How Heavy Rains Can Impact Your Septic System
In Florida, the summer season is often associated with hurricanes and heavy thunderstorms. This introduction of excessive rainwater can place significant strain on your septic tank system and drain field.
A drain field involves pipes and gravel that naturally filter wastewater. However, too much wastewater at once can overwhelm the septic system and prevent it from adequately filtering out waste. In this case, harmful biological or chemical contaminants may be introduced into the nearby groundwater supply. Unfiltered or polluted water is unfit for human consumption—making it critical that homeowners take care of their septic systems.
Luckily, there are some proactive steps homeowners can take to prevent slow drains, sewage backups, and drain field flooding. All septic tank systems benefit from routine maintenance, inspections, and pump-outs. At Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service, our septic specialists can keep your drain field running efficiently for over 20 to 30 years. We also work closely alongside the Florida Department of Health's Environmental Health Service to ensure that all new septic systems and drain fields are installed in accordance with state guidelines.
Our Florida plumbing company proudly serves the counties of Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Levy. Contact Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service today to schedule septic tank services.
Saturates The Drain Field
As heavy rain continues to saturate the ground, the soil will no longer be able to adequately absorb the water. Once your drain field's absorption capacity has been reached, the leftover water will remain standing in the yard, flooding your lawn and potentially causing slow draining appliances and sewage backups.
Installing gutters or downspouts in your yard can help direct excess rainwater and runoff away from your septic system and drain field—preventing a backup. It is also best practice to avoid using an abundance of water before or during a thunderstorm. When a storm is expected to hit, try and avoid running extra laundry loads, completing multiple dishwasher cycles, or taking long showers. By thoughtfully reducing the amount of water you use, you can minimize the stress placed on your septic drain field.
Increases The Need For Maintenance
The next time you check your weather app and notice a week of heavy rains ahead, remember that those rain clouds mean more than just the need for an umbrella. Early preventive septic system maintenance is crucial to protecting your septic tank in the event of an overflow or system overload. The earlier you can schedule your septic tank inspection, the less chance you have of needing costly repairs or a full septic tank replacement.
At Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service, our experienced septic plumbers can closely examine your septic system for cracks, leaks, or signs of damage. Additionally, our septic tank professionals can perform a routine pump-out during your maintenance appointment. Regular septic pumping every 3&hypehn;5 years can reduce the burden on your septic system and protect your drain field in the event of extreme weather conditions. Keep detailed records of your septic system's maintenance schedule and repair history so that you can check when your system was updated last.
Waterway Contamination
When a septic system or drain field floods, the untreated wastewater can runoff into local water sources, such as wells, lakes, ponds, or streams. If not promptly addressed, this dirty flood water can pose a significant risk to the health of your household.
Don't wait until it is too late. If your yard is flooded, contact Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service as soon as possible for assistance.