7 Lifesaving Septic System Safety Tips
While rare, septic system dangers are real - be safe working on or around your septic system or cesspool and follow these tips and safety precautions
1. Where is It?
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Sturdy lids are at-grade
for easy servicability |
It is important to know WHERE your system is located, so you can take appropriate precautions. If your septic lids are on risers at ground level, it should be easy to find the tank.
However, if your lids are buried and you don't know where the tank is, start by looking for a sewer cleanout or follow the sewer pipe out of the crawl space. You might even need to consult county records or even have a septic professional locate the system.
2. Use Sturdy Lids
Every access opening to your septic tank should be properly secured. Sturdy lids that
cannot be easily removed should be used to prevent unauthorized or accidental entry.
TIP: double check that lids are secure after every visit by a septic professional!
3. Watch Out for Fumes
Septic gases are
extremely dangerous and can be an asphyxiation hazard. If inhaled,
hydrogen sulfide and/or
methane gases can quickly render a person unconscious or even be fatal.
Watch out for that "rotten egg" smell that can indicate dangerous gases and
NEVER lean over a septic tank opening.
4. Keep Flames Away
Methane gas, a byproduct of every septic system, is
highly flammable and can be
potentially explosive!
Keep all flames away from your septic tank and system, including cigarettes, fire starters, Tiki torches and fire pits.
5. Never Enter the Tank
Unless you are a septic professional with proper equipment and training,
NEVER ENTER THE SEPTIC TANK. If someone falls into a tank,
DO NOT GO IN after them - instead call emergency services and, if possible, blow fresh air into the tank using fans.
6. Keep it Clean
Debris and tall grasses can hide septic lids making is easy to accidentally stand on your system without knowing. Keep the area surrounding your system free of hazards, debris and tall grasses.
7. Protect Your System
Avoid using heavy machinery over your septic system that can compress the ground, break pipes and even crush your tank. And when digging and landscaping, watch for pipes and electrical lines. If you notice any exposed lines, call a septic professional immediately.
Taking the right precautions and educating your household members about septic safely will keep your family safe.
- Think your septic system needs a check-up?
- Not sure where your system is located?
- Is something "off" or is there a funny odor?
(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)
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