How a Hurricane Can Affect Septic Tanks and Systems

secondary
Oct

20

How a Hurricane Can Affect Septic Tanks and Systems

Hurricanes have the potential to cause severe damage to homes and infrastructure, with septic tanks and systems being especially susceptible to the destructive impacts of extreme weather. Powerful gusts, intense precipitation, and flooding have the potential to create major issues for septic systems, resulting in health risks and expensive repairs if left unattended. Knowing how a hurricane can affect your septic system can allow you to take the required measures to protect it.

Flooding

Flooding is one of the most immediate and severe impacts of a hurricane. When heavy rainfall saturates a septic system's drain field, it loses its ability to properly filter and absorb wastewater. This can result in untreated sewage coming to the surface or overflowing into your home, creating health hazards and causing damage to your property. Flooding has the potential to pollute your yard with sewage, creating a hazard for you and your family.

Prior to hurricane season, it is recommended to have your septic tank inspected if your region is susceptible to flooding. A dependable septic company can evaluate if your system is in danger and suggest preventive actions, like septic tank pumping, to lower the possibility of a backup. Septic tank cleaning might also be needed to make sure there are no clogs or blockages that could worsen flooding issues.

Strong Winds

Hurricanes not only bring heavy rain, but also strong winds that can cause physical harm to your septic tank. The tank's ability to function may be disrupted by falling trees, flying debris, and ground erosion, which have the potential to crack or damage it. In worst case scenarios, a severely damaged tank may require septic tank repair or even a full septic tank installation if the damage is too extensive.

Power Outages

A power outage due to a hurricane in regions where advanced septic systems depend on pumps to transfer wastewater to the drain field can result in system malfunction. If the pump doesn't have power, it won't be able to work properly, making the tank fill up faster than normal. If the tank is overwhelmed, your home could experience wastewater backup or yard flooding. To try and prevent any flooding in times of emergencies, you can schedule a septic tank pumping before the storm to prepare.

Contaminated Water

Hurricanes can result in a significant increase in groundwater levels, which can potentially contaminate drinking water wells, particularly if the septic system has been damaged. Damaged septic tanks can contaminate well water with bacteria and other harmful substances through floodwaters, posing a health risk to your family.

Post-Storm Maintenance

Following a hurricane, it is essential to have a professional inspection of your septic system, even if it seems to be functioning properly. Charlotte Septic Pros can determine if hidden damage has been caused by flooding, debris, or other storm-related factors. You will be needing septic tank cleaning and pumping after a hurricane, since debris are likely to build up in your tank. It's crucial to quickly deal with any necessary repairs to avoid more serious issues in the future.

Other Latest News & Articles
blog1
MAR

28

How to Prepare for Septic System Installation

How to Prepare for Septic System Installation Installing a septic system is a major investment for any property that lacks…

Read more
blog1
MAR

20

How Main Drain Cleaning Can Prevent Sewer Backups

How Main Drain Cleaning Can Prevent Sewer Backups Sewer backups are one of the most unpleasant plumbing emergencies homeowners can…

Read more
blog1
MAR

13

What to Do When You Have Drainage Problems

What to Do When You Have Drainage Problems Drainage problems can be frustrating and cause serious damage if left untreated.…

Read more
blog1
MAR

04

Signs and Causes of Septic Leaks

Signs and Causes of Septic Leaks A leaking septic system can pose serious health and environmental risks. If left untreated,…

Read more
blog1
MAR

02

Unusual Septic Tank Blockages: Keeping Your Septic System Healthy

Unusual Septic Tank Blockages: Keeping Your Septic System Healthy A properly functioning septic system is crucial for any home or…

Read more
blog1
FEB

23

Seasonal Weather and Septic Systems Tank

Seasonal Weather and Septic Systems Tank Your septic system plays a vital role in managing household wastewater, but seasonal weather…

Read more
blog1
FEB

15

Why Toilet Paper Matters to Your Septic Tank

Why Toilet Paper Matters to Your Septic Tank Many homeowners don’t give much thought to their toilet paper—until it starts…

Read more
blog1
JAN

21

Tree Root Infiltration of Septic Systems

Tree Root Infiltration of Septic Systems We love the trees in our yards and in our environment. Just by looking…

Read more
blog1
JAN

12

Preparing Your Pipes & Drains for the Winter

Preparing Your Pipes & Drains for the Winter With winter on the horizon, homeowners need to implement specific measures to…

Read more
blog1
JAN

05

Buying a New Home? Invest in a Septic System Inspection

Buying a New Home? Invest in a Septic System Inspection When purchasing a new home, many buyers focus on visible…

Read more