YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM AFTER FLOODING

 
The local groundhog has predicted another six weeks of winter but spring and the potential for spring flooding with all the snow we have had so far this winter is not that far away, so we want you to be prepared.  If you do experience flooding the following information is provided to assist you once the flood waters have receded:

Be sure the septic tank's cover is secure and that inspection ports have not been blocked or damaged. Otherwise someone could fall into the septic tank - a fatal hazard.

Do not drink well water until it is tested. Contact your local public health department for more details on how to test your well water.

Do not use the sewage system until the water level in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.

Have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the leaching bed is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases. Check the yellow pages or go online for a list of septic system contractors who work in your area.

If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water to disinfect the area thoroughly.

Pump the septic system as soon as possible after the flood. Be sure to pump both the tank and lift station. This will remove silt and debris that may have washed into the system. Do not pump the tank during flooded or saturated leaching bed conditions. At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes.

Do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field's ability to treat waste water and lead to system failure.

Examine all electrical connections for damage before restoring electricity. This includes electrical connections for pumps that may be used in your septic system: a septic grinder pump, effluent pump, or ejector pump.

Check the vegetation over your septic tank and leaching bed. Repair erosion damage and sod or reseed areas as necessary to provide turf grass cover when the spring weather is mild enough to do so.

Remember:  Whenever the water table is high or your sewage system is threatened by flooding there is a risk that sewage will back up into your home. The only way to prevent this backup is to relieve pressure on the system by using it less.