The Effect of Heavy Rain On Septic Tanks
It’s happened to so many homeowners: A storm rolls in and drops rain for hours on end. Then the toilets seem to flush slower. The sinks start to make an awful gurgling sound after each use. A horrendous smell emanates from the water pooling up in the yard. Finally, sewage starts seeping up through the drains in the showers and tubs. This is what heavy rainfall can do to a home with a septic system. Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to be entirely at the mercy of Mother Nature during the rainy season.
Flooded Ground
The first major problem to consider is ground flooding near or around the septic tank. Inside a septic tank, wastewater naturally separates into solids and liquids. The solids are periodically pumped out by a professional, while the liquids, also known as “effluent,” flow into the soil through the drain field, which naturally purifies it before it can reach groundwater.
When flooding occurs, excess rainwater can back up into the tank through the drain field if it’s unable to drain off elsewhere. When enough water collects, the tank can overflow into the yard or the house via the drains.
Water-Clogged Drainfield
The second issue caused by heavy rainfall is a clogged or saturated drain field. This can happen even without visible evidence of ground flooding, which makes it particularly insidious. When the soil that constitutes the drain field becomes saturated with water, effluent from the septic tank cannot flow freely into the drain field. As a result, any new wastewater that enters the tank will build up instead of being processed. Eventually, the wastewater can back up into the drains, or the effluent that’s already in the field can rise to the surface instead of seeping down.
How To Protect Septic Tanks During the Rainy Season
In any weather, avoid driving or parking vehicles on top of the drain field to avoid compacting the soil, as this can make soil saturation more likely. During a rainstorm, homeowners should limit water usage as much as possible, especially if there’s visible flooding around the septic field. It’s also a good idea to redirect existing downspout drains and runoff channels away from the septic system to prevent water from collecting there.
And of course, if any symptoms of a septic issue present themselves - such as gurgling drains, slow-draining toilets, pooling water, or foul odors near the septic field - homeowners should immediately contact their plumber or septic expert.
About All Clear Plumbing
The family-owned and operated All Clear Plumbing has been handling the plumbing and HVAC needs of Belleville, NJ since 1952. Their licensed and insured technicians provide prompt, professional service and leave every home better than they found it. All Clear offers up-front pricing, loyalty perks, and 24/7 emergency service. Call now for plumbing service!
