Summer thunderstorms are often a relief during the otherwise scorching days. But many homeowners don’t realize that a severe thunderstorm or even just prolonged rainfall can cause serious havoc for their septic system. Heavy rainfalls can quickly dampen everything, leaving the soil of the septic system’s drain field completely flooded and saturated. The water will have nowhere to go as the rain continues to fall, leaving it with no choice but to run backwards into the plumbing system or even into your home. This can be incredibly devastating to your property, and quite expensive to fix with septic repair in Prior Lake, MN.
That’s why it’s so important to take all the necessary precautions ahead of time to prevent disaster. Let’s take a closer look at the impacts a storm can have on a septic system:
- Flooded drain field: Even a short rainstorm can compromise the soil surrounding the drain field. Too much water too quickly can completely saturate the drain field with water. As a result, the drain field will flood and will not be able to absorb any more liquid, which will prevent the water from efficiently flowing out of the system.
- Backed-up septic system: The water will accumulate in the drain field pipes before completely filling up the septic tank.
- Interior flooding: Where will the water go when there’s no more room in the drain field or septic tank? The backed-up wastewater will likely flood up into the home through the plumbing. The sinks and drains will begin to flood with the used water. You could find your bathroom or even the entire house flooded with nasty wastewater!
How to prevent this
Luckily, you can prevent a storm from causing major issues for your septic system. The most effective way is to have your septic system regularly serviced. Plan to have the tank pumped every few years, depending on usage and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The entire system should be inspected once each year to ensure it’s in top condition. This is also the time to make any necessary septic repairs in Prior Lake, MN. Additionally, avoid placing any heavy vehicle or materials on top of the drain field, as this will compact it further, compromising the amount of water it can absorb and increasing the risk of flooding.
You may notice your drains releasing water at a slower pace or the toilet making unusual sounds when flushed during a storm. These sounds could mean the drain field is under a higher amount of stress. Alleviate the strain and reduce the chance of flooding by cutting back on water usage until the drain field has enough time to dry. Monitor the drain field once the storm has passed. The soil should recede relatively quickly once the rain has stopped. If the flooding persists, it’s time to call a professional for septic repairs in Prior Lake, MN.
Storm troubles? Call Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services
Always watch out for severe weather and take the necessary steps to keep your septic system safe from storm damage. Don’t hesitate to call Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services if your septic system isn’t functioning properly after a storm or at any other time.