Heavy rains or flooding can cause problems for homeowners with septic systems. The excess water can saturate the soil in your drainfield, which prevents it from filtering wastewater into the ground.
The Septic Guys gives some steps you can take to protect your septic system before and after heavy rains or flooding:
Drainfield Saturation
If your septic system has been flooded with water and sewage it is important to keep the area completely sealed off until everything has dried. Do not try to pump the septic tank in this scenario as it will only make the situation worse. Instead, have the septic tank inspected and pumped by a licensed on-site sewage professional.
It is also important to limit water usage during heavy rains or flooding to prevent additional strain on the septic system. This can be accomplished by using only non-flushable toilet paper and by limiting showers to short, brief sessions. Water-saving appliances can help as well.
Keeping vehicles off the drainfield is another way to improve its ability to absorb groundwater during heavy rains and flooding. Driving or parking on a drainfield can cause soil compaction and reduce its ability to absorb water.
If you find the septic system is already flooded with sewage, it is important to clean and disinfect any areas that were exposed to sewage. This will protect your health and safety, and it will also ensure the sewage is not spreading to other parts of the property.
Once the floodwaters have receded and the septic tank has been inspected and pumped, it is important to have the drainfield inspected as well. A clogged drainfield will not be able to effectively absorb wastewater and will need to be repaired or replaced.
While the majority of a septic system is sealed and unaffected by heavy rains or flooding, the drain field can be overwhelmed and may experience a backup into the house. To minimize this risk, it is a good idea to have a back flow preventer installed in the home and to perform regular maintenance including pumping and inspections.
Silt and Mud
When the soil in your drainfield becomes saturated or flooded, it prevents wastewater from leaving the system. This can cause wastewater to back up into your home. When this happens, it is important that you contact a septic system professional to determine whether your drainfield needs to be repaired or replaced.
A septic system relies on the anaerobic bacteria in the tank to treat wastewater before it goes into the drainfield to percolate through the gravel and sand. When the soil in the drainfield becomes waterlogged, the anaerobic bacteria can’t do their job and this results in wastewater backing up into your home.
Heavy rainfall and flooding can also cause silt and mud to get into septic systems. This can block the outlet tee and create clogs. If you live in an area that frequently experiences heavy rains, it is a good idea to install an effluent filter. These filters catch silt and sand before it can leave the tank, which helps prevent blockages and extends the lifespan of your septic system.
The most important thing to do during a flood or heavy rain is to minimize your water usage. This includes reducing showers, laundry, and other household activities. It is also a good idea to use water-saving appliances and to check that your well water is safe to drink.
If you have a septic system, it is best to wait to have the tank pumped until the flood waters recede and the soil in your drain field has dried out. If you have the septic tank pumped while the soil is saturated, it can cause wastewater to wash away into your drainfield, which will lead to long-term problems.
It is also a good idea to avoid digging in or around your septic system and drainfield while the soil is wet or flooded. This will ruin the soil conductivity, which is essential for treating wastewater.
Damage to Pump Chambers
If a septic tank pump fails due to floodwaters, it’s important not to have the tank pumped until the water recedes and the soil around the drainfield is dry. Doing so could force the tank to float out of the ground or cause the silt and mud from the drainfield to enter the tank and clog its inlet and outlet pipes.
The septic system has two types of pumps: the septic tank and the effluent pump. The septic tank pump is used to move wastewater from the house into the septic tank and then to the drainfield. The effluent pump is responsible for moving wastewater from the septic tank to the drainfield, and it also removes solids from wastewater as it moves through the septic system.
Both pumps are vulnerable to flooding from heavy rains and the debris and mud from drainfield floodwaters that can wash into them. If the septic tank pump or effluent pump fail, wastewater may back up into the house, which can lead to expensive damage and sewage odor.
If the septic tank pump is damaged, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible. If the septic tank has been contaminated with sewage and is allowing the septic effluent to flow into the drainfield, a new tank will be required to fully treat septic waste.
During a flood, it’s recommended that homeowners keep both feet off the ground and not drive over the drainfield area. Pedestrian traffic and vehicles compact the wet soil, which limits its ability to absorb and drain water. This stress can further strain a septic system, leading to a premature tank or pipe failure.
Another option for septic system protection during a flood is to install a French drain or ditch on the property. This can help redirect stormwater away from the septic tank and drainfield areas, which can help prevent drainfield flooding.
Regular septic tank maintenance is also recommended to reduce the risk of flooding and to catch minor problems before they become major. A septic tank professional can perform a full inspection, cleaning and repair to ensure the septic system is in good working condition.
Damage to Pipes
Heavy rains can damage the piping that connects your house to the septic system. This can result in sewage backing up into your drains and toilets. This is a huge health risk and also poses environmental problems. Untreated sewage can pollute groundwater, lakes and rivers.
This can be a major issue for anyone living in a property that uses a septic system. Luckily, it’s possible to prevent this from happening by taking some simple steps.
The first step is to limit your water use during heavy rainfall. This means avoiding doing things like laundry, washing dishes and long showers. You can also install downspouts that direct water away from your septic tank and drain field.
Another great thing you can do is to check the yard frequently for wet spots and standing water, especially around the drain field area. This can help you spot issues before they become too big and you’ll be able to have them addressed quickly. If you hear gurgling sounds from your pipes, this is also a good sign that the system can’t handle the heavy load of wastewater and needs immediate attention from a professional.
One thing you should never do is have the septic tank pumped when the soil is flooded or saturated with water as this can cause it to try and float out of the ground. It’s important to avoid pumping your septic tank until the flood waters recede and the drain field area is dry. If you do end up having the septic tank pumped during flooded or saturated conditions, it’s important that you have it inspected by a professional afterwards to make sure there is no damage to the inlet and outlet pipes. A professional can advise you on how to protect your septic system in future and recommend any upgrades that could be beneficial. They can also clean out your septic tank to remove silt and any other debris that has washed into it. This can also help prevent clogs and other issues down the line. You should always have your septic system pumped out every 2-3 years to ensure it works properly.
