What can cause a septic tank to become overloaded?

Heavy rain or groundwater influx can lead to a septic tank becoming overloaded because these conditions increase the volume of water entering the system beyond its designed capacity. When there is a substantial amount of rainfall or if groundwater levels rise, excess water can infiltrate the septic tank, diluting the waste and potentially leading to a situation where the tank cannot effectively treat or process the incoming flow. This can result in backups, slow drainage, and even system failure as the tank becomes overwhelmed by the additional volume.

In contrast, regular pumping and maintenance are essential for preventing overload and helping the septic system function properly. Normal household water use, when managed appropriately, should not cause an overload if the system is correctly sized and maintained. Minor system repairs, while they may temporarily affect performance, do not generally result in an overload scenario unless they involve significant structural changes or damage to the system.