Do not drive any heavy equipment or other vehicles that could compact the soil over the drainfield.Keep rain gutters clear of debris and make sure all gutters drain away from the drainfield area. Direct runoff water away from the drainfield to keep the surrounding soils from getting extra soggy.At a minimum, check out our page showing signs that your sepitc tank needs to be cleaned out. Septic problems can be worse if your tank needs to be pumped or the system has not been properly maintained. The best way to handle a heavy rainfall is to make sure your septic system is in good shape before the rains.

What can you do to minimize your risk? We have a few simple tips to share to help you and your septic system before, during, and after a significant weather event. A flooded drainfield can also lead to untreated sewage flowing into the groundwater and local streams, putting them at risk for significant environmental contamination. With nowhere to go, the water eventually backs up into drains and toilets and into your home. 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. It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. High winds, inches of rain, downed trees…ĭid you know all of these can adversely impact your septic system?

Septic tank backup heavy rain