Hurricane season is upon us, and that means you need to be prepared for the inclement weather. Preparing your home has many aspects, like creating a storm kit (batteries, flashlights, bandaids, water), fixing broken windows, and even bracing trees. But did you know that hurricanes can have an impact on your sewer system, too? Your septic tank sits outside your home and collects wastewater from your sewer pipes. Heavy rains from hurricanes can overwhelm your septic system and cause all kinds of issues. Luckily, we have some tips for you on how to protect your septic tank from hurricanes.
1. Drain Field Should Be Sloped
The drain field is made up of trenches under the ground with pipes in them that lead wastewater out of your home’s sewer system. You want these trenches to be sloped away from your house so that in case of an abundance of water, such as during a hurricane, it doesn’t pool on your property.
2. Properly Maintain Your Septic System
A properly maintained septic system is a healthy septic system. That means it will be more capable of withstanding excess rain that comes with hurricanes. If your septic tank needs to be pumped or has any weak areas, you are more likely to experience a backup during inclement weather.
3. Keep Gutters Clear of Debris
Debris like leaves, moss, and sticks in your gutters prevent rainwater from draining away from your house. During a storm, your gutters can overflow, especially if they are clogged with debris. Keeping your gutters clear and making sure they point away from your drain field will help prevent further rainfall from overwhelming your septic system.
4. Don’t Stress Out Your System
The more you use your sewer system, the more water is added to it. If a rain deluge is happening outside, you want to minimize your water use inside. That means perhaps not flushing your toilets unless absolutely necessary, not taking showers, not running your washing machine, and only using your sink sparingly.
Our experts at A&L Cesspool are happy to help you protect your septic tank from hurricanes and other storms. With regular maintenance and inspections, any minor issues will be resolved in time for the bad weather. And if you do experience issues with your septic tank, we are here to help!
