Overflowing septic tanks are an unfortunate issue for many homeowners. They create several problems for your property, which you must act quickly to resolve. Taking the proper steps will minimize damage and ensure your property becomes safe as soon as possible.

Do:

Call a septic tank pumping service.

Waste backup creates an immediate health problem, so contact a sewage pumping service as soon as possible. They can begin removing it and also pump your tank if overflow was the cause. This team will then look for other sources, such as tree roots breaking into the sewer line or cracks in the tank. They can resolve these to make your system usable again and to prevent future incidents.

Stay away from waste.

Keep family and pets away. You may want to save lawn equipment or fixtures, but you run a serious health risk by going near the waste. Wait until the pumping professionals arrive. You should also alert neighbors so that their pets don’t wander onto your lawn.

Don’t:

Use the water.

Every time you run the sink, shower, washer, dishwasher, or flush the toilet, the water travels to the septic tank. Doing this during an overflow will only push more waste to the surface of your lawn. If possible, locate the main line outside and turn the lever to cut off all water to your home. Depending on how long the repairs will take, you may want to rent a hotel room for your family.

Run your HVAC system.

Waste particles can become airborne and get drawn into your air conditioning unit. They’ll then circulate around the ductwork and get distributed throughout your home. Prevent this health issue by turning your HVAC system off. If it was running overnight while waste was rising, you’ll want to schedule an air duct cleaning after the tank is pumped to ensure there aren’t any pathogens in your home.

You can prevent overflow and septic tank damage by scheduling regular inspections. The team at American On Site has served Molalla, OR, homeowners for 15 years and provides comprehensive pumping and maintenance services. They handle septic tank installation as well, which you can explore on their website. Call (502) 829-7600 to schedule an inspection.