Which factor can contribute to septic system overload?

Higher than normal rainfall can indeed contribute significantly to septic system overload because excess water from precipitation can saturate the soil surrounding the septic system. When the soil is already saturated, the septic tank cannot effectively treat and disperse wastewater. This can cause the system to back up, leading to potential environmental contamination and system failure. High rainfall can prevent the groundwater and septic effluent from effectively draining away, overwhelming the system and hindering its ability to function properly.

In contrast, regular inspections and monitoring, using septic-safe products, and routine system maintenance are all practices designed to keep a septic system functioning efficiently. These practices help to prevent issues by ensuring that the system is not being overloaded with waste or failure to absorb effluent into the soil. They also allow for the identification and resolution of potential problems before they escalate into more significant issues that could contribute to system overload.