How to Prepare Your Septic Tank for Rainfall
With heavy rains right around the corner, now is a good time to prepare your septic tank for the season ahead. Rainwater causes excess water flow to your septic system and may cause a wide range of problems. Preparing your septic system for rainfall can save you from some costly repairs and even replacements. In this article, Septic Blue of Charlotte provides you with four tips to help you get your septic tank ready for the heavy rains.
Inspect Your Septic Tank In Advance
Before the rainy season begins, it's crucial to inspect your septic tank and the associated components. Have a professional septic technician check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks in the tank, distribution box, or drainfield. Ensure that the tank's lid is secure and free of debris. If you notice any problems, address them promptly to prevent rainwater infiltration or septic tank failure. Call in a professional septic company like Septic Blue of Charlotte to inspect your septic tank and advise you accordingly.
Manage Rainwater Runoff
Properly manage rainwater runoff around your home to avoid overwhelming your septic system. Ensure that your gutters and downspouts are directing rainwater away from the drainfield area. It’s also recommended to implement proper grading and landscaping to divert rainwater away from the septic tank and drainfield. Excessive rainwater entering the system can disrupt its functioning and lead to backups.
Schedule Septic Tank Pumping Ahead Of Time
Regular septic tank pumping is essential for maintaining the efficiency of your septic tank and preventing issues during heavy rainfall. It’s advisable to schedule septic tank pumping before the rainy season arrives. A professional septic company will remove accumulated solid waste and sludge from the tank, thereby reducing the risk of clogs and backups during periods of increased water flow. The other benefits of regular septic tank pumping include:
- Save money.
- Increase property value.
- Avoid septic tank damage and failure.
- Prevent water contamination.
- Extend the life of your septic system.
- Prevent odors around your home.
- Protect the surrounding environment.
Limit Water Usage
All of the wastewater from your home ends up in the drainfield, where it percolates or gradually filters through the soil. During heavy rainfall, the soil around your septic system can become saturated with water. This can impede the natural drainage and absorption of wastewater from the septic tank into the soil. When the soil is already saturated, adding more water from household activities can lead to backups and slow drainage in the drainfield. While you cannot control Mother Nature, there are measures you can take to minimize the amount of wastewater entering the drainfield. Be mindful of activities such as laundry, showers, and dishwashing. Spacing out water-intensive tasks can also help your septic tank better handle the increased water volume from rainfall.
