Most homeowners don’t realize that a severe rainstorm (or even just long periods of sustained light rainfall) can dramatically affect their septic systems. Don’t wait till it’s too late! The best way to prevent harm to your septic system is to take all the necessary precautionary measures ahead of time and to stay informed. That way, when the rainy season comes along, you and your septic system won’t be caught off guard. There are three big ways a storm can affect your septic system:

  • Flooded Drainfield – Too much rain can quickly result in the soil surrounding your drainfield to become saturated with water. This means it will flood and become unable to absorb any more liquid. As a result, water won’t be able to flow efficiently out of your septic system.
  • Backed Up Septic System – With nowhere else to go, the water will accumulate in your drainfield pipes and will eventually cause your septic tank to fill up.
  • Flooded Sinks – Once your septic tank is full, if the rain continues, the backed up wastewater will end up flowing back up through your plumbing, and cause your sinks and drains to flood. In the most severe cases, your entire restroom may end up flooded with wastewater.

Prevention Tips

  • Make sure your septic system is in good condition before it rains. This means making sure it does not need to be pumped or maintained.
  • Make sure your gutters do not drain onto the drainfield.
  • Make sure your drainfield is sloped so that runoff will not accumulate.
  • If you notice your drains draining slowly or your toilet not flushing, this may be a sign that your septic system is getting backed up. The only solution is to use it less until the rain stops.
  • After the storm, check your septic system for damage. If you suspect something may be wrong, contact a professional right away to have it inspected. It’s always better to deal with any potential septic problems early before they get worse.
  • In some extreme cases, such as after a hurricane, it may be necessary to have your septic tank pumped after the storm passes.

Remember to stay on the lookout for severe weather and be cautious about how much you use your septic system during heavy rain. In most cases, this should be enough to avoid any substantial damage to your septic system. If your septic system is not functioning properly, try one of our septic cleaning products first. It may end up saving you money. Call us now for more information.

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