The Dangers of Heavy Rain

September 9, 2020 B & B Pumping

If heavy rain is on the forecast, you may be asking yourself: Should I be worried about my septic system? After all, our septic systems can get backed up if they’re overloaded. But does rain cause an impact on the system itself, since it’s only supposed to take care of rainwater? Well unfortunately, your septic system can still back up during a heavy rain, even if it’s only connected to septic lines through your home or commercial building. Find out why you should be especially cautious when heavy rain is on its way and what you can do to protect your septic system in today’s article.

As always, you can always count on B&B Pumping to provide septic pumping to keep your system in check — just give us a call! We work on septic tanks throughout Fort Worth, Decatur, Azle, Haslet, and Weatherford — feel free to take a look at our service area. Now let’s take a closer look at the hazard that rain may pose.

Does Heavy Rain Impact A Septic System?

As we mentioned, rain may not run directly into your septic tank, yet it can cause an issue if it pools on the soil absorption space (or the drainfield) of your septic system. When this happens, septic wastewater will have nowhere to go, and it may end up flowing back into your home or building. That’s why it’s especially crucial to keep your septic system cleaned regularly and inspected often.

Pump Early, Check Often

We recommend that folks have their septic systems pumped prior to a heavy rain, if they think that they are at risk of enduring flooding. Have a septic specialist inspect your septic tank to see if it could use pumping. A septic pump specialist can also tell you what you can do to keep rain from causing a problem in the future. In general it is best to improve drainage of rainwater away from the drainfield — which you can learn more about below.

Improve Drainage

If you have a drainfield that doesn’t have raised soil over it, then rainwater may more easily pool on top of your drainfield. It’s recommended that your drainfield has a rise in the soil, which will naturally help rainwater to flow away from the drainfield. You should also keep from driving heavy vehicles on the field, which may compact the soil, leading to obstruction from proper drainage. You may also install French drains in your landscape, or cover the drainfield during rainstorms.

Signs Of Problems

If you’re noticing pooling water over your drainfield, then you may already have a backed up septic system. Also, be wary of toilets that flood, or flush poorly. You may also have sinks that flood, or you may simply hear gurgling in your pipes. Reduce your water usage immediately, and reach out to your septic pump specialist if you’re concerned about a problem.

There When You Need Us

If you do have a problem with rainwater causing a backup of your septic system, we’re here to help. B&B Pumping proudly serves folks throughout Fort Worth, Decatur, Azle, Haslet, and Weatherford — reach out to us if you’d like to learn more, or if it’s time to schedule pumping services. We provide inspection and septic pumping services.

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