Before a Flood:

Take these steps to reduce the effects of an impending flood on your septic system.

- Maintain your septic system.

- Know your septic system and take pictures or keep documents of the following to reference later if there is damage:  Septic tank location. Septic system records or drawings. Electrical components.

- Make sure the land around the manhole covers is sloped downwards away from the septic system.

- Turn off electricity to the system at the circuit breaker.

- Turn off your pump at the circuit box if you have a pressure distribution or mound system.

- After the power is off, waterproof all electrical connections.

- Plug all drains in the basement.

- Reduce water use in the house.

- Seal the manhole and inspection ports, if possible, to keep out excess water.

During a Flood:

- Follow emergency and evacuation advice for your area.

- Eliminate all non-essential water use and flush toilets as little as possible if evacuation is not needed.

- If the drain field becomes covered with water, do not use the system and avoid contact with any standing water that may contain sewage.

- Try to find other toilets if your septic system is damaged. If there are not toilets available, see the guidance on temporary toilets below.

After a Flood:

Consult with one of our specialists before doing any of the following...

- Rope off your septic system. There is danger of collapse for septic tanks.

- Stay out of the area if sewage backs up. If the entire building is contaminated, abandon the building until all affected areas have been cleaned.

- Do not have the septic tank pumped under flooded conditions.

- Avoid using the system and do not dig around the septic tank while the soil is flooded.

- Reduce water use until the system is inspected:  Avoid sending basement sump pump water into the septic system.  Re-route water from roof gutters away from the drain field area.  Take short showers.  Limit laundry and dishwashing.  Turn off the water while brushing teeth, shaving, or rinsing dishes.  Do not flush the toilet each time it’s used for liquid waste.