St. Tammany homeowners urged to inspect septic systems before storms

Brooks Plumbing & Septic Services is warning Northshore homeowners that heavy rain and flooding can overwhelm septic systems across St. Tammany Parish. The company says inspections and proactive pumping can help prevent backups, odors and drain field damage before peak storm season.

Why it matters: - Heavy rain can saturate drain fields and stop septic systems from processing wastewater properly. - Septic failures can lead to backups inside the home, sewage odors and pooling water over the drain field. - Homeowners with older or unserviced systems face higher risk during Louisiana’s hurricane season.

What happened: - Brooks Plumbing & Septic Services is urging St. Tammany Parish homeowners to inspect septic systems ahead of peak storm season. - Owner Jonathan Jordan said many homeowners do not notice septic trouble until a backup occurs inside the house. - Brooks Plumbing & Septic Services serves Mandeville, Covington, Madisonville, Folsom, Abita Springs and the surrounding Northshore area.

The details: - Septic systems depend on well-drained soil to move wastewater through the drain field. - Rising water tables during prolonged rain or storm surge can keep saturated ground from draining properly. - Warning signs include slow-draining sinks, tubs or toilets throughout the house. - Warning signs also include standing water or spongy, bright green grass over the drain field. - Sewage odors near the septic tank or drain field after rain can signal the system is not functioning as designed. - Gurgling sounds in pipes and sewage backing up into tubs or drains are additional warning signs. - Brooks Plumbing & Septic Services recommends inspections before peak storm season, especially for systems not serviced in the past 1–3 years. - The company recommends limiting heavy water use during and right after major storms. - The company recommends keeping vehicles and heavy equipment off the drain field. - The company recommends pumping the tank proactively if it is due. - Homeowners should call for help at the first sign of backup. - Brooks Plumbing & Septic Services is led by a Louisiana Master Plumber, license #LMP6553. - The company provides septic inspection, pumping, repair and installation services.

Between the lines: - The warning reflects a common storm-season problem in coastal Louisiana: saturated ground can turn a working septic system into a hidden liability. - The advice focuses on prevention because drain field damage can be harder and more expensive to fix after flooding starts. - The company is positioning inspections as a low-cost step compared with emergency repairs during storms.

What's next: - Homeowners can schedule an inspection by calling (985) 778-8737 or visiting the company’s website. - Brooks Plumbing & Septic Services says it will continue serving St. Tammany Parish throughout storm season.