Septic system overflow can be a huge problem for homeowners. It can cause a lot of trouble as you might have to deal with dirty and smelly water. Clogged drains can cause a huge headache for the homeowners. Therefore, it is crucial to take prompt action when your septic tank starts to overflow.
Every homeowner should be prepared for such an emergency. Here is what you should do when your septic tank starts to overflow.
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Turn off the Valve Immediately
The first step to take if your septic tanks start to overflow is to immediately turn off the water valve and restrict your water usage. If the septic tank is not emptying properly and the wastwater is coming out of the tank, you should avoid adding more waste to it.
Make sure that you do not use water for some time until professional help arrives. Overloading the septic system will only make things worse.
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Inspect For Blockages
After you have stopped any more disposal of water, you should inspect the drain field yourself and see if there is any visible blockage. You should inspect your pipes, faucets, and drains to see if there is any physical blockage.
Dirt, grime, sludgy water, and solid non-degradable waste can block the drains and cause an outburst of pipes. If there is any visual problem, you can take the necessary action to resolve the issue.
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Call Professional Help Immediately
You should not try to indulge in DIY projects. No homeowner can own the right tools and equipment needed to unclog a septic tank. Therefore, using your limited knowledge to resolve the issue will only worsen the situation.
Make sure that you can professional services for septic repair immediately. Professionals have the right tools and knowledge to resolve the issue without escalating it any further.
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Get Septic Pumping
Most probably, the repair team will ask you to go for external pumping. Make sure that you cooperate with the professionals and allow them to install their pumping system.
External pumping will immediately remove all the excess wastewater in the tank. Once the water is removed, a professional team will assess the situation and take necessary action to resolve the issue.
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Repair All The Damages
Make sure that you go deeply into the situation and find out the root cause of the problem. Simple pumping and manually removing the waste water will not resolve the issue as there is no guarantee the issue will not arise again.
Make sure that you ask professional plumbing services to thoroughly clean the pipes, drains, and tank to ensure there is no clogging, Blockages, or cracks.
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Evaluate The Usage Pattern
Lastly, once the issue is resolved, make sure that you evaluate your water usage and waste disposal patterns. Make sure that no one in your household is dumping non-degradable solid waste into the septic system.
You should also avoid using chemical additives to clean the drains as they can damage the microbiome inside the septic tank, reducing or drastically slowing down the waste decomposition process.