Over time, toilets can become swamped from overuse and abuse. This can cause your toilet to not flush properly or a clog to form, resulting in the need for a drain opener. But what if your drain opener isn't working? Don't blame the drain opener just yet. The reason for your assumed "clog" could be the weather.
Rain can cause problems with your home's drainage system. Depending on how long and how heavy it rained in your area, the ground can become soaking wet from the surface to several feet down. And if you're a homeowner with a septic tank, this can pose a problem for your drainage system.
If it rained heavily, there are several things that can wreak havoc on septic systems. The moisture could leak through and overflow the cracks into your septic tank or cesspool. A worse alternative: excessive pressure could actually crack or damage your septic tank cap or pipes.
How to Fix it
There are a few ways you can go about fixing this issue:
1. You can wait a day or two after the rain stops to see if the flushing improves. When the ground is saturated, a septic tank may not work properly, so waiting until the ground has dried is a good idea in order to assess whether you need professional help or not.
2. If the issue doesn't resolve on its own in a day or two, call a plumber. A plumber can assess the issue and determine if it would benefit you to have your septic tank pumped so that the overflow of water can be removed, returning your system to health. A plumber may notice the damage done to your tank or the pipes leading to your tank and recommend repairs.
