Septic systems play a crucial role in diverting wastewater from your property, but they’re also vulnerable to environmental stressors. While you can control some of these factors, such as only planting landscaping away from your septic tank, you can’t control how much rain nature sends your way. Unfortunately, heavy rain can cause problems for your septic tank. Learn how rain affects septic systems and how to prevent these issues from occurring.

How Can Rain Affect Septic Systems?

When heavy rainfall occurs, the ground surrounding your septic system can get flooded. Heavily saturated soil cannot absorb the filtered wastewater that’s normally released from the septic tank. In severe instances, rainwater can actually leak into the tank.

As liquid levels continue to rise inside the septic tank, you’re at an increased risk of having a sewage backup inside the home, particularly if you’re using household plumbing.

Preventing Rain-Related Issues

As with other septic problems, prevention is your best option. You can prepare your septic system for heavy rainfall by regularly taking care of septic pumping and other maintenance tasks. This will keep fluid levels from getting too high. You should also try to use gutters to direct rainwater away from the drain field.

If your septic tank floods, specialized septic repairs will be necessary. You’ll have to wait for the soil to become less saturated so water levels inside the tank return to normal. During this time, reduce water at home — or stop altogether — to avoid backups. Any silt or debris that infiltrated the tank as a result of the flooding will need to be pumped out.

No matter what kind of service you need for your septic systems, you can count on the experts at Tim Frank Septic Cleaning in Huntsburg, OH, to get the job done. In business since 1966, this family owned and operated company has the experience and equipment for both residential and commercial properties. To schedule an estimate, call (440) 636-5111. Visit them online to learn more about their services.