Rain, Rain, Go Away: Understanding Septic Systems and Wet Weather

When heavy rain storms roll through your area, your backyard might not be the only thing soaking up…

Apr 11,2025

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Rain, Rain, Go Away: Understanding Septic Systems and Wet Weather

When heavy rain storms roll through your area, your backyard might not be the only thing soaking up all that water, your septic system can suffer too. Wet weather brings with it a unique set of challenges for homeowners with septic systems. If you've ever noticed sluggish drains, sewage odors, or pooling water near your septic tank after a storm, you're not alone. These are signs your septic system might be under strain. Understanding how rain affects your system—and how regular maintenance like septic pumping and cleaning in Apex, NC can help—can save you from messy, expensive problems.

In this blog post, our professionals from Septic Blue will talk about understanding septic systems and wet weather.

How Rain Impacts Your Septic System

When the ground becomes saturated after prolonged rainfall, the soil around your septic tank and drain field can’t absorb any more water. This creates a backup of fluids, slowing down the septic system’s ability to release wastewater into the ground. In some cases, it can even force untreated sewage back into your home through drains or cause it to pool in your yard. The drain field, which is designed to filter wastewater, loses its efficiency when it's flooded, making your whole system vulnerable.

In particularly bad weather, this waterlogged condition might even make the tank itself float or shift if it's empty, leading to damage to pipes or the tank structure. This is why septic service experts often recommend scheduling regular maintenance before the rainy season starts.

The Importance of Timely Septic Pumping

One of the most important preventative measures a homeowner can take is to schedule routine septic pumping. When your tank is already near capacity, any extra water introduced during a storm can overwhelm the system. Septic pumping removes the solid and liquid waste that has built up over time, making room for new wastewater and reducing the chance of overflow or backups during wet conditions.

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If your tank hasn’t been pumped in several years, a storm could push it over the edge. The cost of a regular septic pumping service is far lower than dealing with property damage or a complete septic system failure.

Septic Cleaning vs. Septic Pumping

While the terms are often used interchangeably, septic cleaning and pumping are slightly different services that both play a role in wet-weather readiness. Septic pumping primarily removes the liquid and floating solids from your tank. Septic cleaning goes a step further, washing out the entire tank and ensuring that all build-up, especially hardened sludge at the bottom, is thoroughly removed.

After particularly heavy rainfall or flooding, septic cleaning might be necessary to restore your system to optimal condition. If the tank becomes inundated with stormwater, it could stir up sludge and block the outlet filter, which makes cleaning more important than ever. Your trusted septic company can advise you on whether a full cleaning is necessary based on your system’s history and the weather conditions in your area.

Choosing the Right Septic Company for Wet Weather Maintenance

Not all septic service providers are equal when it comes to dealing with rain-related issues. Look for a septic company that understands the local climate and has experience responding to emergencies after storms. They should offer a full range of services, including inspections, pumping, cleaning, and drain field evaluations.

A knowledgeable septic company can also help you plan for future storms. For example, they may recommend improving drainage around your tank or moving surface water away from your drain field to minimize saturation. A proactive approach can protect your home from unnecessary stress and prevent foul odors or sewage backups.

Need a Reliable Company?

Are you in need of a septic service? Luckily, we at Septic Blue have dedicated workers ready at your disposal. Contact our representatives for more questions.