How To Restart Septic Tank After Power Outage? (TOP 5 Tips)

Here is what you should do, to help restore your septic power outage When the power is restored, turn the pump ‘on’ for 2 minutes and ‘off’ for 4 – 6 hours. You are now “dosing” the right amount of effluent into the drainfield over a given period of time.

Can you reset septic pump after power outage?

Turn off power to the pump at the circuit breaker while the power is out. When the power is back on, turn the pump on for 5 minutes and off for 6 hours. This supplies a limited amount of effluent into the drain field.

What happens to septic system when power goes out?

When there is a power outage, the effluent is not being pumped into the drainfield. The septic and pump tank will collect the wastewater throughout the power outage, and release it all at once when the power is restored and the pump starts working. Turn the circuit to the pump ‘off’ while the power is out.

Can you flush the toilet when the power is out with septic tank?

You Can’t Flush Your Toilet During a Power Outage If … The pump won’t work when the power goes out. There may still be room in the septic tank for a few flushes, but you risk overfilling it and a nasty sewage backup if you flush too often.

What does it mean when your septic tank alarm goes off?

It means you have a dangerously high water level or the level is too low. Your septic tank system alarm should have a timer on it. This timer dictates when the pump starts to flow wastewater through your drain field. However, if the system is damaged, then the timer won’t be able to work properly.

How do you turn off a septic tank?

If your septic tank alarm gets triggered, push the red button or switch on the alarm box to turn it off. The green light should be on to indicate the alarm has power; the red light means the water level is getting higher than it should be.

What happens if my septic pump stops working?

One of our technicians will wire the float switch to an alarm panel that sounds if the pump fails. Without a functioning pump, the sewage level continues to rise and the alarm lets you know the waste isn’t being removed from the tank. This alarm will sound and alert you before a sewage backup occurs.

Can power outage cause the septic alarm to go off?

The alarm will go off when there is a high level of liquid in the pump tank. If you have a power outage and continue to use your plumbing as normal, the water level will rise in the pump tank. When the power comes back on the alarm goes off because the pump was not working during the outage.

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

How do you check a septic tank pump?

To test if the pump is working, first turn the pump on by turning the second from the bottom float upside down. While holding that float upside down, turn the next float up (that would be the second from the top), upside down. You should hear the pump turn on.

What does red light on septic mean?

The red light indicates the alarm is receiving a signal from the pump tank that the water level is rising higher or is dropping lower than it should be. Next, check the septic breaker to ensure the system has power. Try to minimize water usage during this time.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.

Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Organizational information such as name, location, and phone number A certified Pumper’s name and contact information The approximate amount of gallons that have been pumped out; Pumping capacity in compartments tank baffles are in good condition In the case of the septic tank, Include any modifications made to baffles or access doors. This information should be included on the pump receipt if the scum and sludge layers were measured. any repairs or upgrades to the septic tank or pumping system Service job performed in any other capacity.

Aerobic treatment units

Sand filters
Recirculating media filters
Flow equalization tanks

Low-pressure distribution
Subsurface drip distribution
And spray distribution are all options.

These components typically include a reserve or alarm capacity, which allows them to be used in some capacity during electrical power shortages or when components fail to function properly. According to state rules in Texas, the minimum needed reserve capacity for compliance with regulations is one-third of the daily design flow. As a result, a three-bedroom house would have a reserve capacity of 80 gallons of water. If you have an electrical power loss and have electrically powered components, you should do the following: Water consumption should be limited to the bare minimum, such as toilet flushing and hand washing.

If the electricity outage continues for a lengthy period of time or if the plumbing begins to drain slowly, turn off all water faucets.

When the electricity is restored, the following will occur: If your system contains an advanced pretreatment component and the power outage is less than one day, you should refrain from doing laundry or dishwashing.

