Yes, it’s true – a heavy downpour of rain can impact your septic system, and in not a good way.

What happens is that when the ground around the septic system gets flooded with water, the drainfield becomes saturated which in turn makes it very difficult (if not impossible) for water to flow out of the septic tank.

The water in the tank now has nowhere to go and so it eventually ends up backing into your home through your toilet, your drains, etc.

Can Heavy Rain Cause Septic Smell?

You can get a foul smelling odor from your septic tank after a very heavy rainfall.

Often, when it rains, the atmospheric pressure changes, the air becomes heavy. As a result, the methane gases that are in the septic tank do not flow as they normally do through the vent. Instead, they remain low to the ground and this causes a foul smell, more like rotten eggs.

There are many causes for a sewer smell after a rainfall but the most likely one is from missing or not well fitted sewer trap plugs. Either it’s come completely off or it’s become loose.

To fix this issue, simply replace or tighten them and the problem of the foul smelling gas leaking out will be resolved.

What Happens If Your Septic Backs Up?

The 4 signs of a problem with your sewer line are…

  1. Gurgling sounds from your drains or toilets
  2. Water baking up out of drains or toilets
  3. Water pooling around drains or toilets
  4. Smell of raw sewage coming from your drains

When any of these show up in your home, then it’s time to call in a professional plumber to assess if there’s just a blockage in your sewer pipes or if there’s a problem with the septic tank itself.

What Are The Signs Of A Failing Septic System?

Here are some things that could happen that would give you a hint that there’s a problem with your septic system.

  1. A warning sign of a possible clog is if your drains and toilets are slow to and/or you notice sewage backups in your toilets, showers, bathtubs and/or sinks.
  2. Patches of very green grass in your yard in the area where your septic tank is buried.
  3. Sewer odors are a very good indication of a failing septic system or at the very least, problems.

How Much Does It Cost To Have Septic Tank Inspected?

Costs run anywhere from $200 to $600 depending on the labor and time involved. A septic tank inspection could include any of the following:

  • Locating the septic tank
  • Excavation
  • Measuring sludge and scum layers
  • Visual inspection
  • System tests
  • Pumping

If you have any questions about septic tanks, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-443-8229. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.