Heavy rain, storms and your septic system

A drain field works by letting water soak into the soil. When the ground is already saturated from days of rain, there's nowhere for that water to go - and your system can back up even if it's otherwise healthy.

Before a storm

• If you're due for a pump-out, get it done before the season - not during.
• Test your sump pump by pouring water into the pit and watching it cycle.
• Know where your lift station breaker is in case power drops.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts drain away from the drain field.

During heavy rain

• Cut back water use: fewer loads of laundry, shorter showers.
• If you lose power and have a lift station, use as little water as possible until it's back.

After the water goes down

• Watch for slow drains, odors or wet spots that don't dry out.
• If the drain field flooded, have the system checked before returning to normal use.
• Don't pump a tank while the ground is still flooded - ask first.