How to Protect Your Septic System During a Wet Winter

Septic systems depend on the surrounding soil to treat and absorb wastewater. When that ground becomes saturated by winter rain or runoff, the system may drain more slowly and become more vulnerable to backups, odors and surface pooling.

Preparing before the rainy season can help reduce unnecessary stress on the system and reveal problems before they become emergencies.

Know Where Your System Is Located

Every homeowner with a septic system should know the approximate location of the tank, access lids and drain field.

Keep vehicles, trailers, construction materials and heavy equipment away from these areas. Excessive weight can compact the soil, damage underground components and reduce the drain field’s ability to absorb water.

Never open or enter a septic tank yourself. The gases inside can be extremely dangerous.

Keep Stormwater Away From the Drain Field

Roof runoff, driveway water and hillside drainage should not be directed toward the septic tank or drain field.

During a storm, watch for water collecting over the system or flowing toward it from uphill. Gutters, downspouts, swales and other drainage features should guide stormwater toward an appropriate location without disturbing the septic area.

Any grading around a drain field should be carefully planned. Digging, adding large amounts of soil or changing the natural drainage pattern could interfere with the system.

Use Less Water When the Ground Is Saturated

A septic system receives water every time someone showers, washes clothes, runs the dishwasher or flushes a toilet.

When the surrounding soil is already saturated, spacing out high-water-use activities can reduce pressure on the system. Avoid running several loads of laundry back-to-back, and repair leaking toilets or faucets that send unnecessary water into the tank.

Stay Off a Wet Drain Field

Walking or driving repeatedly across a saturated drain field can compact the soil and create deeper damage.

Keep vehicles, livestock and heavy equipment away until the ground has dried. If the area is soft, muddy or producing standing water, contact a qualified septic professional before attempting repairs.

Know the Warning Signs

A septic system may need professional attention if you notice:

• Toilets flushing slowly
• Gurgling drains
• Sewage odors indoors or outside
• Standing water near the tank or drain field
• Unusually green or fast-growing grass over the system
• Soft or spongy ground
• Wastewater backing up into the house

If sewage is backing up or surfacing outdoors, reduce water use immediately and contact a qualified septic professional. Keep children and pets away from the affected area.

Do Not Wait Until the Middle of a Storm

If your septic tank is due for inspection or pumping, scheduling the work before the ground becomes saturated can make access easier and help uncover developing problems.

Additives marketed as a quick septic fix are not a replacement for proper pumping, inspection or repair. If the system is repeatedly struggling during wet weather, the underlying cause should be identified.

Protect the System From the Ground Up

A dependable septic system begins with the right location, proper excavation and careful control of surrounding runoff. Small drainage problems can place unnecessary pressure on the system if they are allowed to continue through multiple winters.

Livingstone Earthwerx provides septic excavation, site preparation and property drainage support for homeowners throughout Tuolumne County.

To discuss the excavation or sitework needed for your septic project, call Mathan at 209-897-1015 or schedule a site walk at livingstone.earth.