Don't use the system if the soil around the system is wet and flooded. The wastewater will not be treated and will become a source of pollution.
Once floodwaters have receded, there are several things homeowners should do:
- Conserve water as much as possible while the system dries out and restores itself and the water table falls.
- Have your septic system, including the septic tank and any electrical connections, pumps and equipment, professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage. Signs of damage include soil erosion on or around the drainfield, drainage through the plumbing is sluggish, and back-up of sewage into the basement.
- Only trained specialists should clean or repair septic tanks because tanks may contain dangerous gases. Contact your health department for a list of septic system contractors who work in your area. You can find the listing of the environmental program at this web addresshttp://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/doh_pub_contacts_map.htm
- Do not pump the septic tank during flooded or saturated drainfield conditions. At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Pumping it out could cause the tank to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes.
- Do not dig or construct around the septic tank and drainfield while the soil is still wet or flooded.
- Do not compact the soil over the drainfield by driving or operating equipment in the area.
- If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor (see p. 6 for information on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces).
- Contact your local health department (see last page) for advice.