IT'S RAINING, IT'S POURING

First Aid for a Flooded Septic System

Your flooded septic system could be in distress

It's raining, it's pouring... creeks, bayous and rivers are busting their banks, and levees are breaking

The area around your home resembles a lake and your septic system is submerged

---

EFFECTS ON SEPTIC

Heavy rains and floods can negatively impact your septic system:

• water can LEAK INTO THE TANK through the lids, pipes & seams
• a saturated dispersal field may be UNABLE TO DRAIN
• groundwater may BACKFLOW into the tank or 
• a flooded dispersal field cause SURFACING SEWAGE

SIGNS OF PROBLEMS

If your system is in distress, you might notice some of these signs:

• SLOW flowing drains & fixtures
• toilets GURGLE or drain slowly when flushed
• WATER BACKING UP into low drains (basement or tubs)
• ODORS or SURFACING SEWAGE around the system

---

What to do DURING & AFTER the storm

SEPTIC DURING THE STORM

Pumping your tank during flooded conditions
may cause the tank to float out of the ground
(Courtesy: Onsite Installer)

While the storm or flood is in progress:

• ELIMINATE all non-essential water use
• FLUSH toilets as little as possible
• DO NOT pump the tank (see photo)
• AVOID CONTACT with any electrical devices that are part of the system
• AVOID CONTACT with standing water that may contain sewage (including pets!)

AFTER THE STORM

The best thing you can do is AVOID USING THE SYSTEM to allow time for the WATER TO RECEDE and the SOILS TO DRY OUT

The less water sent to the system, the better the system will be:

• DON'T send sump pump water to the septic system
• direct water from roof downspouts AWAY from the tank and disperal area
• DON'T use the dishwasher or garbage disposal - use disposable/recyclable utensils
• REDUCE the frequency of showers and baths
• DON'T do laundry at home - consider a laundromat instead

---

You've made it through the storm, now what?

CONSIDER UPGRADING

AquaKlear treatment provides years of
trouble free operation

Persistent problems indicate that it's time to replace and upgrade your septic system - AquaKlear treatment systems address these issues:

• high groundwater
• steep slopes
• poor soils
• small lots

CLICK HERE to see some AquaKlear Case Studies

PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

Jacqueline Sommers is
a certified inspector
since 2009

And remember, it's always best to have a professional inspect and service your system after a flood, especially if you suspect damage to your system

Contact Better Than Septic (844) 224-2782 to have a trained NAWT Technician inspect and service your septic system

Serving California & Hawaii

---

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

Better Than Septic

Use Your Water Twice®
www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2017 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.