Does Heavy Rain Affect Your Septic Tank?

Many homeowners worry about unpleasant odors during and after heavy rains when the soil becomes so saturated that it struggles to absorb wastewater properly.

You might also hear a gurgling sound from the pipes after the storm.

Monitor your septic tank during heavy rain or storms to save time and money in the long run.

Why Does My Septic Tank Fill Up When It Rains?

Your septic tank usually fills up after a heavy rain for several reasons.

• Rainwater In The Septic Tank: Heavy rain seeps too much runoff water into your septic system, overwhelming the tank and filling it faster than usual.

  
  

• Saturated Leach Field Heavy Rain: The soil near the drains becomes overly saturated from rain, preventing proper absorption of wastewater and leading to backup issues.

  
  

• Septic Tank Problems When It Rains: Most rainwater enters through cracks or faulty seals, which can cause septic tank overflow. 

  
  

• Heavy Rain Septic Smell: When too much water enters your tank and flushes down toilet tissue or baby wipes, it can create clogs, causing septic smells even in your house from sinks and toilets.

  
  

• Just Pumped and Full Again: If your septic tank was just pumped and completed again, this indicates that your drainage has some serious issues.

  
  

How Does Heavy Rain Affect My Septic System?

Heavy rain can seriously damage your septic system. It disturbs its smooth water flow, which is dangerous for human health and the environment.

If left unchecked, septic tank flooding causes costly repairs and replacements.

Here’s a breakdown of what happens step by step:

1. Soil Becomes Oversaturated

During heavy rains or snowfall, the ground becomes too soaked, and instead of absorbing the wastewater, it stays on the surface. 

This creates water backup issues in your system. When this issue arises, your septic tank can’t correctly release the treated water, which leads to overflows.

2. Septic Tank Overflows

Once the drain field stops absorbing the excessive water, your septic tank overflowing after heavy rain becomes a real headache.

If the floor drain system is open, this excessive system causes a backup in your sinks, toilets, or even yards. 

Water also backs up when you flush coffee beans, grease, or oil. This overflow septic issue can last long and damage your property if left untouched. 

3. Gurgling Sounds And Slow Drains

When you shower or bathe, you might hear unusual sounds from the pipes. This is toilet gurgling after a heavy rain septic tank issue, which indicates trapped air and water are struggling to pass through it.

This often happens due to water backup issues, and wastewater has to go nowhere.

You may also notice a septic tank bubbling after heavy rain, which indicates excess pressure inside your tank.

4. Disruption Of Bacterial Balance

Excessive rain can dilute the wastewater in the septic tank. This disrupts the essential bacterial balance for breaking down waste, slowing waste processing and increasing the risk of backups and potential system failure. 

The imbalance may also contribute to the heavy rain septic smell that signals a stressed system.

5. Septic Alarm Activation

Modern septic systems have an alarm that signals when the tank nears capacity.

If the system is overwhelmed by excessive incoming water, heavy rains may trigger the alarm.

An activated alarm is a warning sign that immediate action is needed to prevent backups and potential damage.

6. The System May Stop Draining Entirely

If your septic system is clogged completely, you might notice a septic tank not draining after a rain issue. This means that the water is completely overwhelmed in the system. 

For this, the only solution is to pump the septic tank or inspect it for damage. 

7. Potential Long-Term Damage

When your septic system faces constant stress after heavy rains, it weakens the drain field over time.

If you see signs of flooded septic tanks, such as standing water or lush green grass over the drain field, act wisely before a costly replacement job is necessary.

Signs Your Septic System Is Affected By Heavy Rain

• Slow Drains: If sinks, tubs, and toilet water are not draining correctly.

  
  

• Gurgling Sounds From Pipes: If you notice strange noises from pipes, it means air and water are trapped. This is a common issue with septic tanks that occurs when it rains, which serves as a warning sign.

  
  

• Standing Yard Water:  Water pooling in your yard, especially near the drain field, is one of the key signs of a flooded septic tank.

  
  

• Unpleasant Odors: Foul odors should never be ignored.

  
  

• Septic Alarm Activation: If your septic alarm goes off, it indicates that excessive rain has filled the tank beyond capacity. 

  
  

• Backups In Toilets Or Sinks: The presence of wastewater during flushing or in sinks caused by a full septic tank after rain can be hazardous.

  
  

What To Do If Your Septic System Fails After Heavy Rain?

Here are some immediate steps to take if your septic tank fails after heavy rains:

• Reduce Water Usage: Avoid running dishwashers, washing machines, taking showers, etc., as extra water can clog drains even more.

  
  

• Check For Standing Water: If you notice pooling near your drain field, it may indicate that your septic system is not functioning properly and requires immediate attention.

  
  

• Check For Leaks: Inspect the system for leaks or cracks where rainwater could enter and have them repaired promptly.

  
  

• Listen For Gurgling Sounds. Check the source of the gurgling sound. If it's coming from the pipes, it could indicate that your system is experiencing stress.

  
  

• Call A Professional: Contact a professional septic tank service handler to address the issue quickly.

