Tank Refilling
Tank Refilling What is needed to refill a small CO2 tank (for a paintball gun), from a larger tank? We have a 5 foot tall CO2 tank for our restaurant's soda fountain/kegs. We are curious to know...
Tank Refilling
Dealing with Septic Tank Disasters
Georgia is dealing with some of the worst flooding it has ever experienced and home owners with septic tanks are coming back home to a mess. The state of emergency declared by the governor is only beginning to provide necessary services to the residents of the beleaguered Atlanta area, but those in rural communities will likely have a long wait before the State turns up to provide assistance.
The EPA has posted guidelines relating to septic tank clean up post-flooding. First and foremost, block off pipes leading out of the house into the tank until the soil has had an opportunity to drain. Don’t pump out your tank until things have dried out sufficiently. In the best case scenario pumping out the tank is pointless since it will refill while the water levels are so high. In a worst case situation, the empty tank will be buoyant and attempt to float up out of the ground damaging both intake and outflow pipes.
Things You Can Do
It is also strongly recommended that you avoid the drain field entirely while it is still wet. Keep all heavy equipment off of the drain field and the area where the tank has been buried. Additionally, while you do want to make sure that the vents and cover are clear of debris as soon as possible, don’t open the tank. You only increase the likelihood of silt, mud and other waste ending up in the tank.
The best thing you can do for yourself while things are drying out is minimize any use of the septic system. Take your clothes to a Laundromat for washing, shower less frequently and avoid using appliances that discharge a great deal of water. Get hoses and make sure that any water coming off the roof drains into the street, not your drain field. Drain any water coming from sump pump operation away from the house. Your goal is to aid and speed the process of drying out your yard.
Once the Soil Dries Out
Once the waters have receded enough that your soil is no longer saturated it is time to think about getting your system back online. Once the drain field has dried out you can consider getting your system operational. You will need the help of a professional crew at this point. Considering the number of people who will be requiring these services at the same time, you may want to call your provider and make sure you can get on a list.
If your home was flooded the water draining from the house will place an added strain on the already stressed septic system, and it may push solid waste out of the tank and into the drainage pipes. This will require additional work on the part of your septic system crew.
The scum layer that typically lies on the top of the liquids in the tank may have floated upwards in the flood and blocked pipes, vents and other structures. These will need proper cleaning when the system is ready to be restarted.
With the help of a good septic system specialist you can get your wastewater disposal system running again.
The floods have barely begun to recede, but if you own a septic system, your troubles may just be starting. Shady operators are always waiting in the wings to profit from someone else’s misery. A reputable septic company like A Town Septic tank will give you straight answers and help you get your system running again.
About the Author
The floods have barely begun to recede, but if you own a septic system, your troubles may just be starting. Shady operators are always waiting in the wings to profit from someone else’s misery. A reputable septic company like A Town Septic will give you straight answers and help you get your system running again.