Showers and baths should be limited or avoided for at least one day if the power outage lasts more than one day.
Allow the system to continue operating normally until the water level in the system has receded to a safe level.
Components of a system that need power are typically integrated with a high-water warning system.

If your alarm system includes a silent switch, you can turn it off completely.
If appropriate, manually regulate the dosage duration of the treated wastewater sent to the dispersion field to prevent flooding of the field.
In the event of a flood, the onsite wastewater treatment system is swamped by surface water, causing it to fail.

Discontinue electrical power to the system during a flood by turning off the power at the main circuit panel.

To prevent water from backing up through the wastewater treatment system and into the residence, plug any floor drains in the home that are linked to the system.

Inspect the system for any evidence of damage to the system’s surface, such as scratches or dents (i.e.

If the system components are completely submerged in flood water, contact a service provider to have the system checked for silt or other debris.

You should avoid emptying the tanks or pumping them below their normal working lever since the ground will normally be moist after floods, and empty tanks are buoyant, which means they will attempt to float out of the earth.

A trench system with inspection ports may be used as the last treatment and dispersal component in your system.

Depending on the flood height, the ability to restart the onsite wastewater treatment system may be limited if the system has components that require electrical power.

Once components placed on the ground surface (such as air pumps and panels) have been assessed by a service provider to verify their condition, the systems should be used and electrical service should be restarted as soon as possible.

If wastewater treatment is not properly managed during these occurrences, it might result in health risks and hazards to those who are exposed to them.

The homeowner must be informed of the components of their onsite wastewater treatment system, as well as the necessary reaction based on the components of their system.

Septic Systems – What to do after Severe Weather – Oklahoma State University

PSS-2920 was published in April of this year. Submitted by Sergio M. Abit Jr. and Danielle Walker Septic systems were installed in more than half of the new homes developed in Oklahoma between 2002 and 2017. (Abit, 2019). At the moment, septic systems are installed in at least 30% of all homes in the state (SORA, 2015). As predicted, a large proportion of the population lives in small towns or rural regions that are outside the service area of centralized wastewater treatment plants. Oklahoma is well-known for having extreme weather occurrences occur in it.

It is possible for counties in the state’s northeastern part to have up to 28 severe weather occurrences each year in some areas (NOAA, 2013).
Flooding has been reported in every county in the state, with the majority of the flooding happening in the northeastern and southern portions of the state (FEMA, 2014).

It is the purpose of this information sheet to discuss the impact of floods and power outages on the two most frequent types of septic systems in Oklahoma: 1) traditional or gravity-driven systems, and 2) aerobic treatment systems or units (ATU).
It also includes information on what homes with septic systems should do in the event of a flood or a power outage.

Conventional Septic Systems and Severe Weather Hazards

Id: PSS-2920|Date published: April 2019 Danielle Walker and Sergio M. Abit Jr. In Oklahoma, septic systems were installed in more than half of the homes built from 2002 to 2017. (Abit, 2019). At the moment, septic systems are installed in at least 30% of the state’s homes (SORA, 2015). This large proportion is predicted since many homes are located in small towns or rural regions that are beyond the service area of centralized wastewater treatment plants. Extreme weather occurrences are common in Oklahoma.

It is possible for counties in the state’s northeastern section to experience up to 28 severe weather occurrences every year, according to official statistics (NOAA, 2013).

Flooding has been reported in every county in the state, with the majority of the incidents happening in the northeastern and southeastern portions of the country (FEMA, 2014).

It is the purpose of this information sheet to discuss the impact of floods and power outages on the two most popular types of septic systems in Oklahoma: 1) traditional or gravity-driven systems; and 2) aerobic treatment systems or units (ATU).

Their construction, as well as the weather-related concerns linked with them, are described further below. Homeowners with septic systems might also benefit from information on what to do in the event of a flood or power outage.

