Rain can affect many parts of a home. In addition to flooding and water damage around your property, you may notice issues with your septic system after major storms. Here’s a guide to how rain affects your plumbing and how measures like septic pumping can prevent problems. 

How Can Rain Impact Your Septic System?

Once water and waste enter a septic tank, bacteria begin breaking down the solids. The water is separated and runs through a series of lines into the drain field, where it is treated by the soil. 

Heavy rain may saturate the soil in the drain field to the point that it can't absorb the water that runs from your septic system. If the water has nowhere to go, it may stay in the tank longer, filling it faster.

What Are the Signs of Septic Damage From Rain?

If your drain field has visible puddles or flooding, the soil is too saturated to accommodate additional water from your tank. You may also notice issues inside the house. 

As the tank fills, toilets and drains may empty more slowly. If it’s completely full, you may even notice a sewage odor emanating from plumbing fixtures. In this case, don't add water or waste to your septic system until the drain field dries out. 

How Can You Prevent Rain From Harming the System?

Serious septic problems are more likely to arise after rainstorms if the tank is already full since there’s less room for water to back up if it cannot filter into the drain field right away. Professional septic pumping at least once every three to five years will remove excess waste buildup so that the system can function correctly.

Additionally, limit water use as much as possible during and immediately after severe rainstorms. Specifically, avoid running major appliances like laundry machines and dishwashers at the same time, and skip or at least spread out showers and baths if possible. Even if the ground isn’t completely saturated, the excess moisture can take longer to absorb into the soil, so the extra time between usage cycles provides more opportunity for the ground to dry. 

If you need septic pumping or maintenance to ensure your system can handle a heavy rainstorm, contact B&B Family Plumbing in Rock Hill, SC. This plumbing contractor cleans, repairs, and even installs septic systems. If you're concerned about damage after severe weather, they'll thoroughly examine the components and can quickly diagnose issues related to the water lines connected to your drain field. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (803) 431-0764 to schedule an appointment.