Hurricane Aftermath: How to Protect Your Septic System
Florida might be the Sunshine State, but it's also infamous for its hurricanes and stormy weather. Storms and hurricanes damage property, especially the household septic system, which remains ignored because it is underground. Septic systems are vulnerable to floods, debris, and power outages, which disrupt and damage septic tanks and the drainage fields. For people who depend upon septic systems for wastewater treatment, the entire plumbing system could be damaged.
How Hurricanes Affect Septic Systems
Flood Water Saturation
Hurricanes cause floodwater to saturate the drainage system and septic tank, preventing proper wastewater filtration. Floodwater overwhelms the soil, reducing its percolation rate, and overloads distribution boxes and drainage systems. Water can also seep into the septic tank, causing the backflow of effluent towards the house plumbing system. Hydraulic overload can prevent the septic system from managing and purifying wastewater.
Clogged Components
Hurricanes cause debris to clog the septic system, mainly the drainfield and distribution box. Clogging can overload the septic system, causing backflow of toxic and contaminated water and effluent into the house plumbing system. Backflow can lead to severe damage to the household plumbing system and create an unsanitary environment.
Power Outages
Hurricanes and heavy storms can lead to power outages in your area that can hinder your septic system's functions if it’s connected to electricity. Modern models of septic systems have water filtration systems that run on a constant supply of electricity. Power outages can put it out of business. Also, lift pumps for septic systems can also stop working during power outages caused by hurricanes.
Contamination Risks
Excess water from hurricanes can cause backflow and overload the system, leading to contamination and environmental pollution. An overloaded septic system can be permanently damaged, causing the accumulation of polluted water.
Immediate Safety Cautions After a Hurricane
Reduce Water Usage
Use water sparingly before the days leading up to the forecast and during the hurricane. The soil needs to be completely drained before the excess water comes due to storms and hurricanes. If it’s not properly drained, it could lead to soil saturation and overload the septic system.
Assess For Immediate Damage
After the hurricane dissipates, assess and inspect the immediate damage to your septic system. Check for external visible signs of damage, such as a broken septic tank lid or exposed pipes. Look out for signs such as standing water, damaged pipes, and displacement of the septic tank lid. If damage is noted, stop and avoid flushing the toilet or using water except in an emergency.
Wait for Groundwater Saturation to Reduce
Hurricanes can cause flooding in the soil, saturating it and negatively impacting the septic system’s functionality. In such circumstances, do not start using water and allow the flood to subside. Groundwater needs time to drain, and reducing water usage can prevent saturation.
Check for Sewage Backup
Check for signs of sewage backup, as it is the most common issue after hurricanes. Look for signs such as slow drains, unpleasant or pungent odors, or visible sewage. Any of these signs should be a reason for concern, and you should contact your professional repairers immediately.
Inspect for Drain Fields
Inspecting the drain field pipeline should be a priority, as they are most vulnerable to flooding and hurricane-related damage. Soil erosion, standing water, and exposed pipeline should be signs of damage and addressed immediately. Drain field damage isn’t always apparent and should be scrutinized thoroughly.
Post-Hurricane Septic Inspection Steps
The steps for a post-hurricane septic inspection are as follows:
Initial Visual Check: Checking for visual signs of damage or issues is the first step for inspection after the hurricane subsides. Any small crack or inconsistency could lead to massive problems.
Check for Smells: The next step is to check for unusual smells coming from inside and around your house. Pungent odors could mean damage to septic systems, such as a leak or a backup.
Call professional help: Contact your local professionals to assess the situation and condition. Sometimes the damage is not apparent to the naked eye and needs experience and expertise.
Document the damages: If you notice any damage, document it by taking pictures or recording a video. It could come in handy while claiming insurance money for repairs.
What NOT to Do After a Hurricane
Here are some of the things to refrain from after the hurricane to keep your septic system safe:
Refrain from Driving Heavy Vehicles: Avoid driving heavy vehicles such as SUVs near the septic tank area or drain field. The soil remains soft after hurricane floods and can damage the septic system.
Don’t Overuse Water: The system is already vulnerable after hurricanes. Avoid overloading it with excessive water-intensive activities, such as heavy laundry loads or long showers.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Refrain from using harsh chemicals to clean the septic system after a hurricane, as they can kill essential bacteria in the tank. These bacteria help break down toxic materials in wastewater and support wastewater filtration.
Preventive Measures for Future Storms
Know your septic tank's exact location to make the professionals' work easier and save you money.
Installing risers is a good method to identify the entry points to your septic system.
Maintain your landscaping or lawn properly to prevent root overgrowth and intrusion.
Maintain a maintenance record for better post-storm service.
Keep a backup generator if your septic system uses an advanced model of filtration system.
Conclusion
Septic systems are susceptible to damage from natural disasters such as hurricanes. Overloading, clogging from debris, and external damage from trees and other structures are always a possibility. However, in Florida, hurricanes are seasonal and predictable, and thus preparedness is key. Avoid overusing water before, during, and after hurricanes and inspect thoroughly for signs of damage. Appoint a professional septic system for proper inspection and maintenance checkup post-hurricane season. Apalachee Backhoe & Septic Tank LLC is appropriate for the job. Serving Tallahassee and other major urban areas of Florida, we provide local expertise, experienced professionals, and quick service response during urgent times. Our maintenance service guarantees diagnosis of your septic system, and we offer advice for the safety of your septic system. Click on the link: https://www.apalacheeseptic.com/ and schedule your appointment.
