Septic Solutions LLC, a family-owned septic services company serving the Puget Sound region, is sharing professional guidance for homeowners whose septic systems were impacted by flooding during the December 2025 atmospheric river event that affected large portions of Washington State.
The prolonged storm brought extreme rainfall, river flooding, and elevated groundwater levels across the region, particularly impacting homes located near rivers, creeks, and designated floodplains. While many septic systems are designed to handle Washington’s wet climate, flood conditions introduce hydraulic pressures that temporarily prevent systems from functioning as intended.
“Washington’s soil conditions and shallow groundwater already make septic design challenging in normal years,” said Art Nikolin, General Manager of Septic Solutions LLC. “During flooding, groundwater pressure rises to a point where septic systems simply have nowhere to discharge treated wastewater.”
Unlike typical septic emergencies, flooded systems cannot be stabilized through pumping alone. When groundwater levels exceed design assumptions, pumping a septic tank often results in immediate refilling as pressurized groundwater flows back into the system.
“We had situations where we pumped tanks and could visibly see clear groundwater flowing straight back in,” Nikolin explained. “In those conditions, pumping doesn’t restore capacity. It just confirms the system is submerged.”
For homeowners whose septic systems were submerged, the company emphasizes that most systems recover naturally once floodwaters and groundwater levels return to normal. In the majority of cases, no long-term damage occurs, provided the system components remain physically intact.
Following flood events, Septic Solutions LLC recommends homeowners allow time for groundwater levels to recede before resuming normal water use. Limited system use during the initial recovery period can help prevent additional stress on components while conditions stabilize.
Post-flood inspections can be beneficial, particularly for properties located in flood zones. Inspections may include checking for shifted tanks, displaced piping, or electrical components affected by water intrusion. In rare cases where tanks have physically shifted or floated, targeted repairs may be required, though full system replacement is uncommon.
“Flooding is disruptive, but septic systems are more resilient than most people expect,” Nikolin said. “Once water levels normalize, most systems return to normal operation without major intervention.”
The company also notes that flooded septic systems are typically a small contributor to broader environmental impacts during flood events, which often involve large volumes of debris and surface contamination carried by moving water.
Septic Solutions LLC continues to support homeowners across Island, King, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties during recovery efforts, providing inspections, system evaluations, and guidance tailored to Washington’s unique environmental conditions.
Homeowners with concerns about post-flood septic performance are encouraged to consult licensed professionals familiar with local soil, groundwater, and regulatory requirements.
To learn more about septic system recovery after flooding or to schedule an evaluation, visit the company’s website.
About Septic Solutions LLC
Septic Solutions LLC is a family-owned and operated septic service company founded in January 2025 and backed by more than eight years of industry experience. Serving Island, King, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties throughout the Puget Sound region, the company is dedicated to bringing modern customer service standards, technical expertise, and long-term solutions to an industry that has seen little change in decades.
Septic Solutions LLC provides comprehensive septic services, including emergency septic response, septic system inspections, pumping, maintenance, and system installation. The company offers 24/7 availability and guarantees on-site emergency response within 12 hours.
For more information, visit the company’s website.
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Media Contact
Septic Solutions LLC
Address: 13930 WA-9, Arlington, WA 98223, United States
Phone: +1 425-523-6422
Email: Info@septicsolutionsllc.com
Site: https://septicsolutionsllc.com/
Published by: Randy Rohde