Pump the septic system as soon as possible after the flood.Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water to disinfect the area thoroughly. If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor.Contact your health department for a list of septic system contractors who work in your area. Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases.If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Have your septic tank professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.Do not drink well water until it is tested.Once floodwaters have receded, there are several things homeowners should remember: What do I do with my septic system after the flood? Contact your State or EPA for specific clean-up information. The proper clean-up depends of what chemicals are found in the wastewater. If your septic system that receives chemicals backs up into a basement or drain field take extra precautions to prevent skin, eye and inhalation contact. In addition to raw sewage, small businesses may use their septic system to dispose of wastewater containing chemicals. What if my septic system has been used to dispose wastewater from my business (either a home-based or small business)? The best solution is to plug all drains in the basement and drastically reduce water use in the house. 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. No! At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. For more information on onsite or decentralized wastewater systems, you can visit EPA's Septic Systems Web site.ĭo I pump my tank during flooded or saturated drainfield conditions? Please contact your local health department for additional advice and assistance. Where can I find information on my septic system? Septic Systems-What to do after the Flood (2 pp, 104 K, About PDF)
0 kommentar(er)
