One of the worst scenarios that can occur around your house is a flooded drain field. A heavy storm or a rising waterway in the neighborhood can trigger sewage backup on your property or in your home. Here’s some septic maintenance information about what to do if you have to deal with this situation and how to prevent future problems.

How to Respond to a Flooded Drain Field

It may be tempting to immediately pump the septic tank to reduce the amount of flooded water. However, this can damage the system’s inlet and outlet pipes, which may cause further ground saturation. Many septic maintenance technicians suggest limiting water use in your home until repairs can be made. If you have a basement, plug all drains there to prevent additional water damage.

Stay away from the drain field’s soil absorption field. This includes not operating heavy equipment or driving in the flooded area. Doing so can compact the surrounding soil and reduce the soil absorption field’s ability to properly treat wastewater. As an additional precaution, avoid using your home’s sewage treatment system until the floodwaters in the soil absorption field have significantly receded.

Until the flooded drain field can be inspected by a septic repair professional, don’t use or drink water from your home’s faucets. An experienced technician will thoroughly check the drain field for damage and make the necessary repairs. Because dangerous gases may be present, it’s best to allow a septic tank specialist to handle the cleanup after a flooding incident. 

How to Prevent Future Floods

You can keep the drain field from flooding by not flushing certain items down drains and toilets. These include cooking oil and other greasy materials, coffee grounds, and dental floss. They can quickly cause system backups and trigger a flooded drain field. 

Schedule an annual septic tank pumping service to thoroughly clear out solids and other debris in your septic system. This proactive septic maintenance step can reduce the chance of a flood occurring because the tank has been cleaned. Never park vehicles over the drain field and keep shrubs and lawn equipment away. Doing so will keep the areas free of obstruction and minimize damage and flooding. 

If you need assistance with septic maintenance, including flooding, American On Site in Molalla and Newberg, OR, can help. Their team of licensed technicians has extensive experience working on a wide range of septic systems. Using state-of-the-art equipment and professional techniques, you can count on the locally-owned firm to get the job done right the first time. Schedule an inspection of your drain field and septic system by calling (503) 829-7600 in Molalla or (503) 538-8808 for the Newberg location. Visit their website for additional product and service information.