Weather Effects on Plumbing and Septic Systems

Torrential rains can speed up the need for a septic tank pump out in order to alleviate an over saturated drain field.  It is during these times though, when it seems that “everyone in the world” is trying to immediately schedule a septic tank pump out.  Company after company is being called for an emergency appointment because of the weather.

At the first sign of problems, or while waiting for a pump out during inclement weather, there is one main thing to do.  Immediately reduce the water usage from your home or business!

You can limit your water usage while taking a shower by turning off the water at intervals. Do not let the water continually run.  The average shower uses about 2.1 gallons per minute, so turn it off occasionally.  Also flushing the toilet as little as possible can create a curtailment of water in an attempt to alleviate the problem.

“The wet weather slows us down!” says Jessica Edwards, Construction Supervisor at Lapin Services.  “We can’t pour concrete, can’t get water out of holes.  And, the wet weather creates unsafe working conditions with lightning.”  Wet weather can saturate the ground around the drain field hindering the water flow from the septic system.  During downpours, there may be a problem with the septic system. Drains in general, begin to malfunction because water travels backward through the plumbing and re-enters the toilets and drains inside the building.

“Rain shouldn’t have an effect if the drain field is working and the water is percolating properly,” says Jim Cessna, Lapin Services Plumbing Supervisor.  “If the drain field is not working properly the rain would cause over saturation.  A pump out would give the house temporary relief.”

Mr. Cessna also mentioned, “It’s the biomat that causes the rains from properly percolating into the soil.”  The biomat is decaying matter from the septic system that creates a layer of film under the drain field.  “It affects the hydraulics of the system.  Home structures and the gutter system directing the flow of water towards a drain field can play a major part in developing septic system failure.”

Conversely, dry weather has its own set of problems.  It’s not just that lakes and rivers are lower and creek beds are drying up.  The knowledge of failing septic systems to the property owner is slowed down in dry weather.  The people who have bad drain fields don’t realize it because the system “seems” to be properly functioning.  During dry weather, the soil absorbs the liquid and draws it away from the trenches.  So, in the prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, the toilets and showers are functioning properly.  The sewage is not backing up, thereby the septic system doesn’t appear to be failing.  As Jessica states, “Drain fields don’t show failures in dry weather. But, when the rains come, look out!”

Lapin Services is a 24 hour a day, seven days a week, all weather company!  Rain or shine call Lapin Services to assist you with the installation of a new drain field and with all of your septic or plumbing needs. Give us a call at 407-841-8200.