3 Environmental Consequences of Septic System Neglect

Floods are common occurrences across the country and are particularly prevalent in Florida. They can wreak havoc on lives, property, and communities at large. On a smaller scale, they have a big impact on septic systems. While it’s a good idea to prepare your home for the possibility of a minor or major flood, make sure your septic tank and drain field are part of your efforts. Should you be worried about your septic system in a flood? The answer is a definitive yes. Here’s what you need to do and keep in mind.

How Flooding Affects Septic Systems

Septic systems are, of course, all about water and keeping wastewater, in particular, flowing. This allows the earth’s natural process of water purification to take place. The problem is that floods bring in a lot of water—too much water. The ground can become saturated, leading to several issues with a septic system.

Backflow

When floodwater infiltrates the septic tank, the levels rise, and untreated sewage may go back into your home’s drains. This raises the danger of harmful bacteria and pathogens entering your living space, putting your and your family’s health at risk.

System Overload

A septic system can handle a certain level of use. Too much water overwhelms the septic tank, preventing it from performing its chief function of treating wastewater. A flood can cause a septic system to release untreated sewage into homes or the surrounding area.

Structural Damage

Everything has its breaking point. Too much water in a septic tank without respite leads to physical damage to the tank and drain field. Cracks, breaks, and worse can happen to the system’s parts and components.

What To Look for After a Flood

After a flood, it’s wise to inspect your septic system and ensure it’s still working as it should. Hire a septic tank technician to perform an inspection, even if it had one a short time before the flood. An inspection is especially important if you notice the following issues:

Slow Drains

Slow drains are universal signs of trouble down below. If your sinks, toilets, showers, and other plumbing devices drain slowly, your septic tank may have been breached and is now clogged or overloaded.

Foul Odors

Bad smells coming from drains or the drain field are sure signs that your septic tank is overloaded, cracked, or having difficulty processing waste.

Standing Water

Watch for puddles and wet spots in your yard, especially around the drain field. It may be residual water from the flooding, but if it stinks and the grass is usually lush and green there, the septic system is likely backing up.

Next Steps

Prep for flooding well before a flood happens! Work with a septic tank professional to elevate and waterproof the system’s components. Also, seal manholes, inspection ports, or other openings to prevent water infiltration. If a flood seems imminent, curb your water usage to keep levels within the tank low. During the flood, there’s little you can do but stay safe and evacuate if necessary. If you remain in your home, don’t use your septic system until floodwaters recede. After the flood, schedule that inspection, and pay to have it pumped out and cleaned.

You should be worried about your septic system in a flood, but that doesn’t mean panicking. With a basic level of care and maintenance, you should be fine. If you require septic tank services in Brandon, FL and the surrounding area, contact us for a consultation!

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