As anyone who has experienced hurricane season in Florida knows, flooding and septic tanks definitely don’t go hand in hand. Acme shares some tips to help you manage the effects of extreme weather safely and avoid septic damage.
While Florida is often associated with warm, sunny weather and relaxing vacation spots, life for full-time residents is often far from idyllic during hurricane season. Spanning four months from June to November, this season brings heavy rainfall, forceful winds, and the potential for significant damage to your septic system. Here are some practical septic flood tips to help you prepare when storms are in the forecast.
How Heavy Storms And Flooding Affect Water Sources
When high winds hit and flood waters surge through residential communities, debris and other contaminants combine with natural water sources. When contamination occurs, certain regions of the state may issue a “boil water notice,” which is meant to protect residents of local cities from drinking or using contaminated water. If your region is under a boil notice, there are guidelines that help prevent the spread of illness, including:
Using commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula
Practicing strict hygiene by washing your hands with soap and disinfected water before eating, using the toilet, or touching anything that could have been contaminated with flood waters
Avoiding touching flood waters, especially if you have open sores or cuts
Septic Safety And Flooding
You will often hear most septic companies and environmental agencies recommend pumping your septic system once every few years. As one of the most critical services for maintaining a healthy, functioning septic system, it may surprise you that even pump-outs have guidelines for when they should be performed if you live in a region that experiences flooding.
When septic systems receive routine pump-outs, all of the liquid inside the tank is removed. However, if flood waters flow over an empty septic tank, the weight of the water can cause the septic tank to collapse.
The quality of your well water is another consideration to make during flood season. Flood waters can quickly cause wells to become contaminated, which can lead to illness and infection if the water is used. Because well water is used in many homes as their primary water source, contamination will affect the safety of the food that you prepare and the water you use to shower. If you are concerned that your well water is contaminated, the Florida Department of Health advises that residents use boiled or commercially bottled water for:
Making ice
Cooking
Drinking
Brushing teeth
Washing areas of the skin that may have been cut or injured
Septic Inspections And Flood Safety
To avoid water contamination as much as possible, septic owners can take preventative measures before flood waters hit. Septic inspections are a service that helps prevent contamination of public water sources year-round. Septic inspections are performed by licensed septic technicians who examine your septic tank and drain field, checking for leaks, cracks, and any other damage that could lead to septic waste coming into contact with your surroundings.
Without septic inspections, system malfunction may go undetected, leading to poorly treated septic waste being released into the environment, reduced efficiency, and more extensive damage to part or all of the system. Make sure to check when your last septic inspection was performed. If you’re due for another, get in touch with Acme.
Practice Septic Safety During Flood Season With Acme
No one has the ability to control the weather, but by complying with safe septic maintenance and inspections, you can significantly reduce the risk that may come when heavy rains and flooding impact your community.
Contact Acme today for more septic tank flood tips, pump-outs, inspections, and more.
