How Flooding Affects My Drain Field

In Albuquerque, where many homes are yet to be connected to the public sewer line, flooding can be a significant problem. Why so? We say this because it can severely affect the drain field, which is a major component of the septic system, used in these areas. Many homeowners aren’t aware of this, which is not a good thing at all. 

Although Septic Pumping Albuquerque can help you in this situation, homeowners should also know how flooding impacts their drain field. We are here to let them know about this and share a detailed blog. So stick around till the end and learn everything you can.

Explaining What a Drain Field Is and How It Works

A septic drain field is also known as a leach field or leach drains. It is a wastewater disposal facility used to purify liquid emerging from your septic tank. Organic materials available in the liquid are catabolized by a microbial ecosystem. The wastewater is filtered through a bed of gravel and into the surrounding soil, where natural processes further purify it.

How Does Flooding Affect the Drain Field?

Go through the following points if you want to learn how flooding after a heavy rainfall affects your drainfield.

Soil Saturation

Flooding saturates the drain field soil, due to which it can’t absorb excess liquid.  

Backups in Home

As the soil can not absorb excess liquid, the risk of sewage backup in your home increases dramatically. 

Blockage in Pipes

Flooded water can carry debris and sediment that may infiltrate the pipes leading to your drain field. This blockage can lead to major problems, such as leakage and backups.

Erosion 

Heavy rain can potentially result in soil erosion around your drain field and expose pipes or lead to their misalignment. If left unaddressed, this can significantly affect the overall septic system’s functionality. 

Increased Risk of Failure

Prolonged flooding can weaken the overall structure of the drain field, potentially increasing the chances of system failure. 

Signs of Drain Field Problems After Flooding

If your drain field is affected by the flooding, how can you tell that? There are certain signs that indicate this problem. Let’s explore these signs in the following points and find out if your drain field is affected by flooding. 

Sewage Backup

As the soil can’t absorb additional liquid, sewage might back up to your home, which is a clear sign of the drain field being affected by flooding. 

Soggy Yard

If the soil above your drain field is soggy after floodwater recedes, the drain field might not be functioning properly.

Unpleasant Odors

Foul odors near the septic tank or drain field are clear signs of a problem in the drain field.

Gurgling Sounds 

A gurgling or bubbling sound in drains or toilets is a sign of an air pocket forming, which can be due to a saturated drain field.

Lush Greenery

Access nutrients available in the wastewater act as fertilizer, so if you see lush greenery over the drain field, there might be a problem with it.

Bubbles in Water

If you see bubbles on the standing water around the drain field, beware, as this indicates drain field failure. 

What to do If Flooding Damages the Drain Field?

If your drain field is damaged by a flood, you should take a few steps to fix the problem.

Minimize Water Use

Immediately limit the water use of toilets, sinks, dishwasher, and laundry. Soil can’t absorb excess water, so the usage of more water can overload the septic system.

Avoid Compacting the Soil

When the soil is wet after a flood you should avoid walking or driving on the drain field, as this can affect the drainage and worsen the problem.

Shut Down Electricity

If your septic system uses electricity, then there may be some hazards. So, it’s better that you turn off the electricity quickly after the drain field faces flooding.

Document Damage

Take pictures and note down if you see any visible damage, such as settling, depressions in the soil, or water ponding. 

Call Professionals

Contact a professional septic service provider, such as 505 Portable Restrooms. They will thoroughly inspect your drain field, and provide septic pumping Albuquerque and other services to fix the problem. 

Taking Care of the Drain Field After a Flood 

Most people like rain, but this can also cause problems when you are living in a rural area of Albuquerque and use a septic system for wastewater treatment. It can saturate your drain field and cause costly septic system repairs. You should limit water usage after a heavy rainfall and look for signs that indicate problems with your drain field. If you can’t do that, just call a professional septic service provider. 

We are 505 Portable Restrooms, a team of professional septic service providers. We will check your drain field and provide excellent septic pumping Albuquerque and other services if needed. Call us for help at any time, and we will be glad to.