Heavy rain is a common occurrence in Lackawaxen, PA. While a little water is good for the garden, a torrential downpour can be a nightmare for your septic system. Your septic system relies on the soil to treat wastewater. When that soil becomes saturated with rainwater, the entire process slows down or stops.
Understanding how to protect your home from septic failure during a storm is essential. This guide covers everything from pre-storm prep to what to do when the water starts rising.
How Heavy Rain Affects Your Septic System
A standard septic system has two main parts: the tank and the drain field (or leach field). The tank catches solids. The liquid effluent then flows to the drain field. In the drain field, the liquid seeps into the soil. Beneficial bacteria in the soil clean the water before it reaches the groundwater.
When it heavy rain comes, the ground becomes soaked. If the soil is already full of rainwater, it cannot absorb the effluent from your tank. This creates a “bottleneck” in your plumbing. Instead of flowing out to the yard, the wastewater stays in the pipes or, worse, flows back into your home.
The Risks of a Saturated Drain Field
A saturated drain field is more than just a soggy yard. It can lead to several serious issues:
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Hydraulic Overload: The system is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of water.
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System Clogging: Silt and sediment can wash into the drain field, plugging up the soil pores.
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Structural Damage: Heavy equipment or even standing water can cause tanks to shift or pipes to crack.
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Contamination: Untreated sewage can rise to the surface of your yard or contaminate local wells.
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Steps to Take Before the Storm Hits
Preparation is the best defense against a flooded septic system. If you know a big storm is coming to Pennsylvania, take these steps to minimize the risk.
1. Divert Surface Water
Look at where your gutters and downspouts drain. If they point toward your septic tank or drain field, you are adding unnecessary water to the system. Redirect these pipes to a lower part of your property. Ensure that the landscape slopes away from the septic area.
2. Schedule a Septic Inspection
Regular maintenance is key. A professional from Triple J Services can check the levels in your tank. If your tank is already near capacity, a heavy rain will push it over the edge. Getting your tank pumped before the wet season ensures you have the maximum volume available for emergencies.
3. Clear the Area
Remove any heavy items from the area above your septic system. This includes patio furniture, planters, or vehicles. Soil that is saturated with water is much easier to compact. Compaction ruins the soil’s ability to filter wastewater.
4. Install a French Drain
If your property is prone to pooling water, consider a drainage solution like a French drain. These systems catch surface water and redirect it before it can saturate your septic field. Triple J Services specializes in French drains and drainage solutions specifically designed for the Lackawaxen terrain.
Managing Your Septic System During Heavy Rain
If heavy rain is currently falling and the ground is soaked, your goal is to reduce the “load” on the system. You want to send as little water as possible down your drains.
Reduce Water Usage
Every gallon of water you use must go somewhere. If the ground can’t take it, it stays in your pipes.
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Skip the Laundry: Wait until the weather clears and the yard dries out before running the washing machine.
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Shorten Showers: Keep showers brief and avoid taking baths.
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Don’t Run the Dishwasher: Use disposable plates if necessary to avoid running a full cycle.
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Fix Leaks: Even a small drip from a faucet can add up to dozens of gallons over a rainy weekend.
Avoid Using the Garbage Disposal
During a flood, you want to keep your wastewater as “thin” as possible. Garbage disposals add extra solids to the tank. These solids can float into the drain field and cause permanent clogs while the system is struggling with water levels.
Do Not Pump the Tank During a Flood
It might seem like a good idea to pump your tank while the yard is underwater, but this can be dangerous. When the ground is saturated, it exerts upward pressure on the tank. If you empty the tank, it becomes buoyant. The tank can actually “float” out of the ground, snapping your sewer lines and causing thousands of dollars in damage. Wait until the groundwater levels have subsided before calling for a pump-out.
Warning Signs of a Failing Septic System
How do you know if heavy rain has actually caused a problem? Watch for these red flags:
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Gurgling Pipes: If your drains make a “glug-glug” sound, air is trapped in the lines by backed-up water.
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Slow Drains: Sinks and tubs that take forever to empty are a sign that the system is full.
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Odors: The smell of rotten eggs or sewage near the tank or in the house is a major warning.
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Standing Water: If you see “lush” green grass or puddles over the drain field when the rest of the yard is drying, your field is failing.
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Backups: The most obvious sign is sewage coming up through the lowest drains in your home.
Specialized Septic Services for Pennsylvania Homeowners
In Lackawaxen, we deal with unique soil types and hilly terrain. This often requires specialized systems like the “Turkey Mound” or raised leach fields. These systems are excellent for drainage but require specific care during heavy rains.
Leach Field (“Turkey Mound”) Repair
If your mound has been eroded by heavy rain, it needs immediate attention. We can restore the soil layers and ensure the effluent pump is functioning correctly to move waste up to the mound.
Grinder Pump and Effluent Pump Service
Many homes in our area rely on pumps to move waste against gravity. During a storm, electrical surges or high water levels can cause these pumps to fail. If your pump alarm sounds during a storm, you need a professional to inspect the electrical components and the motor.
High-Pressure Drain Jetting (Hydro-Jetting)
Sometimes the “backup” isn’t caused by heavy rain alone, but by a clog that heavy rain made worse. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to clear out roots, grease, and debris. This restores full capacity to your lines so they can handle the increased volume of a storm.
Excavation and Utility Trenching
If a pipe has collapsed due to shifting soil or heavy water pressure, excavation may be necessary. We provide precise trenching to replace damaged lines with minimal disruption to your property.
What to Do After the Rain Stops
Once the clouds part, your work isn’t quite done. You need to ensure the system recovers properly.
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Continue Water Conservation: The ground stays saturated for several days after the rain stops. Continue to use water sparingly.
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Inspect the Area: Look for signs of erosion or settling around the tank and mound.
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Check the Pump: If you have a grinder pump, ensure it is cycling normally and the alarm is silent.
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Professional Inspection: If you experienced any slow drains during the storm, have Triple J Services perform a septic inspection. We can use cameras to see if silt or debris entered your lines.
Why Choose Triple J Services?
We are located right here in Lackawaxen, PA. We know the local geography and the specific challenges our neighbors face. We aren’t just a general contractor; we are septic specialists. Whether you need a brand-new septic system installation or an emergency repair for a grinder pump, we have the equipment and the expertise to handle it.
We understand that septic issues are stressful. Our goal is to provide clear, honest advice and fast service to get your home back to normal.
Our Core Septic Services:
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Septic System Installation & Replacement
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Leach Field (“Turkey Mound”) Repair & Installation
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Grinder Pump & Effluent Pump Repair
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Emergency Septic Pumping
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High-Pressure Drain Jetting
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Septic System Inspections
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French Drains & Drainage Solutions
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Excavation & Utility Trenching
When S*** Hits the Fan, Call the Pros
When your yard is a swamp and your toilets won’t flush, you don’t have time to wait. Septic emergencies can lead to health hazards and massive property damage. You need a team that responds quickly and knows exactly how to handle saturated Pennsylvania soil.
If you are experiencing a backup or if the heavy rains have left your septic system struggling, don’t wait for it to fix itself.
Contact Triple J Services today. We provide the expert septic and drainage solutions you need to keep your home dry and your system flowing. Visit our About Us page to see our commitment to the community, or head straight to our Services Page to book your appointment.
External Resources for Homeowners
To learn more about maintaining a healthy home environment and understanding septic regulations, check out these high-authority resources:
