Seasonal PrepUpdated June 22, 2026
In Highwood, sewer line blockages catch many homeowners off guard. Old pipes, tree roots, and our clay-heavy soil all team up to make backups an ongoing risk. Routine sewer rodding helps keep your drains moving and protects against expensive water damage, especially in older homes with original clay tile or cast iron lines.
Why Older Highwood Homes Clog
Much of Highwood's housing stock dates back to the early and mid-20th century. Many of these homes still have their original clay tile or cast iron sewer laterals. Clay pipes are especially vulnerable to tree root intrusion, roots slip into small joints and cracks, then multiply until water and waste can barely pass through. Our local soils are packed with clay too, which drains poorly. During heavy rain or a rapid spring thaw, that can mean extra ground pressure on your pipes and more risk of collapse or infiltration. Even newer PVC lines aren't immune if you have big shade trees or shrubs planted near the path to the street.
The Ideal Rodding Frequency for Highwood
We've found most Highwood homeowners benefit from preventive sewer rodding every one to two years. If your home has mature trees in the yard, or if you've had sewer backups before, once a year is a good baseline. Annual rodding cuts off roots before they fill the line. For homes with newer pipes and no trees nearby, every two or three years might be enough. The risk goes up after long, wet seasons or harsh winters, so it's smart to time this work in late winter or early spring, before the freeze-thaw cycle pushes new cracks into aging pipes.
Warning Signs Your Sewer Line Needs Rodding
Don't wait for a total backup to take action. Problems often build up over months or even years. Watch for these signs:
- Water backs up from basement floor drains or lowest-level fixtures
- Multiple drains in the house (toilets, showers, tubs) start running slow at the same time
- Gurgling sounds or bubbles in drains when other fixtures are used
- Sewage odors coming from basement, garage, or yard
- Sudden lush patches of grass in the yard above the sewer line route
- Past history of tree roots in your main line
If you notice more than one of these, the line is likely overdue for maintenance. You can see related warning signs during routine drain cleaning as well.
What Sewer Rodding Involves
Sewer rodding uses a flexible steel cable fitted with sharp blades to cut through and clean out blockages in your main drain. The cable snakes through the cleanout port or a pulled toilet, scraping root masses, grease, and debris from the inside of the pipe. For heavy buildup, hydro jetting may be recommended, but rodding is often enough for regular maintenance unless there's a major clog. If rodding keeps revealing thick roots or broken sections, the next step is usually a sewer camera inspection and possible spot repair or pipe repair & repiping for long-term relief.
Seasonal Prep and Neighboring Risks
Winter and early spring cause the most shifting in Highwood's clay soils thanks to freeze-thaw cycles. Pipes can move or crack, making it easier for roots and soil to enter. We recommend scheduling sewer line services before heavy rains hit or the ground thaws. If your property sits in a low spot with a high water table, keeping your sump pump ready is smart as well, backups and flooding can go hand in hand. And if you've had trouble with leaky joints in older steel pipes, consider leak detection and repair in conjunction with rodding for a full system check-up.
Simple Steps for Homeowners
You can't rodding your main sewer line on your own, but small changes help lower the risk between professional visits:
- Keep large trees and shrubs away from sewer routes if possible
- Don't flush wipes, paper towels, grease, or hygiene products
- Use drain screens and clean P-traps regularly
- Schedule professional drain cleaning if you notice slow draining
- Know the location of your main sanitary cleanout for faster emergency access
Consistent care and scheduled maintenance save money compared to rushed repairs after a backup.
If you're unsure when your line was last serviced, our crew at Highwood Plumbers can check, recommend the right rodding schedule, and handle the job with the right tools. Call us at 224-524-1625 to protect your home from preventable sewer headaches this season.