event that the tank is both full and flooded, a strong pump may need to be used to bring the tank back to proper functionality.
Drain Field Drainage Systems Overloaded
An overloaded drain field could cause similar problems with toilets after a heavy downpour. Waste water from the septic system has to be spread into the soil, and this area is called the ‘drain field’. An excess of rainfall has the potential to over-soak the drain field, primarily leading the area to clog up, which then pushes back into the plumbing system.
Signs of Drain Field Overload:
- Excessive flooding in the surrounding areas.
- Moist patches in the yard closer to the septic tank.
- Pungent smells from the vicinity.
Solutions for Drain Field Problems:
- Use less water: Decrease the amount of water used during periods of intense rainfall to ease the stream’s pressure.
- System Inspection: A professional has to examine the drain system, field, along septic tank for possible damage or blockage.
Touch-Up Operations for your Toilet’s Triage Post-Rainfall
Your toilet can often malfunction after rain. Before you dial a plumber’s contact, make sure you check some specifics that we will discuss here.
Look Out For any Potential Blockages
A blockage is the foremost reason why a toilet refuses to flush. If your case, too, is a minor blockage, do not hesitate to grab a plunger first. Plungers usually do the trick. Otherwise, you might have to deal with heavy clogs that require specialized help.
Check on The Internal Plumbing
For cases where thee toilets are not operating at all, sewage backflow may be the primary suspect. Regardless, check if other plumbing fixtures might have a similar opportunity. If you do find any out-of-order plumbing, expect a Sewer inspection from the plumber to be done as well.
Examine The Vent Outlets
Blocked toilet vents are the number one cause of toilets forcefully expelling water. It severely affects the suction ability of a toilet trait. Grab a ladder and clear everything stuck inside the outlets.
Evaluate the Septic System
If your house has a septic system, look out for excessive waste around the tank, which may indicate overflow. This may be one of the causes if the soil surrounding the septic tank is wet. If the tank is filled to the point of overflowing, then you need to get it pumped and cleaned out.
Managing Problems with Flushing Toilets After Excessive Rainfall
To alleviate heavy toilet flushing problems that accompany heavy rainfall, ensure your plumbing system is prepared in advance. This is how:
Place Backflow Prevention Valves
In heavy rain situations or toilet overflow, the wastewater may flow back through the plumbing system. You can prevent this by installing backflow prevention valves in the plumbing system. These valves serve to restrict water from entering the pipes at high pressure when the public sewer system is overloaded.
Care for the Plumbing System
Some problems can be avoided by just seasonally checking on your plumbing system. Schedule an annual inspection along with a maintenance check on your sewer lines and drain pipes.
Reducing Drainage Issues Around the Home
Preventing rainwater from penetrating your plumbing system can be attained by improving the drainage around your home. Look into the downspouts and gutters and ensure that there is no obstruction while they are diverting the water from the foundation of your house. Putting in French drains or enhancing the landscaping of your yard also decreases the chances of flooding.
During Heavy Rains, Reduce Water Bills Usage
Throughout rainy seasons, do everything within your power to reduce the amount of water used in your house. You should refrain from using several devices at the same time, such as running the washing machine, and refrain from flushing toilets, which are not urgent. This will ease the pressure from your plumbing system and aid in preventing slow drainage or backups.
Extra Tips and Other Considerations For The Toilet Flush Problem After Heavy Rains
Making attempts to solve toilet flushes after heavy rain has its plumbing issues, just like every other issue when it comes to repairs. But in as much as you seek to solve, ensure the repairs on the plumbing system are done thoroughly at once. Instead of dealing with the toilet flushing issue single handed, it is advisable to use tools and employ strategies that can mitigate the problem from becoming a recurrent one.
