Septic systems may not operate properly if soil in the drainfield area becomes saturated or is flooded. If your drainfield is very wet or under water, reduce indoor water use to prevent the system from failing.

Overusing a septic system while the drainfield is flooded may cause sewage to back up into the house or rise to the surface in your drainfield area.

During extreme wet weather, follow simple steps to protect your septic system and property:

• Spread out water use during the day and week to even out water flow to the drainfield.
  

• Reduce water use by refraining to use the washing machine, cut back on toilet flushes, and reduce bathing.
  

• Identify and repair all leaky plumbing fixtures. A running toilet or a leaky faucet can discharge many gallons of extra water each day to the drainfield.
  

• Identify and repair all leaky septic tanks, risers, etc.
  

• Divert all surface waters and downspouts away from the septic system.

Power outages can cause septic systems to not work properly. Many septic systems use an electric pump to move sewage. If your system has a pump and the power is out, reduce water use as much as possible to avoid overloading your system. Consider having a secondary power source, such as a generator, to keep your system running.