ATUs and Severe Weather Hazards

The ATU treatment train is made up of three components: a septic tank (also known as a garbage tank), an aeration tank, and a clarifier (Figure 2). This system requires power to run the aerator, which feeds air to the aeration chamber, as well as the pump, which disposes of the treated effluent to the dispersion area, among other components. Without power, residential wastewater will not be processed, and the ongoing use of water will result in the tanks continuing to fill. A prolonged power outage (i.e., three or more days) may result in a strong, unpleasant stench emanating from the tanks, as well as sinks and toilets that are unable to drain properly.

On the ground surface, generally immediately above the aeration tank, is a control box that houses the aerator (or air pump) and an electronic panel/timer that controls the aeration.

Furthermore, if the tank’s lids are not waterproof, floodwater may enter the container.

A schematic representation of an aerobic treatment system is shown in Figure 2.

What to do when any septic system is flooded

It is composed of a septic tank (or garbage tank), an aeration tank, and a clarifier, which are all connected via a pipe to the sewer system (Figure 2). For this system to perform properly, energy is required to power the aerator, which delivers air to the aeration chamber and the pump, which disposes of treated effluent into the dispersion region. The lack of energy will result in the inability to process residential wastewater, and the ongoing consumption of water will result in the tanks continuing to fill. A prolonged power outage (i.e., three or more days) may result in a strong, unpleasant stench emanating from the tanks, as well as sinks and toilets that are unable to drain. If flooding occurs as a result of severe weather, the ATU must be shut down. On the ground surface, generally just above the aeration tank, is a control box that houses the aerator (or air pump) as well as the electrical panel and timer. These components are powered by electricity and may become inoperable if they are submerged in water for any length of time. Furthermore, if the lids are not waterproof, floodwater may enter the tank. Unintended consequences of continuing to operate the system may include the fact that final soil treatment cannot take place in a flooded dispersion region, which will result in increased environmental contamination. A schematic representation of an aerobic treatment system is shown in Figure 2.

What to do when the floodwaters recede

Continue to reduce your water use (assuming there is no backflow). Surface flooding is no longer permitted, however water may still be pumped into the septic tank and into the trenches of traditional wastewater treatment systems in some cases. In the meanwhile, it is advisable to continue to reduce water use until the system has been inspected and/or fixed by a professional. Backflow-affected locations in the house should be cleaned and disinfected. This must be done with caution since septic tank wastewater includes hazardous germs and dissolved compounds that must be removed. Make use of the services of experienced cleaners to ensure your safety. Examine the many components of the system with your own eyes. Watch for indicators of water leaking into the tanks, eroded regions, accumulation of sediments in the control box, a bad odor, and corroded electrical components, among other things. When it comes time to engage a professional service provider, the results of a visual examination will be beneficial. They will almost always ask for information that will assist them in understanding the scope of the problem

For example, It is recommended that you have a competent service provider examine the ATU before turning it on. It is quite likely that electrical components may require repair or replacement. Due to the presence of toxic compounds and potentially deadly gases in septic tanks, only qualified professionals should clean or repair them. For a list of septic system service companies in your region, contact your local Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) office (). Do not consume well water until the results of the tests show that it is safe. You may find a list of certified laboratories in your region by visiting the DEQ Laboratory Facility Search website ().

What to do in a power outage

Reduce the amount of water you use as much as feasible. You’ll never know how long the power outage will persist because it’s unpredictable. If there is no electricity, wastewater will remain in the ATU tank, and continued use will result in untreated water backing up into the house. If the electricity is down for more than three days, it is no longer acceptable to flush water down the toilet. If a backup electrical generator is available, use it to power the system

If the power is restored after a few hours, check to see if the system is still operational. This may be accomplished by just listening to see if the aerator is producing a buzzing sound. Make any necessary adjustments to adapt the dispersion timer to the correct schedule
After a prolonged power outage (i.e., one that lasts more than three days), continue to reduce water consumption for the next three days. The aerobic bacterial population in the aeration chamber is used to treat the water in the ATU system. When exposed to anaerobic conditions, such as those caused by a prolonged power outage, their numbers plummet dramatically. Several days will be required for the bacterial population to reestablish itself at a level that will allow it to efficiently treat wastewater.