Seek Professional Services for Drainage Inspection of Sewers
If, after rain, the toilet used tends to have issues irrespective of the number of times it is flushed, then a professional sewer line inspection is appropriate. Using modern plumbing techniques like pipes that contain miniature cameras, plumbers can examine every single section of the sewer line, even if it is under a lot of dirt. This method pinpoints cracks, deep-seated blockages, and root invasions, which would otherwise be impossible to find through traditional methods.
When to Bring in a Professional:
- Consistent malfunctions in the plumbing despite efforts to fix them.
- A strong odour hints towards a sewer backup.
- Extensive damage is suspected to the plumbing system of the house.
- Leaking sewage is visible from the yard or the foundation of the house.
Change or Mend Broken Drainage Pipes
Excessive rainfall for long durations leads to the soil near your home shifting, putting your plumbing system at risk. Oftentimes, the sink, shower, or bathtub might be draining slower than it used to, indicating a potential deep-rooted broken pipe or the pipe leads are too rusty. These issues, if not handled with urgency, lead to extensive damage and repairs that come at a hefty price tag.
Indicators that Suggest Pipe Repair or Replacement is the Solution:
- The foundation of the house suddenly has pools of water around it.
- Mysterious increases or decreases in the pressure within the plumbing system.
- Excessive backup occurrences or blocks in numerous drains.
- On the pipe, visible tree root penetrations are common in damp conditions.
Sump Pump Installation as a Supplementary Flooding Prevention Method
A sump pump is a very effective flooding preventive installation for the basement and other lower levels of the house. Bast rains increase the risk of groundwater accumulation around the foundation and, as a result, a sump pump is needed to drain the water away from the plumbing and foundation areas to avoid overflow or drainage backups.
Sump pumps are classified into:
- Submersible Pumps: These are put in a pit under the surface of the basement floor and are more useful for pouring water.
- Pedestal Pumps: These stand above the floor. They are commonly cheaper but not effective in homes suffering from floods often.
A sump pump lowers the chances of invading water into the plumbing of the home, which means that the toilets and other sinks remain in good working order during and after heavy rain.
Enhance Yard Drainage with French Drains
If you would like to prevent excess water from collecting at the base of your building’s foundation and disrupting the plumbing, a French drain could be the solution. These drains will guide water away from your house’s foundation and help reduce the moisture level of your sewage or septic tank. This particularly comes in handy for places that are likely to suffer from floods or heavy rain.
Benefits of French Drains:
- They stop the formation of water around your foundation.
- They aid in maintaining the excess water within your yard and lessen the burden on your plumbing.
- When French drains are installed properly, they tend to require low maintenance and are durable.
Use Water Conserving Fixtures to Reduce Strain
One of the other means to safeguard your plumbing system in the event of flooding or severe rainfall is through the installation of low-flow toilets. These are designed to use less water for every flush and also serve as water-conserving fixtures for your home. Reducing the amount of water withdrawn for each flush greatly alleviates the water pressure on the plumbing during moments of high water supply. Over a while, this can save the plumbing from breakdowns due to system overloads.
Water-Saving Fixtures Include:
- Low-flow toilets that offer less to pour per flush.
- Faucet imbedders that save water when used with showers and sinks.
- Washing machines and dishwashers are designed to be more efficient with water usage.
Set Routine to Maintain the Gutters and Downspouts
Even though flushing a toilet is not directly related, the good condition of your drainage system can greatly help in the overall drainage of the home. Improper gutters rely heavily on the plumbing system while overflowing gutters during heavy rainfall can result in water sitting near the foundation and causing toilet plumbing problems.
Downspout Tip
- Pursue cleaning gutters more often during periods of autumn when foliage can easily gather, and make use of downspout extenders to ensure water is pulled away from the foundation.
- Also consider garbage disposal for gutters to reduce the amount of gathered waste.
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Consequences of Ignoring the Problem Despite the Easy Fixes
One or two problems with flushing a toilet after it hasn’t rained for quite a long time seems like a relatively small issue. However, continuous negligence at this point could result in serious plumbing problems down the road. These problems will be costly and arise oftentimes during or even after a rainstorm, so we will now analyze the aftermath of neglecting to solve plumbing problems.
