Septic maintenance in Modesto, CA is extremely important. As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to schedule annual services with a professional, which should include septic tank pumping, cleanings and inspections. Call a pro immediately if a storm dumps a whole lot of rain water and you suspect septic tank flooding or other damage to the system. Here’s what you should do in the event that your septic system floods.
Check the manhole and tank covers
Depending on the severity of the storm, your septic tank manhole or tank cover may have shifted or been swept away during flooding. Missing covers pose a serious danger, especially if flood waters have not receded. A person or animal that falls into an open septic tank is likely to sustain horrible injuries; there’s even the possibility of death. After the storm has passed, look around your property for open, shifted or damaged tank covers and openings to the septic system (due to missing manhole or tank covers). During a walk-around inspection, check tank openings for damage and blockages.
Don’t drink household water
Many homes that have septic systems also have private wells. If this is the case for you, do not drink your well water until it is tested. This is very important—flood waters may flood your septic system, and in turn can contaminate well water. Avoid this potential life-threatening health hazard and drink only bottled water until your local health department clears your well water for consumption.
Get a professional to inspect and service the tank
A septic tank that is adequately buried below ground and completely covered is less likely to be damaged by flooding. But if you suspect flood water has damaged any part of your septic system, call a septic professional right away. A big sign of damage to your septic tank is its inability to accept water, or water settling due to debris blockages in septic and pump chamber openings. Another possibility is that you have a flooded drain field. It could be clogged with mud and silt, and totally unable to absorb and drain properly.
Pump the system soon after flooding
Flood waters can put parts of your septic system through the wringer. Mud, silt, foliage, rocks and sewage can easily clog septic openings and quickly fill a septic tank to capacity. Whether your tank is under flood waters or not, have your septic system pumped as soon as possible after flooding. Pumping removes dirt and debris that may have gotten into the system during the storm. However, do not pump the septic tank while the drain field is still flooded or saturated. Tank pumping in flooded conditions is merely a temporary solution, and there’s risk of damage to pipes and even the tank floating out of the ground.
A flooded septic system can create a serious health hazard, but so can a neglected tank. When you need someone to inspect and service your septic system, look no further than Alvarado Pumping Septic Service. Our team guarantees high-quality septic maintenance in Modesto, CA. Call us anytime to schedule an appointment!