References

Sergio M. Abit Jr., Ph.D., is a specialist in on-site wastewater treatment systems. Danielle Walker is a student studying soil science.

Was this information helpful?

In the event that your septic alarm goes off, it may surely create some anxiety and uncertainty; and if you happen to be experiencing this right now, then you’ve arrived to the correct location! Don’t be concerned; it does not necessitate urgent action. Instead, take your time to go through this full essay so that you will be prepared to act now or in the future if the situation arises. What Septic Systems Are and How They Work The alarm works in conjunction with the septic system to alert you when the water level within the pump tank has risen to an unsafe level or has dropped to an unsafe level.

The timer is in charge of regulating the time intervals during which the pump is permitted to pump wastewater into the drainage system.

Thus, during periods of increased water consumption, the drain field is kept from becoming overflowed, which could cause damage to the drainage system.

A large amount of water is injected into the system in between pumping cycles for whatever cause, and the water has nowhere else to go but back into the system’s pump tank.

Depending on how much water was and continues to be put into the system and how the pump is set up to operate on a timer, it may take many pumping cycles until the water levels are returned to normal. Causes of the alarm going off in the first place

There is an excessive amount of water being put into the septic system. This is the result of excessive water use, which might be caused by multiple loads of laundry, an excessive quantity of dishwashing, or a disproportionate number of long showers.

Somehow, groundwater is making its way into the system. If there is an excessive amount of standing water surrounding the septic tanks, whether generated by rain or another source, the water may seep into the tanks and cause the internal water level to rise.

It’s possible that one of the components of the septic system is malfunctioning. If anything goes wrong with your system — including the pump and floats — the alarm and timer will go off and the septic system will stop working properly.

The Best Thing to Do If Your Alarm Goes Off Alternatively, if you hear an alert, you should press the red button or turn on the alarm box. The alarm will be turned off as a result of this action. There should be a red light and a green light on the alarm box, which should be situated someplace on the unit. The green light indicates that the alarm is operational and should be left on at all times. It is shown by a red light if the alarm is getting a signal from the pump tank indicating that the water level is increasing above or decreasing below what is expected.

If the breaker occurs to be tripped, look around the septic tanks to see if there is any standing water.

It is possible that the red light on the alarm box will go out on its own after allowing the septic system to operate for a couple of pump cycles (which should take approximately 10-15 hours).
If the red light turns off, it signifies that the system is operating properly and that it only needs to catch up with the extra water that has overflowed into the storage tank.
To be clear, an alarm signal from the septic system does not always imply that sewage is about to back up into the house right away.

Do you require septic system repair on a regular basis or emergency service?
Want to learn more about septic systems?

The Household Power Is Down. Now What?

If you attend one of our courses on the fundamentals of sewage treatment systems and talk about the need of including pumps, you will almost certainly hear someone ask what they should do if the power goes out. If you live in a rural region, you are well aware that it is not a question of if, but when and for how long the electricity will go out. The majority of power outages last only a few hours, however there have been instances where the power has been off for several days, even a week or more.

When the electricity goes out, our first instinct is to tell people that there is another pump that they should be aware of, and that pump is the well pump.
A well is no longer capable of supplying water once the water in the pressure tank has been exhausted.
One exception to this rule is if a house is equipped with an automated generator system that takes over in the event of a power outage.

It is simple to remember the well pump for water, the stove, the refrigerator, the freezer, and the television, but it is much more difficult to remember the sewage pump out in the yard, which is responsible for moving sewage from the pump tank to the drainfield.
An interruption of the electricity will prevent the transportation of wastewater from the septic tank and pump chamber to the disposal field in any system that has a pump attached to it.
Flushable solids should be the only things that go down the toilet; any dishwashing should be done in a tub where the water can be brought outside and thrown away.

