What To Do If Your Septic Tank Overflows

Septic tanks are buried containers that collect household wastewater and store it until it is pumped out regularly. During pumping, scum and solid waste is removed from the tank and sent to a drain field, where it is re-distributed back into the soil. Ideally, you should have your septic tank emptied at least once a year, depending on how large your family is. However, this schedule isn’t always possible and can vary greatly from one household to the next. 

Turn Off The Water 

As your septic tank is designed to handle a certain amount of water, it can fill up quickly if you use too much water in your home. This can happen when you take too many baths or showers in a short period of time, or when you run too many laundry loads at once. You can also overflow your septic tank if your yard has a lot of standing water. This is usually caused by heavy rainfall that lasts several days and soaks the ground. If you have a sudden problem with your septic tank, the first thing that you need to do is turn off the water. This is because you won’t be able to fix the septic system if you continue to use the household water.  

Clear The Drains 

If your septic tank is full, it can take a while for the water to drain away. This can be due to heavy rain causing the system to overflow or it could be an issue with your drainage field. To prevent the situation from escalating, first, limit your water use – avoid washing in the bathroom, showering and using the sinks until it’s safe to do so again. Then proceed to clear your drains with baking soda and vinegar or dish soap and boiling water. This will help dissolve greasy clogs and prevent them from getting bigger. 

Call A Septic Expert 

If your septic tank overflows, you need to contact a professional right away. This is important because septic tanks can cause serious health issues and even lead to groundwater contamination. Your septic expert will be able to assess whether your system is in good working condition and advise you on how frequently to pump it. They will also be able to recommend any repairs you may need to make. 

Categorised in: septic tank