In Colorado, summer storms can roll in fast and hit hard, bringing heavy rainfall, hail, flash floods, and even the occasional burst of hail-driven debris. While most people think about roof leaks or basement flooding, many don’t realize the toll these intense storms can take on your sewer or septic system. Understanding summer storm sewer issues and how to prevent them can save you from unpleasant, messy, and expensive repairs.
Why Are Storms a Threat to Sewer & Septic Systems?
According to the EPA, over 20% of U.S. households rely on septic systems, and many are vulnerable to storm-related flooding. That means millions of homes are at risk when summer rains hit hard.
During summer storms, large volumes of rainwater rush into the ground, faster than your yard or property can absorb it. In municipal systems, this can overload storm and sewer lines, causing backflow into homes. In rural or off-grid setups, septic tanks and drain fields can become saturated, reducing their ability to filter and drain waste.
Flooding septic problems may not always be obvious at first. But even short-term exposure to excess groundwater can:
- Cause your septic tank to overflow into your home or yard
- Push solids into your drain field, clogging it permanently
- Disrupt natural bacterial balance in your tank
- Compromise the structural integrity of older tanks or lines
4 Hidden Storm Damage Risks Every Homeowner Should Know
Here are some less obvious, but serious, ways summer storms can affect your system:
- Power outages: A loss of power can disable septic pumps, leading to backups if usage continues during the storm.
- Tree root shifts: Saturated soil makes it easier for roots to shift and puncture pipes.
- Floating tanks: If your septic tank is older or lightweight and not properly anchored, it can literally float in overly wet soil.
- Chemical runoff: Storms can push lawn fertilizers, oil, or road chemicals into your septic system, throwing off its balance.
These risks are especially relevant in Colorado where rapid elevation changes and clay-heavy soil create unique drainage challenges.
What to Watch for After a Summer Storm
Here’s how to spot possible sewer or septic maintenance in Colorado after a storm:
- Unusual gurgling sounds from toilets or drains
- Foul odors coming from your yard or plumbing
- Pooling water near your drain field or septic tank
- Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or showers
- Wet spots or lush patches of grass in the yard
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to call in a professional before minor issues become major repairs.
How to Prepare Your Home for Heavy Rain
Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand potential storm effects based on your type of system:
| System Type | Common Storm Risks | Prevention Tips |
| Municipal Sewer | Backups from overwhelmed lines | Install backflow valves, seal drains |
| Septic Tank | Saturated drain field, tank overflow | Inspect regularly, redirect runoff |
| Pump-Based Septic | Backup during power outages | Add battery backup or generator |
Don’t wait for storm damage to happen, take these proactive steps:
- Schedule a septic inspection before the rainy season peaks
- Install backflow prevention valves on your sewer line
- Redirect downspouts and gutters away from septic areas
- Limit water usage during and right after storms
- Seal access points on your tank and plumbing cleanouts
And if your home relies on a sump pump, make sure it’s operating correctly, ideally with a backup power source.
How Lion Home Service Can Help
At Lion Home Service, our experts are trained to identify and resolve septic risks and flooding septic problems caused by storms. We provide:
- Camera inspections to detect hidden clogs or cracks
- Emergency septic pumping services
- Drain field evaluations and restoration
- Septic system repairs and full replacements
Whether you’re dealing with a small backup or full-on system failure, our team responds quickly and professionally, because no one wants to wait when waste is involved.
Book a Storm-Readiness Inspection
Get ahead of summer storm sewer issues with a proactive system check. We’ll make sure your septic or sewer system is sealed, draining properly, and built to weather whatever Colorado throws your way.
We offer septic services in the following locations:
- Bellvue septic contractors
- Boulder septic contractors
- Estes Park septic contractors
- Fort Collins septic contractors
- Greeley septic contractors
- Longmont septic contractors
- Loveland septic contractors
- Windsor septic contractors
Need help with septic maintenance in Colorado? Book online, call (970) 510-0522, or text to schedule your inspection today.