The homeowner should keep an eye on the level in the pump tank and, if necessary, call a pumper to come and empty the contents of the pump and septic tanks if they become overflowing.

An outage of electricity prevents wastewater from being discharged into the drainfield.

When an excessive amount of water is pushed at once, the drainfield might get flooded, resulting in surfacing or backups.

After a period of four to six hours, turn off the pump and then turn it back on.

The number of cycles that are necessary will be determined by the amount of effluent that has collected inside the system.

It regulates the amount of effluent (liquid sewage from the septic tank) that is discharged to the drainfield in a 24-hour period of time.

Once the electricity has been restored, the timer mechanism will finally take care of itself.

Using the manual override or turning the pump on and off repeatedly while shutting the circuit off may be essential in order to progressively diminish the backup power.

The importance of this is illustrated by situations such as power outages; the handbook should specify the quantity of dosage supplied and the length of time the pump operates.

If the power has been out for an extended period of time, the timer will be running behind.

It is necessary to take brief showers, avoid washing laundry, and take other measures to conserve water.

These suggestions may appear to be obvious sense to those who are familiar with rural regions and individual treatment systems; but, spending a little time explaining how the pumps function and what to do during power outages may save a lot of time and hassles in the future.

5 Reasons Your Septic Alarm May Be Going Off

Your septic alarm might be set inside your home, but it’s more common for it to be positioned outdoors, near the septic tank. When there is a problem, the alarm will emit a loud siren and a light will illuminate on the control panel. The question is, what are the concerns that might set off the alarm? In this section, we’ll go through the top five typical reasons that your septic alarm could go off. The most common cause is a high level of water in the tank, which causes the alarm to sound when the water level exceeds a certain point.

Heavy rains can also cause your septic system to overflow.
If this is the case, you should refrain from using water until the levels have decreased.
This might be due to a neighborhood-wide power loss, or it could be because the pump has triggered a circuit breaker.

It is possible for the breaker to trip if moisture has penetrated it.
In the same way, the pump float could be faulty.
If the pump float fails to function, the septic pump will be unable to determine when it needs to turn on, resulting in an increase in the level of water in the tank.

Many septic systems rely on a timer to determine when the pump should be activated.

If the timer does not function properly, the tank may become overflowing.

This might be triggered by a variety of circumstances.

Another recommendation is to avoid using water until the levels in your septic system begin to decrease.

They are designed to provide you with 24-48 hours of usage time before the sewage begins to back up into the system.

At this point, it’s time to call in a professional septic service company for servicing.

Before and After the Storm – Private Wells and Onsite Sewage Systems

In the event of a large storm or hurricane, your first and foremost concerns should be the protection of your loved ones. Concerns about clean drinking water and efficient sewage disposal are among the issues on the list of top priorities. Concerns concerning private wells and on-site sewage systems when Virginia has large storms or flooding are listed below. These are followed by links to other sources of information. You should contact your local health department if you have any particular queries prior to or after the storm.

Outages of electric power Power outages can be problematic for homeowners who have wells and/or specific onsite sewage systems installed on their property.
Maintain an adequate supply of potable water on hand for drinking and culinary purposes.

In order to utilize a generator to drive your water pump during a power outage, you need have the connections made by an electrician who is certified in that field.
If the power goes out, it’s possible that some onsite sewage systems will not function correctly.
If the storage capacity is exceeded, the pump chamber may overflow, resulting in the spillage of raw sewage into the surrounding ground.

The majority of alternative systems also include electrical components, such as aerators, flow control switches, and other related devices.
If some components of their alternative onsite sewage system do not appear to be functioning properly after the power has been restored, they should contact their licensed Alternative Onsite Sewage System Operator as soon as possible.

Unless you are certain that the electrical system has been entirely dried out, do not switch on the pump if the well was flooded and submerged in water.

