Septic Tank Cleaning: Preparing for Heavy Rainfall

New Zealand experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, particularly in areas like Auckland and Wellington. When heavy rain saturates the ground, your septic system faces increased pressure that can lead to overflows, backups, and even system failure. At Drain Ninjas, we’ve seen firsthand how proper preventative maintenance can save homeowners from costly emergency repairs during periods of heavy rain.

Understanding How Rainfall Impacts Your Septic System

When heavy rains hit, your septic system faces three main challenges:

Saturated Drain Field

Your drain field relies on relatively dry soil to effectively absorb and treat wastewater. During prolonged wet periods, the soil becomes saturated, reducing its capacity to handle the water flowing from your septic tank. This can lead to a backup in your tank and slower drainage in your home.

High Water Table

As rain seeps into the ground, the underground water table rises, putting pressure on your septic tank. In extreme cases, this pressure can cause a tank to shift or even float, leading to severe damage.

Water Intrusion

Without proper grading and sealed access points, rainwater can flow directly into your septic tank through manholes, risers, or damaged covers. This excess water quickly fills the tank, potentially flushing untreated solids into the drain field and causing system failure.

Prepare For Rainfall With Septic Tank Cleaning and Inspection

Taking proactive measures is your best defense against weather-related septic problems:

Schedule Regular Professional Inspection and Septic Tank Cleaning

The most important preventative step is ensuring your septic tank is properly cleaned and inspected on a regular basis. Aim to have your tank serviced during drier periods so it’s ready to handle potential heavy rainfall.

During this service, our technicians will:

• Pump out accumulated sludge and scum, creating crucial additional capacity
• Inspect the tank for structural damage or leaks
• Check inlet and outlet pipes for blockages
• Ensure all access points are properly sealed
• Assess the drain field for potential issues

Address Repairs Promptly

Don’t postpone repairs when problems are identified. What seems like a minor issue during dry weather can quickly escalate once heavy rains arrive.

Damaged components like cracked lids, corroded baffles, or compromised pipes create entry points for excess water and can completely fail under the added pressure of saturated conditions.

Identifying and addressing any issues before the rains arrive can save you from major headaches and expenses down the line. Schedule your septic tank cleaning and inspection with Drain Ninjas today.

Managing Your System With Septic Tank Cleaning

When periods of heavy rain occur, implement these strategies to protect your system:

Reduce Household Water Usage

During heavy rain, minimize water use inside by:

• Staggering showers and laundry throughout the week
• Fixing leaky taps promptly
• Avoiding running your dishwasher and washing machine on the same day
• Taking shorter showers during particularly heavy rainfall periods

Monitor Your System Regularly

Regular checks during rainy periods help catch problems early:

• Inspect your drain field for standing water or unusual softness
• Watch for odours around your property
• Listen for gurgling sounds in your plumbing
• Pay attention to slow drains or toilets that don’t flush normally

Emergency Measures During Storms and Flooding

When severe weather strikes, taking the right actions can protect both your septic system and your home.

Conserve Water Immediately

During storms or flooding, minimize all non-essential water use. This means avoiding laundry, dishwashing, and lengthy showers. The less water entering your system during these critical periods, the better chance it has of maintaining function.

Seek Professional Help for Backups

If you notice any signs of septic backup, don’t attempt DIY solutions. Call Drain Ninjas immediately for emergency assistance. Quick professional intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major disasters.

Prioritize Safety Around Your System

Never attempt to open your septic tank during flooding. This can create serious hazards including contamination risks, tank flotation, or even the possibility of falling into an obscured tank opening. Always wait for professional assistance.

Trust Drain Ninjas for Septic Tank Cleaning & Solutions

With over 25 years of experience serving Auckland and surrounding areas, Drain Ninjas understands the unique challenges that New Zealand’s rainfall presents for septic systems. Our team provides comprehensive inspections and septic tank cleanings, 24/7 emergency response for weather-related septic issues, system repairs and upgrades, and regular maintenance programmes tailored to your property’s needs.

Don’t let heavy rainfall turn into a septic nightmare. Contact Drain Ninjas today at 0800 475 008 or visit our contact page to schedule your pre-rainy season septic tank cleaning and inspection.