Heavy rainfall may be a problem for your septic system. Excessive water can exacerbate existing drain-field issues and cause new issues (particularly with aerobic septic systems). These issues may lead to a backup within your home, which is not only a huge inconvenience, but it may also pose health risks. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation with a septic system backup during a heavy rainfall event.
Whether you have a conventional septic system or aerobic treatment system, heavy rains can negatively impact the speed at-which effluent flows through the treatment process. Properly-installed riser, lids, and inlets can prevent ground-water infiltration into the tank interior, thereby preventing damage caused by a sudden increase in effluent flow rates.
As heavy rains begin to fall, the ground water surrounding your septic tank and drain field will become severely saturated, to the point where the effluent (liquid wastewater) will be prevented from properly filtering through the soil itself. If you field is already failing, or if the ground becomes too saturated, this scenario may cause the effluent to rise to the surface or travel back up through the plumbing fixtures into your home. You can see how this would be a potentially disastrous mess to remediate.
Reduction or elimination of water usage should be an immediate step if your septic system is experiencing a backup issue during heavy rainfall. Avoid doing anything which uses a significant amount of water, such as laundry, running the dishwasher, or taking long showers.
Sometimes, what may seem to be a septic system issue is actually a plumbing blockage. Checking for this issue and clearing any and all blockages which may be found in drains and pipes could resolve the underlying issue at hand.
If the weather has calmed down and it’s safe to do so, you’ll want to have your septic tank inspected to see if it needs to be pumped. Septic tanks which are near or at full capacity will be more likely to back up during a heavy rainfall than septic tanks which are regularly maintained and are not near capacity.
Walking around your drain field to look out for and check on any signs of surface sewage, which could include a foul smell or standing water which is unusually dark or cloudy, can be a good way to determine what’s going on.
Regular maintenance is crucial for nearly all components of your home, yet it’s especially important for your septic system. Ensuring your septic system is pumped consistently with the help of professionals, usually every three to five years, can help you catch any issue before they become major problems leading to emergencies.
Proper landscaping can also help absorb excess water and reduce saturation. Improving your drainage systems with the help of systems such as French drains can help to direct excess water away from your septic tank and drain field. The right type of landscaping can help to absorb excess water and reduce the chance of oversaturation occurring.
For homes in areas prone to heavy rainfall, upgrading to a more robust septic system or adding capacity can help. Discuss options like a mound system or aerobic treatment system with a professional. If your home happens to be in an area with consistent, heavy rainfall throughout the year; you’ll want to consider upgrading your septic system or adding additional capacity to your septic tank. Discussing options with a professional can help you better determine what you need for your specific situation. The professional may recommend a mound system or an aerobic treatment system.
Ensuring all gutters and downspouts are properly directing water away from your septic tank and drain field will help to prevent further issues from arising. Reducing the volume of water the surrounding soil must absorb will help to prevent issues such as septic system backups.
If you experience a backup and cannot resolve the issue quickly on your own, it’s important to call a septic system professional as soon as possible. The professional can help to determine whether it’s a problem due to heavy rains, or if there’s something else causing the underlying issue which needs attention.
If your septic tank is backed up during a heavy rainfall event, it may cause significant levels of stress and possible health hazards. Through taking the right level of proactive steps and implementing regular maintenance strategies, you can better protect your home and health. Consider implementing strategic upgrades to keep your septic system running smoothly, regardless of the weather. Feel free to contact us should you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help.
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