Think about a well that has been submerged and polluted.

It is not recommended to drink the water until bacteriological testing has determined that the well is not polluted.

Here is a list of labs that are certified to test drinking water.

The presence of a successful water test after disinfection implies that the water supply has been treated at the beginning.

When collecting your water samples, be sure to carefully follow the directions provided by the lab staff.

Find Out More About Onsite Sewage Systems A storm or flood might completely submerge any form of onsite sewage system, conventional or alternative, resulting in a backlog of sewage into the residence and the surrounding area.

The wax seal between the toilet and the floor, as well as the bathtub on the first floor or in the basement.

It is possible for floodwaters to wash dirt away from a septic tank’s drainfield lines or other components, causing damage to those components as well as the introduction of raw or partially treated sewage into the yard.

As a result of strong winds mixed with wet soil, Hurricane Isabel left acres of downed trees in Virginia after making landfall in September 2003.

Unless your septic tank/drainfield system has been broken or the soil has been saturated, you should limit the amount of water you use inside your home to avoid raw sewage from discharging onto the ground surface.

Wearing gloves and other protective clothing, as well as washing any exposed skin with soap and water as soon as possible, is recommended.

Following the storm, saturated soils should begin to drain, allowing many slow systems to resume normal operation again.

Here are a few links that you might find useful:

Creating a Shock Chorinating your Personal Well (link also given above) – University of Virginia Cooperative Extension

DGS (Department of General Services), Virginia Certified Laboratories (link also provided above)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides general food and water sanitation in emergencies.

Waterborne Diseases and Contaminants in Private Wells – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Why is the alarm on septic going off? –

A warning signal will sound if there is a significant amount of liquid in the pump tank. Pump failure, drain field failure, or an electrical fault are all possible causes of this condition. When there is a power outage and you continue to use your plumbing as usual, the water level in the pump tank will rise, causing the pump to overheat. When the electricity is restored, the alarm sounds since the pump had not been operating throughout the interruption and has now been restarted. It is possible for the alarm to sound after a severe storm or several days of rain to go off because the ground has become wet.

What do I do?

Allgood Sewer and Septic Tank Service will help you set up an appointment to have your pump and septic tank inspected and cleaned. If the alarm goes off, restrict your water consumption as much as possible by taking shorter showers and doing dishes and laundry less frequently until Allgood can come out to diagnose the problem.

What if the pump stopped working?

If the pump has ceased to function, it will need to be replaced immediately. If the right pump is installed, a septic pump can survive for seven to ten years without needing to be replaced. As with everything else in your house (including the dishwasher, water heater, furnace, and stove), it can become worn out, cease to function properly and eventually need to be replaced.

Pump Repair

Allgood was contacted by the client since their septic tank alarm had been going off for some time. Despite the fact that there had been strong rains for many days, the pump had ceased operating and needed to be replaced, according to the diagnostic. Despite the fact that we were pumping the septic tank liquid to our truck, this video shows liquid gushing into the pump tank from the septic tank. It was not possible to pump fluids into the field lines since the pump was not operational. We removed the old pump and replaced it with a new pump and junction box after pumping out the pump tank with a pressure pump.

Do Septic Tanks Need Electricity? The Answer is in the Septic tank Pump!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a commission or free product from the firms featured in this post. Amazon is a good illustration of this. As a homeowner who is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a septic system, you may be asking whether there is anything you should know about the operation of your septic tank when there is no electrical power available, such as during a power outage.

Because most septic tanks are constructed with a siphon, which allows gravity and the slope of the system to transport wastewater from the tank to the drainage field, most septic tanks do not require power to function.

How Does the Septic System Design Dictate a Need For Electricity?

