If you have a septic tank in Prince William County VA, and have had flooding, you may have some questions and concerns. Flooding of the septic tank will have lifted the floating crust of fats and grease in the septic tank. Some of this scum may have floated and/or partially plugged the outlet tee. Clean up any floodwater in the house without dumping it into the sink or toilet and allow enough time for the water to recede. Floodwaters from the house that are passed through or pumped through the septic tank will cause higher flows through the system. This may cause solids to transfer from the septic tank to the drainfield and will cause clogging.
Once floodwaters have receded, there are several things homeowners should remember:
- Do not drink well water until it is tested; contact SES about well water testing.
- Do not use the sewage system until water in the soil absorption field is lower than the water level around the house.
- If the septic system backs up into the house check the tank first for outlet blockage.
- If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and disinfect the floor. Use a chlorine solution of a half cup of chlorine bleach to each gallon of water to disinfect the area thoroughly.
- Signs of damage include settling or an inability to accept water. Septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.
If you have a well or suspect damage to your septic tank, have your septic tank in Prince William County VA professionally inspected and serviced or repaired by the experts at Soils and Environmental Services (SES). SES has been serving Prince William County VA and the rest of Northern Virginia and Washington DC residential and commercial markets since 1987. SES specializes in designing alternative septic systems and assessing septic tank options for homes, commercial properties, and sub-divisions.