Hurricane season is in full force, so it's essential to understand the devastating effects hurricanes can have on septic systems, bringing heavy rains that saturate drain fields and cause backups. While the average homeowner understands the potential impact on food and shelter, they often overlook the potential impact of another necessity, a functional toilet. While homes on city water may be more resilient during certain weather events, homes running on septic are susceptible to additional problems, especially if they already have a hidden bathroom leak. In this blog, let's explore how power outages and hidden bathroom leaks impact septic systems during hurricanes and offer ways to protect your system.
How Septic Systems Work
A septic system processes wastewater, where solids settle in the septic tank while liquid effluent filters through the drain field. This balance keeps the system functioning optimally. However, during a hurricane excessive rainfall can oversaturate the drain field, halting its ability to filter wastewater. This leads to a potential overflow of untreated waste, which may cause contamination of your yard or nearby groundwater. Unnoticed bathroom leaks and power outages pose significant risks to a septic tank during a hurricane.
Even before the hurricane hits, factors like a running toilet can stress the system with additional water. The added strain during a storm may lead to system failure, especially when excessive rainfall and leaks combine.
The Impact of Running Water During Hurricanes
A running toilet is one of the most common causes of excess water in your home. Typically caused by a faulty flapper valve, a running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water, which places unnecessary pressure on your system by contributing heavily to the volume of water entering your septic system. When heavy rainfall overwhelms the drain field, continuous water from bathroom leaks or toilets can ultimately force the system to overload.
How Power Outages Contribute to Overload
Power outages during hurricanes can also play a role in septic system issues as many septic systems utilize an electric pump to move wastewater from the tank to the drain field. Without power, this process halts, causing wastewater to back up. If you have leaks that contribute to the water load, the risk of overflow increases even further.
Protecting Your Septic System
1. Fix Bathroom Leaks Early: Even small leaks can create big problems during a hurricane. Regularly inspect your shut-off valve, fill valve, and flapper valve for signs of wear. Replacing faulty components helps prevent overload from unnecessary water flow.
2. Monitor Water Usage: Pay attention to your overall water usage month to month, especially during storm season. Any unexplained spikes in water usage could indicate a bathroom leak or a running toilet.
3. Prepare for Power Outages: If your septic system uses a pump, ensure you have a backup plan for power outages, such as a generator, to prevent wastewater backups. Also, refrain from excessive toilet flushing during a power outage.
4. Stay on Schedule: Depending on the type and age of your system, plan to empty your tank every 3-5 years on average. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of overloading your system during hurricane season.
Hurricanes already place significant strain on septic systems, and additional water from bathroom leaks or running toilets can cause catastrophic system overload. By maintaining a schedule for emptying your tanks and addressing bathroom leaks early, you can avoid costly damage during hurricane season.