Significant Water Damage
There are instances of extensive water damage occurring in a home, particularly when a toilet fails to flush properly due to a sewer backup, which leads to overflow or even during wastewater backup within the home. Without remedial actions, water damage within a home worsens over time and can damage floors wal, ls and even the foundation of the house. Intensive and sustained water flooding within a home can lead to an untreated dampening of floors and structures, which serve as the perfect breeding ground for mould spores and mildew, resulting in health issues.
Estimates of Water Damage Pricing:
- Water extraction from the home and subsequent drying.
- Dampness and infection caused by mildew mould cleansing.
- Any infected cracks and holes on the walls, floor and baseboard replacements.
- Sustaining damages on pipes and plumbing systems.
Health Dangers in Cases of Sewage Backward Overflowing
Clogged toilets and backed sewer lines can be detrimental to health and are a cause of waterborne diseases stemming from sewage and even plumbing viruses. Bacteria, along with viruses and other pathogens, get deposited into the house through sewage backup. Au-bra sewage infection can result in serious gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin illnesses.
Every plumbing-related issue gives rise to a new set of health problems. These issues need to be addressed immediately to minimize greenhouse impacts. While having to deal with a plumbing issue, protective gear such as gloves and masks are a must, and the area that got contaminated should be cleaned and disinfected.
Increased Repair Costs Over Time
Neglecting a toilet that has failed to flush after heavy downpours could lead to unwanted consequences for your plumbing system. For instance, minor plumbing clogs could worsen into severe blockages, while unattended sewer backups could inflict additional harm on your plumbing system. In the worst case, ongoing repair issues may lead to the need to replace complete plumbing units, which is cost-prohibitive.
FAQs on Toilets Not Flushing After Heavy Rain
What can cause my toilet to gurgle after rain?
Suppose your toilet gurgles, venting issues, or sewer line blockages could be the cause of the problem. When a sewer line is backed up or when a pipe is blocked with nothing else but air, gurgling is often heard when one flushes the toilet after the pressure builds up.
Could a toilet overflow because of heavy rainfall?
Indeed, heavy rainfall can overpower toilets, causing them to overflow, especially in cases where the sewer lines are blocked or if the septic tank is full of rainwater. Additionally, if the toilet has a feeder pipe that is in close proximity to the bathroom sink, the rain could lead to excess water in the feeder pipe which causes it to overflow.
At what point should I self-diagnose a potential issue with my sewer line?
Some signs that there could be a problem with the sewer line are slow water drainage, the smell of sewage, water coming up from other drains, or gurgling noises while flushing the toilet. A plumber can use a camera now to inspect your sewer line for some blockage.
What precautions should I take to stop sewer backups from happening due to heavy rainfall?
In order to stop sewer backups, install a backflow valve, have regular maintenance done on your plumbing system, and get better drainage around your home. These precautions will lessen the chances of water being able to back up into your home after a heavy rainfall.
What are some effective ways to unclog a toilet that’s blocked as a result of rain?
Using a tool that can do auger action, like a toilet auger or even a simple plunger, may do the trick. If the boxer is ineffective and the blockage is still present after a thorough plunge there is an issue with something deeper in the drain line, turning the attention towards any plumbing issues below and may require a plumber’s assistance for the unclogging.
Conclusion
Toilets inoperative after prolonged rain can prove very annoying, however, once the root cause is known, one can work efficiently to find a solution. Be it a blocked toilet, a septic system age, or a sewer line backup, prompt attention can mitigate the damage. Getting proper upkeep done, installing good drainage systems, and preventive plumbing measures will ensure your plumbing system is in working order in all seasons.
If you are still experiencing problems, do not hesitate to call in a professional plumber, as they will be able to diagnose and correct the issue. With these steps, your toilets will no longer be a source of frustration, regardless of weather conditions.
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