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  • Writer's pictureTroy Todd

Heavy Rain and Your Septic System


Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system. With nowhere to go, the water eventually backs up into drains and toilets and into your home. Preparing your septic system before the rain season is very important. Having a regular maintenance cleaning and inspection once every 3-5 years will improve the life of your system and not leave you with the problem below:

Signs of Stress: surface water is ponding in the drainfield area, drains are not draining quickly, toilets flush slowly or you hear a gurgling noise. After heavy rain, the only way to relieve pressure on the system is by using it less. If possible, reduce or eliminate water going down the drains until the drainfield dries out.

  • If you have to take a shower, do so quickly.

  • Don't run half loads of laundry or fill up the dishwasher half way and run a cycle. Make sure they're full loads. But if you can, just avoid running the washer and dishwasher altogether.

  • Flush toilets only when necessary.

Some homes have a white clean out cap. It will be close to your foundation and will be about 4 inches in diameter. These are often found on homes that are 05 and newer. Sometimes you can find them on homes that are a little older. This clean out cap serves as an external drain for your septic system. By unscrewing this cap it will provide you temporary relief for your system and will help the access from coming into your home.

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