Drainage issues and sewage backups are serious problems that can plague commercial properties, especially during periods of heavy rain. At times, Tulsa’s intense spring thunderstorms and rain bursts cause damaging sewage backups that ruin interior spaces in warehouses, retail centers, offices, and other commercial structures. Aging infrastructure and blocked lines make the problem worse, and low-lying commercial corridors near the Arkansas River are vulnerable to damage. To understand why commercial sewage backups in Tulsa are so frequent, it helps to look at how heavy rain and sewer systems interact.
How Does Heavy Rain Trigger Sewer Backups in Tulsa Commercial Buildings?
Intense rainfall can overwhelm municipal systems and force wastewater back into commercial properties. As stormwater inflow overwhelms sewer capacity, the city may experience large-scale drainage failures that damage commercial properties. Pressure pushes sewage backwards, and floor drains and low fixtures become exit points for contaminated water.
Areas near the Tulsa International Airport are vulnerable to damage, as well as industrial zones where large, paved surfaces increase runoff. The city’s fast-moving storm cells and high rainfall bursts create Tulsa storm drainage issues that are difficult to solve without professional assistance. Older commercial districts are especially susceptible to damage, but weather alone is rarely the cause.
What Common Line Blockages Lead to Commercial Plumbing Backups?
Most sewage backups occur when heavy rain combines with partially blocked commercial lines. Blockages combined with heavy rainfall create a high risk of drainage failures and commercial water damage. Many trees in older business districts, such as Midtown commercial areas, create plumbing issues. Because many facilities operate in buildings decades old, property owners must remain aware of commercial plumbing backup risks and how to mitigate them. If you own or operate a commercial property in Tulsa, be on the lookout for the following problems:
- Grease buildup in restaurant lines
- Tree root intrusion
- Paper product accumulation
- Collapsed or aging sewer pipes
- Improper waste disposal
- Scale buildup in older plumbing
Which Tulsa Commercial Properties Face the Highest Sewage Backup Risk?
Certain building types and locations in Tulsa are more vulnerable to backups. The city’s industrial areas near the airport and East Tulsa contain warehouses and distribution centers that are highly vulnerable to sewage backup. A sewer line backup after heavy rain is not uncommon in the Tulsa area, and this may lead to restaurants and food service facilities being forced to shut down due to plumbing issues.
Flood-prone and low-elevation zones are susceptible to water damage due to drainage backups. Storm drainage issues can wreak havoc in medical and multi-tenant buildings, as well as properties with below-grade plumbing. Older strip malls and other aging properties may experience structural damage due to contaminated water. Regardless of your industry, proactive maintenance is critical to maintain structural integrity.
What Warning Signs Indicate a Developing Sewage Backup Problem?
Early warning signs often appear before a full sewage backup occurs. Facility teams can often catch issues early, but only if they know what to look for and how to respond. Responding to problems quickly reduces cleanup costs and downtime. If you notice slow floor drains, gurgling plumbing sounds, or sewage odors in restrooms, it is time to contact a local professional. Water backing up in lower fixtures is another telltale sign of imminent backups, as well as repeated indoor clogs that cannot be explained. If you notice any of these signs in your facility, reach out to a commercial water damage Tulsa expert for a professional inspection.
When Should Tulsa Businesses Call for Professional Sewage Backup Cleanup?
Professional cleanup is essential any time contaminated water enters a commercial facility. Visible sewage intrusion should always be left to the professionals due to the health risks that contaminated water creates. If there are multiple drain backups that result in contaminated standing water, contact an expert immediately. Drains tend to begin malfunctioning directly after major thunderstorms, and damage should be addressed as soon as possible.
For help with commercial sewage backups, ServiceMaster Restoration by RSI – Tulsa is here to provide essential support during a trying time. With years of experience working with Tulsa commercial properties, we understand the city’s unique weather patterns and how they affect drainage systems. Our technicians are equipped for biohazard-safe sewage cleanup, and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to respond to emergency damage. Rapid response after storms is essential to protecting structures from further damage, and we respond to service requests within hours to begin property restoration efforts.
Fast, professional mitigation protects business operations and helps avoid extended downtime. Our commercial water damage Tulsa specialists are ready to help your headquarters return to its pre-damage condition and provide support to your customers. For more information on how our services can help, contact us today at 918-416-6833 to speak to a member of our team. You can also click here to request a free quote.