  
  

How Long Does It Take For A Flooded Septic Tank To Drain?

The time a flooded septic tank takes to drain depends on your daily water usage and drain field draining capacity.

Sometimes, a flooded septic tank takes a few days to a week to fully drain, only when the ground starts drying. If the soil is still soaked after this period, it will take longer to dry.

During this phase, ensure the use of water at a minimum rate to speed up the process. If you notice the issue persists, there could be a significant issue.

At that point, hiring an expert septic tank handler is a good idea to prevent things from worsening. 

Preventive Measures To Protect Your Septic System From Future Heavy Rains

• Redirect gutters and runoff water away from the drain field.

• Schedule regular inspections to catch septic issues early.

• Avoid parking or driving over the septic tank area.

• Use water-efficient fixtures to reduce strain during the rainy season.

• Get your septic tank pumped every few years for maintenance.

• Keep trees and shrubs away to prevent root damage.

• Fix leaks quickly to prevent excess water from entering the system.

• Avoid overloading your septic tank with excessive water by washing laundry or utensils. 

  
  

Conclusion

Heavy rain can severely damage your septic system and even your property. Therefore, inspecting your septic system regularly is essential, especially before or during the rainy season.

Regular maintenance and upkeep keep your tank functioning correctly without saturating or soaking the soil. This prevents the stress or load over the tank and ensures a smooth wastewater flow.

For best results, even in heavy rains, maintain a weekly or monthly schedule from professionals.

At Barnes Sewer & Septic, we provided septic system repair services for years.

Call us at (765) 584-7295 if you need septic tank-related service.

FAQs

Can rainwater enter a septic tank?

Rainwater can enter a septic tank through damaged, cracked, or unsealed areas.

Why won’t toilets sometimes not flush after heavy rain?

Sometimes, toilets will not flush after heavy rains because of a saturated drain field, which leads to backup toilets.

How do I prevent my septic tank from backing up when it rains?

To prevent your septic tank from backing up during heavy rains, conserve water usage and regularly have your septic tank pumped.

How long does it take a leach field to dry out?

Depending on the amount of rain, a leach field usually needs a few days or weeks to dry out.

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

A flooded septic tank typically won't "fix itself" without some intervention. The situation depends on several factors:

1. Pre-existing condition: If your septic system was in good condition before the heavy rain, it might recover more quickly once the ground dries out.

2. Extent of flooding: Minor flooding may resolve as water levels subside, but significant flooding often requires professional attention.

3. Duration of saturation: Prolonged saturation can lead to more severe issues that won't be resolved independently.

4. System components: Flooding can affect various septic system parts, including the drain field, which may need professional assessment.

5. Potential damage: Flooding can cause damage that requires repairs, regardless of the system's previous condition.

   
   

In most cases, it's advisable to have a professional inspect your septic system after flooding to ensure it functions appropriately and addresses potential issues.

While minor flooding might resolve without intervention, it's better to err on the side of caution to prevent more serious problems.

Can a septic system bubble after heavy rain?

Yes, septic tanks bubbling after heavy rain happens due to trapped air and excess water.

Why is my septic tank not working after heavy rain?

Heavy rain can exacerbate issues with your septic tank, particularly if the system is already compromised.

Here's why it might not be working correctly after heavy rain:

1. Increased Water Volume: Heavy rain adds significant water to the ground, which can overwhelm the septic system. This excess water can flood the tank and the drain field, leading to backups.

   
   

2. Clogged System: If your septic system was clogged before the rain, the additional water can worsen the problem. The increased pressure and volume of water can prevent wastewater from draining correctly.

   
   

3. Drain Field Saturation: Where wastewater is treated and dispersed into the soil, the drain field can become saturated with rainwater. This saturation reduces the field's ability to absorb and treat wastewater, leading to backups and other issues.

   
   

4. System Overload: The combination of rainwater and wastewater can overload the system, causing it to fail temporarily until the water levels recede and the ground dries out.

If you notice persistent issues after heavy rain, a professional should inspect your septic system to identify and address any underlying problems.

Can too much water hurt the septic system?

Excessive water floods the drain field, disrupting wastewater treatment and absorption.

Can excessive rain cause septic problems?

Yes, excessive rain can cause significant problems with your septic system.

1. Overflow and Backups: Heavy rain can overflow your septic tank, causing wastewater to back up into your home or pool on the surface. This is particularly problematic if rainwater mixes with septic sewage, as it can overwhelm the system's capacity to handle the increased volume.

   
   

2. Drain Field Saturation: Excessive rainwater can saturate the drain field, where wastewater is treated and dispersed into the soil. When the drain field is saturated, it cannot effectively absorb and treat wastewater, leading to backups and other issues.

   
   

3. System Overload: Rainwater and wastewater can overload the septic system, temporarily causing it to fail until the water levels recede and the ground dries out.

   
   

To mitigate these issues, ensuring that your septic system is properly maintained and inspected regularly, especially after heavy rainfall is crucial. This can help prevent serious problems and protect your property from potential damage.

Can heavy rain cause a septic alarm to go off?

A septic alarm may signal high water levels if the system is overloaded.