[column width=”1/1″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]
Summer is here in Southwest Florida and afternoon thunderstorms and overcast skies indicate the beginning of the rainy season. Whether you’re new to this area or have lived here for many years, you’re probably familiar with the amount of rain that comes with summertime. While Southwest Florida is one of the areas that receives less rainfall than many other areas throughout the state, a lot of rainfall can come at one time, particularly during bigger storm systems. It’s important for homeowners using septic systems to understand how excessive rainfall can affect their septic system. Septic system care in the rainy season is as simple as regular maintenance. Below you’ll learn a few great ways to avoid septic tank issues during the rainy season.
- Manage water on your property.
You will not experience pooling rainwater in your drainfield if you properly maintain systems that are meant to move water away from your home. Eliminate blockages from drainage structures, swales and ditches. If there is sitting water in your ditch or swale 36-48 hours after rainfall has ceased, consider contacting your county or city water management authority and they may be able to clean out your public utility area. - Maintain the area around your drainfield.
Runoff water during a rainstorm should do exactly that – run off and away from your home. Cleaning gutters and placing downspouts in areas away from your drainfield can help manage rainwater during storms. Make sure that rainwater is not pooling over your drainfield. Also, do not drive over your drainfield, as this can put unnecessary pressure on and potentially damage the drainfield pipes. - Maintain your system regularly.
While septic tanks are a very natural way to process waste, when they are not properly maintained they can develop sludge buildup in the drainfield pipes. Buildup causes drainfields to flow more slowly, weakening the natural process of breakdown and allowing water to be processed less efficiently. Excessive rainfall adds pressure to these already weakened pipes, resulting in septic tank backups. Make sure that your septic system is inspected every 3-5 years to avoid this issue.
It’s important that you understand how your septic system functions to avoid issues. Always make sure that you properly maintain your septic system, repair drainfield issues, take care of the water management structures throughout your property and continue to use water efficiently in your household. Doing so could help you avoid costly repairs. Get your septic tank inspected before rainy season, contact the experts at Crews Environmental to schedule an inspection.
[/column]
