Caring For Septic Water Systems

Heavy rains and flooding can temporarily limit the effectiveness of septic systems,  and can cause permanent damage. If your home is connected to a septic system and your property floods, here’s what to do:

• Limit water use to the extent possible until the area over the drainfield is no longer flooded.
• Check for slowed flow from sinks or other drains, or unusual drain sounds. These are signs of system flooding. Respond by severely restricting water use. If water backs up into the lowest drain in the house, immediately halt water use to prevent sewage from flooding inside the home.
• Avoid moving vehicles or other heavy items across the drainfield for as long as possible after flood waters recede to prevent creation of ruts that will allow sewage to surface.
• Check the drainfield area for erosion from moving water and replace eroded soil cover. If erosion is deep, exposing trench gravel or piping, call a professional for reconstruction help.

Do not have your tank pumped while your drainfield is flooded or saturated. The tank will shortly refill with stormwater. Worse, pumping may cause the tank to float out of the ground which will damage the inlet and outlet pipes and render the system inoperable.

Once floodwaters have receded, homeowners should also consider having their well water tested before drinking.

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 that should be removed by pumping.

If you suspect damage to your septic tank or drainfield, have it professionally inspected. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks contain gases that may be present in hazardous concentrations, and infectious organisms.