Heavy rains can induce groundwater levels to rise, causing leach fields to overflow and fail to function correctly. If the drainage system isn’t well maintained, heavy rains might potentially cause problems.
To keep particles from accessing the drainage field, you must retain septic systems regularly.
Solid waste can clog leach lines or, worse than, clog the soil pores if it makes its way to the leach field. Your septic system will not work if the pores in the soil are plugged.
You’ve undoubtedly experienced rains flooding over your drain field if you have a septic system. This is especially true during the monsoon season when the rain is hefty and merciless.
We’ll go over what to deal with a septic tank filled with water whenever it rains, as well as septic system maintenance advice for the impending rainy season, in this post.
Maintenance before rain:
Because rain may quickly flood the land from around the septic system’s drain field, all residents should know how to repair a flooded tank before, throughout, and after a rainstorm.
When the rainy season arrives, prepare your drain field many days ahead of time to avoid dealing with messes after and during rain.
- You should not use bleach and certain other harsh chemicals to scrub your tubs, sinks, or toilets because they may destroy the healthy bacteria in your septic tank. Use only sustainable cleaning products.
- Avoid driving cars and other heavy vehicles and equipment too close to the drain field because they compress the soil and reduce uptake capacity.
- To ensure that your septic system can withstand high rainfall, have it examined by a professional.
- Several weeks even before monsoon season, drain the septic system, especially if it needs to be cleaned out. Remember that you should get your tank pumped at least once each 3 to 5 years.
- So that rainwater does not pool within the tank, seal any possible entrance ports into the septic system.
- Many hours before the heavy rain begins, switch off the power pump at the circuit box. Turn off the lift station power supply if your mound system has one.
Why septic tanks are essential:
Your septic system is constructed after a lot of scientific research and data, including a soil analysis of your property by a soil scientist and a site assessment by a contractor.
The local Health Department evaluated all of this to establish exact criteria for your septic system. It was created to purify contaminated water from your house and release clean, safe water into the earth’s underground water.
Consider your backyard as a giant sponge. When filthy water is poured on top of a kitchen sponge, the sponge will hold the majority of the dirt particles while allowing cleaner water to flow through and be discharged below.
All but the most porous gravel formations will rapidly get clogged with sewage or untreated household trash. The septic tank treats sewage to allow the liquid part to percolate into the subsurface. The primary purpose of septic tanks is to safeguard the subsoil’s ability to absorb water.
Treatment of your septic tank is a cost-effective and straightforward technique to guarantee that your solid waste is handled correctly.
It will ensure that your septic tank has an adequate number of bacteria and enzymes, which are essential for maintaining the system clear of clogs.
The cost of replacing a septic system is exceptionally high. Using septic tank additives, you can ensure that your tank has a constant supply of active bacteria.
Tips for keeping rainwater out of the septic tank:
Here are a few other predictive maintenance actions to maintain your septic tank in good operating order:
- One should pump septic tanks every 3 to 5 years. Pumping the septic tank every 3-5 years will prevent the hinged lid from spilling into the liquid side, draining the leach field.
- You should install risers and lids for septic tanks. The majority of tanks are hidden underneath and challenging to reach.
- Here’s what you should do if it’s raining heavily:
- During periods of heavy rain, reduce the amount of water you consume. Don’t flush, shower, or wash the dishes or laundry unless necessary.
- If you decide to wash your dishes, use it to water your plants instead of draining the water you used for washing.
- When the septic tank is inundated, avoid working near it.
- Consider hiring emergency septic services for temporary relief if water begins to back up in your home’s basement and floor drains.
- Digging up the septic tank and installing risers with ground-level lids is a fantastic idea. If a problem does arise, septic tank pumps and tops make repairs more manageable and less expensive. If you have never had risers and lids, you’ll have to pull up your underground septic tank lid yourself or get others to do it for you so that you can maintain the tank.
- Inside the tank, baffle tees can be located on each side of the pipes’ inlet and outflow. Baffle tees are used to block wastewater from flowing. The baffle tee permits waste to flow into the tank below the level of the crust. Check to see that the baffle tees are correctly placed and not clogged. If a baffle tee is lacking, the firm side top level will obstruct the flow of entering waste, resulting in tank stoppages.
- Pumping septic tanks is the only method to keep them clean. Pumping out a septic tank eliminates the solid buildup that is unavoidable in the septic process. According to most septic tank specialists, you should drain a typical house with a huge tank every three to five years. A shorter tank needs more frequent pumping.
Other ways to keep rainwater out of the septic tank:
While severe rains can create major septic problems, there are some things you can do to protect the septic system from any incoming storms.
Pay attention to what goes down the drain: Many things should not be flushed into your septic tank, from feminine hygiene products or paper towels to pouring oil or chemicals into the sink. Keep in mind whatever you flush or pour down the toilet.
Runoff water paired with an existing wet ground can wreak havoc on your drain field. You should direct runoff water away from your drain field, and one should require gutters away as well.
The dirt around the drain field can be compacted by cars and other vehicles, reducing the area’s permeability. During rainstorms, save water.
When it’s raining, avoid using a lot of water, such as taking long showers, baths, or doing laundry.
Conclusion:
When it showers, septic tanks are especially vulnerable to flooding. Fortunately, you can do a few things to prepare yourself before the rain arrives.
At the very least, keep the flooding going by closing any potential septic tank entrance sites and emptying the drain field. Reduce your overall consumption for a few days.
Instead of complete showers or baths, wash your clothing at a laundry and use sponge baths. When it’s raining, it’s also a good idea to reduce your water consumption. When the rainy season is through, you may resume everyday water consumption.
