How Heavy Rain Affects Your Septic System

Lakeland is known for its venerable old homes and the unspoiled natural Florida beauty that surrounds us. If you live in either one of those areas’ chances are that you have a septic tank. You also know that in Central Florida afternoon thunderstorms can unleash an unexpected deluge and we can get several inches of rain when a hurricane or tropical storm blows through the area. With that in mind lets investigate how heavy rain affects your septic tank.

Drain fields in Polk City FLEffects of Heavy Rain on Septic Systems

Oversaturation of the Drain Field

Heavy rainfall can cause the ground to become saturated with water, leading to a decreased absorption capacity of the soil in the drain field. This oversaturation can prevent the wastewater from being effectively treated, potentially causing untreated effluent to pool on the surface or back into the house.

Soil Erosion

Intense rain can lead to soil erosion around your septic tank and drain field, compromising the system’s structural integrity. Erosion can cause underground pipes to become exposed or damaged, resulting in system failure.

Increased Water Flow

Heavy rainfall can cause water to infiltrate your septic tank more quickly, potentially overloading the system. This influx of water can dilute the bacterial processes in the tank, impeding the breakdown of solid waste and leading to an increase in the tank’s solid contents.

Tank Buoyancy and Shifting

Heavy rain can cause the water table to rise significantly in extreme cases, which may cause a poorly installed or lightweight septic tank to become buoyant, potentially leading to tank movement, dislocation, or even floating out of the ground.

Potential Problems

Sewage Backup

A combination of heavy rain and a struggling septic system can lead to sewage backups in your home, posing health risks and requiring costly cleanup efforts.

Environmental Contamination

The improper treatment and release of effluent due to heavy rain can contaminate groundwater, surface water, and soil, harming both the environment and public health.

System Failure

Over time, the cumulative impact of heavy rain on a septic system can cause it to fail, necessitating expensive repairs or replacement.

Preventative Measures

Regular Maintenance

Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of your septic system, including pumping the tank when needed, to ensure that it functions properly and can withstand heavy rainfall.

Proper Landscaping

Establish proper grading around your septic system to help direct surface water away from the tank and drain field. Planting grass and maintaining vegetation can also help minimize erosion.

Gutters and Downspouts

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning correctly to divert rainwater away from your septic system.

Consider an Effluent Filter

Installing an effluent filter on the outlet pipe of your septic tank can help prevent solids from entering the drain field, reducing the risk of system failure during heavy rain.

Use Lakeland Septic Company to Ensure Your Septic Tank Endures Heavy Rain

If you’re unsure if your septic tank can handle a hard rain, give us a call- In Polk County, call us at 863-738-0504 or fill out our simple contact form. One of our septic tank experts will discuss how we can ensure your septic tank doesn’t back up or fail in the next tropical storm or hurricane.