Bad weather can potentially affect your septic system. While upstate South Carolina doesn't have a hurricane threat like the coastal areas, it can get some days of severe weather. If you live near a waterway, you may be more prone to floods over your septic tank and drainfield.

While you can't control the weather, you can prepare your septic system and take steps to reduce issues during unusual weather. Here is more information about how weather affects your septic system and how to keep problems under control.

Types of Weather That Affects the Septic System

Most of your septic system is likely well-insulated underground. Normal amounts of rain and wind aren't harmful. However, you may have problems if you experience unusual weather. Your septic system may experience weather-related problems from:

• Prolonged periods of rain
• Floods and pools of water
• Strong winds and tornadoes
• Excessively hot or cold weather

Problems Bad Weather Cause the Septic System

Some weather issues have a higher likelihood to cause problems with your septic tank. Here is more information about how each weather problem could affect your tank.

Rain and Floods

Excessive rainfall is one of the biggest threats to your septic system. For one, it can cause your septic tank to fill up. Second, excess water can saturate and damage your drainfield. When these two things happen, your septic system cannot do its job.

Hot and Cold Weather

The bacteria that break down waste in your septic system prefer warm but not hot temperatures. South Carolina doesn't get very many cold days, fortunately. However, the bacteria will become less effective during extended periods of cooler weather. Warmer weather is ideal for your septic system.

Wind

Wind rarely affects a septic system unless something falls on it. Therefore, make sure you don't have anything around your tank or drainfield that can fall and cause damage. Keep your trees trimmed and put away or move anything that could blow over on top of the field.

Things to Do When Bad Weather Affects Your Septic System

When a rare weather-related issue happens, you can help your system with a few easy precautions. Here are some things to do when you experience an extended period of bad weather.

Reduce Sink and Toilet Use

If you know your septic system is about to flood, reduce or eliminate any unnecessary toilet and sink usage. Don't use them at all if your tank is already saturated or backed up.

Spread Out Water-Related Chores

Until your septic system dries out, spread out things like laundry to give the system a chance to dry out.

Stay Away from Your Septic Tank and Drainfield

Don't touch any parts of your septic tank until they are fully dry. Electrical components may be live and could cause a shock. Don't dig into your saturated drainfield. Also, don't pump your tank when the ground is soaked.

Prevention for Weather-Related Problems with Your Septic System

You can't control the weather, but you can reduce the chance of backups and damages. Have your septic system maintained regularly to keep sludge under control. Don't flush anything down the toilet except waste and septic-friendly toilet paper. Don't plant trees with heavy root systems in or around the drainfield. Make sure gutters and other drains flow away from drainfields as well.

When bad weather damages your septic system, don't attempt the repairs yourself. Instead, call in an expert like Upstate Septic Tank, LLC to make an assessment. We can repair and replace your storm-affected septic tank and drainfield. We can also help you with maintenance, so you have a lower chance of flood-related problems. Call us for an appointment for all your septic system needs.