Dry Conditions, Big Impact: How Drought Affects Your Plumbing & Septic System
- daltonjodrey
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
Dry weather can damage pipes and septic systems. Learn the science behind it and how to protect your home during drought.
Nova Scotia’s ongoing dry spell is more than an inconvenience—it’s a real challenge for your plumbing and septic systems. What’s happening underground during a drought is a mix of soil science, water table changes, and system strain. Understanding these processes helps you protect your home and avoid expensive repairs.
1. How Dry Soil Affects Pipes
Healthy soil contains a balance of water and air. In drought, moisture evaporates and soil particles compact, causing the ground to shrink. This movement can:
Shift buried water and sewer lines out of place.
Loosen pipe joints, creating small leaks.
Crack brittle or older pipes, especially clay or cast iron lines.
When pipes shift, gravity-fed systems (like septic drain lines) may lose their slope, slowing flow and increasing the risk of clogs.
2. The Science Behind Septic System Stress
Your septic system relies on a drain field—an area of perforated pipes surrounded by gravel and soil—to filter wastewater naturally. In normal conditions, soil microbes break down contaminants as water percolates through.
In drought, the soil dries and compacts, reducing its ability to absorb and filter water. Effluent may linger near the surface, leading to slow drainage, foul odours, or even backups. Once compacted, soil takes time—and sometimes heavy rainfall—to regain optimal absorption.
3. Low Water Table & Well Performance
For homes on wells, the water table is the invisible line underground where soil is fully saturated. Drought lowers this level, forcing pumps to draw from shallower reserves. This can cause:
Pumps running longer (and wearing out faster).
Air in the water lines from low draw.
Complete loss of water until the table recovers.
How to Protect Your Home in Dry Weather
Monitor Your System:Â Watch for slow drains, gurgling pipes, unexplained puddles, or pressure drops.
Reduce Water Use:Â Shorten showers, run full laundry loads, and fix drips right away.
Stagger Heavy Use:Â Spread out laundry and dishwashing over the week to avoid overloading the septic system.
Avoid Compaction:Â Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off your drain field; compacted soil worsens absorption problems.
Schedule Inspections:Â A professional check-up before or during a dry spell can catch early warning signs.
Want more practical homeowner tips? Explore our blogs on Why Regular Septic Pumping Is a Must and Understanding your drainage system