Spring in Missouri means warmer weather, but it also means heavy rain, thunderstorms, and saturated ground. If you have a septic system, all that water can cause serious problems if your system isn’t ready for it.
At J&L Underground Construction, we see more septic emergencies in spring than any other time of year. Most of them could have been prevented with a little preparation. Here are five things every Missouri homeowner with a septic system should do before storm season hits.
1. Get Your Septic Filter Cleaned
Your septic filter is the last line of defense between your tank and your lateral field. Over time, it collects solids and buildup that can restrict flow. When spring rains come and your system is handling more water than usual, a clogged filter can cause sewage to back up into your home.
If you have an advanced septic system, your filter should be cleaned at least once a year. If it has been more than a year since your last cleaning, now is the time to call and get on the schedule before the storms start.
2. Check for Standing Water Over Your Lateral Field
Take a walk over your lateral field after a normal rain. If you see water pooling, soggy spots, or areas where the grass is noticeably greener than the rest of your yard, that can be a sign your lateral lines are not draining properly.
Standing water over your laterals during a light rain means your system will be overwhelmed when the heavy spring storms roll through. Catching this early gives you time to address the issue before it becomes an emergency.
3. Make Sure Your Pump and Alarm Are Working
If you have a low-pressure pipe (LPP) system or any advanced septic system with a pump, test it now. Check that your alarm panel has power and that the alarm sounds when it should. A failed effluent pump during a spring storm can mean raw sewage backing up into your house with no warning.
We have seen homeowners go months without realizing their pump had failed because they did not notice the alarm was off. A two-minute check now can save you thousands in cleanup and repairs later.
4. Keep Heavy Equipment and Vehicles Off Your System
Spring is when a lot of homeowners start yard projects, landscaping, and driveway work. If you are having any heavy equipment on your property, make sure the operator knows where your septic tank, lateral field, and any distribution boxes are located.
A truck or piece of heavy equipment driving over your lateral lines can crush the pipe and compact the soil, which destroys the drainage your system depends on. The same goes for parking vehicles on top of your laterals. If you are not sure where your system is, a professional can locate it for you before any work begins.
5. Schedule Your Annual Inspection
Missouri homeowners with advanced septic systems are required to have an annual inspection. Even if you have a conventional system, an inspection before storm season is one of the smartest things you can do. An inspection will catch small problems like cracked baffles, rising sludge levels, or failing components before they turn into expensive emergencies.
Spring is our busiest season for inspections, so the earlier you call, the easier it is to get on the schedule at a time that works for you.
Don’t Wait for a Backup
The worst time to think about your septic system is when sewage is backing up into your house on a Saturday night during a thunderstorm. A little prevention now keeps your family safe and saves you money.
J&L Underground Construction services the Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas areas. Whether you need a filter cleaning, an inspection, or a full system repair, give us a call at 417-456-0551 or request a free quote on our website.