Most people associate plumbing problems with summer monsoons or heavy rainfall, but many Arizona homeowners are surprised to learn that sewer backups are actually more common during the winter months. Even though we don’t deal with freezing temperatures like other states, our unique soil conditions, aging infrastructure, and seasonal habits make winter a prime time for sewer line issues.
Here’s why sewer lines struggle more during winter, and what you can do to prevent a messy, stressful backup in your home.
Even in Arizona, winter brings cooler temperatures, especially overnight. In your sewer line, that can be a problem.
When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) cool down, they harden along the pipe walls, creating sticky buildup that catches:
Food particles
Wipes
Toilet paper
Debris
Hair
This buildup narrows the sewer line and increases the chance of full blockage.
Holiday cooking makes this worse, with large meals and kitchen cleanup sending more grease into the drain than usual, even when homeowners think they’re being careful.
Winter means:
Kids home from school
Holiday guests visiting
Bigger meals
More laundry
More showers
More toilet use
More dishwashing
In short: Your plumbing system is doing double the work.
The extra load pushes an already struggling sewer line past its limit, often causing slow drains, gurgling, or full backups.
Arizona trees may slow down growth in winter, but their roots don’t stop seeking water. Sewer lines stay warmer than surrounding soil, making them a perfect target.
Roots are especially aggressive during winter because:
Outdoor moisture levels drop
The ground is dry
Sewer lines provide both warmth and water
Once roots find even the smallest crack, they expand inside the pipe and form dense root balls that block sewage flow.
Many Phoenix-area homes, especially in Glendale, Peoria, and older parts of Phoenix, still have:
Clay sewer pipes
Cast iron lines
Aging ABS systems
These materials are more prone to:
Cracks
Collapses
Joint separations
Root intrusion
Settling issues
During winter, the ground contracts slightly as it cools, which can worsen existing breaks or open new entry points for roots.
Arizona’s soil (especially caliche-heavy regions) expands and contracts with temperature changes. While winter shifts are mild compared to summer swelling, they still stress older or weakened sewer lines.
This can lead to:
Bellies in the line (sags where water sits)
Offsets between pipe sections
New cracks or separations
Even a small change in slope can cause major drainage issues.
Despite the labels, no wipe is truly flushable, especially during winter when your drains are already under heavy demand.
Holiday cleaning wipes, facial wipes, and disinfectant wipes become more common, and they combine with grease and roots to form thick clogs that normal snaking won’t fix.
A few simple steps can drastically reduce your risk:
1. Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection
This ensures your line is clear before peak winter usage.
2. Avoid Pouring Any Grease Down the Drain
Store it in a container, let it harden, and throw it in the trash.
3. Discourage Guests From Flushing Wipes or Paper Towels
Even “flushable” ones.
4. Install Cleanouts (if your home doesn’t have them)
They make clearing backups much easier and cheaper.
5. Consider Hydrojetting for Older Homes
This clears roots, grease, and scale before they can cause trouble.
Holiday season or not, preventative care is the best way to avoid kitchen disasters. Our Rapid Rooter Membership Program, offering:
Priority Scheduling – Skip the wait during busy summer months.
Annual Multi-Point Plumbing Inspection – Spot leaks before they drive up your bill.
Bi-Annual Drain Cleaning & Inspection – Maintain smooth flow during high-use seasons.
Semi-Annual Water Heater Flush – Keep your system running efficiently.
Exclusive Discounts – 10% off all repairs, and up to $300 off major installs.
24/7 Emergency Service – No extra charge for nights, weekends, or holidays.
Satisfaction-Backed Service Guarantee – Confidence in every job.
Transferable Coverage – Moving within our service area? Your membership moves with you.
No Hidden Fees – Clear pricing, every time.
During the holidays, your garbage disposal works overtime, but it’s still not meant to handle fats, bones, peels, or large amounts of food waste. Treat it with care, pay attention to early warning signs, and don’t hesitate to call Rapid Rooter if something starts acting up.
A little prevention now can save you from a kitchen catastrophe when you’re hosting family and friends.
📞 Call/Text: (602) 755-2470
🌐 Visit: RapidRooterAZ.com
📍 Serving Phoenix, Peoria, Glendale, Surprise, Scottsdale & the West Valley