Can Heavy Rain Affect Septic Systems? Signs and Solutions

When the heavy rain season comes around, excess water can impact your septic system. These systems are designed to collect wastewater from your home, break it down and dispose of it through the drain field. Large amounts of rainwater can saturate the soil around the drain field. As a result, it can be challenging for the soil to process wastewater properly, which can potentially lead to backups, among other issues.

How Does Heavy Rain Impact Septic Systems?

Heavy rain can affect septic systems in several ways, often resulting from excessive water in your septic tank and drain field. Here are some of the ways the downpour impacts your system:

• Saturated drain field: The drain field is designed to handle a certain amount of water. When it becomes saturated, it may fail to absorb the effluent from the tank, causing it to pool on the surface or go back into your plumbing. You may experience backups in your toilets, showers or sinks. 

• Dislodged tank: The increased groundwater levels from rainfall can cause your septic tank to dislodge and disrupt the connections between the inlet and outlet pipes. 

• Environmental contamination: A flooded septic system can cause untreated water carrying harmful pollutants to flow back into your system or leak into your yard and contaminate it. 

Signs of Septic System Flooding

Here are a few telltale signs your septic system has been affected by heavy rainfall:

• Slow flushing toilets

• Slow discharge from sink, shower and tub drains

• Water backing up into your basement or floor drain

• Standing water or mushy ground around the septic tank

• Gurgling sounds from drains and toilets

• Foul septic smell after heavy rain

How to Prepare Your Septic System for Heavy Rain

While you can't stop heavy rains from happening, you can minimize the impact with proper preparation. 

• Limit water usage in your household.

• Do not flush anything besides human waste or toilet paper down the toilet.

• Ensure that rainwater is directed away from your septic tank and drain field.

• Get your septic tank inspected and pumped.

• Tightly seal septic covers, ports and any other possible entry points.

How to Deal With Septic System Problems After Heavy Rain

After heavy rain, you should minimize water usage to allow your septic system to recover. Avoid taking long or frequent showers, washing dishes or doing laundry until the system dries out. If the water continues to pool long after the rainstorm or you suspect damage, contact a septic service professional to inspect the system. 

Connect With the Experts From Bolton Septic

At Bolton Septic, we provide reliable septic tank cleaning and maintenance. Our skilled technicians can help prepare your system for the heavy rain season or restore its functionality afterward. We also offer emergency services to handle your issues promptly. Schedule an appointment today!