As previously stated, most septic systems are intended to allow waste to be moved into the septic tank by gravity and the pitch of the system pipes, and subsequently out of the tank into the leach or drainage field by gravity and the pitch of the system pipes. As simple and archaic as this method of moving wastewater through the system appears to be, I know I thought the same thing when I compared it to other options. However, what you will quickly discover is that, when it comes to septic tanks, the more straightforward and simple the design, the more elegant the system is.

Moreover, the last time I checked, we don’t take advantage of our gravitational pull and begin to float into space every time the power is turned off.

Electrical-Based Septic Tank Pump Designed Systems

The operation of your system will be dependent on whether or not it is intended to use a septic tank pump as part of its design. That implies that if there is a power outage and the power to your septic tank pump is shut off, you will need to monitor your water use to ensure that your septic tank does not back up. These electrical septic tank pump systems DO need the use of electricity, contrary to what you would have assumed from the name. A major reason for the usage of electricity in these electric-based systems is because they are equipped with an electrical pump that transports waste water from the septic tank to the drainage field.

What is a Septic Tank Pump?

What is a septic tank pump and how does it work? It is possible to install an electrical submersible water pump in the final chamber of your septic tank, or to install it in a separate pump sump after the septic tank, but this is not recommended. This pump is normally controlled by a float switch, and when the float reaches a particular level, the pump is activated, allowing wastewater to be pumped out of the tank. In contrast to a septic tank system, which relies on gravity to transport the processed wastewater out of the tank, an electrical system requires the use of a pump to transfer the effluent (wastewater) out of the tank.

Why Does My Septic System Have a Pump?

Okay, so you might be wondering why your septic system is equipped with a pump. If you need to pump the effluent (wastewater) from the septic tank to a higher level, a Septic System will feature a pump to accommodate your needs. A gravity-based siphon system may be required if your final effluent disposal location (also known as a drainage field or leach field) is located at a higher elevation than the septic tank outlet, making it impossible to use a gravity-based siphon system to move the water from the septic tank to the leach field.

What Should You Do During a Power Outage if You have an Electrical-Based Septic System?

You should take the following steps if you have a septic system that includes electrical components such as a septic tank pump and you are experiencing a power outage that affects the system to minimize complications.

Shower for a shorter period of time
Try not to leave the sinks running for an extended period of time. Make an effort not to flush the toilets too frequently. If you have the ability to do so, try to keep your laundry to a minimum. Baths and dishwashing should be limited.

Due to the fact that your electrical septic tank pump will not be able to operate during a power outage, this might result in a backup and other serious issues. To avoid this, make sure you reduce the load on your septic system by managing your water consumption while the electricity is out. If you have a gravity-based system, you should be able to maintain your typical water use even if the electricity goes out completely. Except, of course, if your home also has a well and requires a water pump that is powered by electricity to provide water to the house itself.

Can I install back up power on my septic tank pump?

It is possible to have an electrician install a backup power source to ensure that your septic system continues to operate in the event of a power failure. Assuming your system was designed correctly, the first septic tank compartment should have enough space to hold water for at least a day or two before it becomes clogged with waste. As a result, if the power is restored within that period, the pump should be able to restart and transfer the wastewater out of the septic tank without any issues providing you were diligent in conserving water throughout the outage.

What if my Septic Tank Alarm goes off during a power outage?

You can observe that a pump is indicated in the designs by looking at the engineering and installation blueprints; Examine your drainage field to see whether it is located on higher land than your septic tank. This indicates that you can’t use a gravity-based system and must instead build an electrical pump. If this is the case, you know that the effluent is being pushed uphill. If you have recently moved into a home, contact the listing agent or former owner. Make a phone call to the septic tank inspector or check your septic system inspection report to see if any of the system components are mentioned.

What Should I do next to know what to do with my septic system the next time the electricity goes out?

The first thing you need do is figure out exactly what sort of system you have in your home in the first place. Because of the system architecture we’ve reviewed in this post, the impact of a power outage on your septic system will be very different depending on the situation.

Determine if you have a gravity-based septic system or an electrical pump-based septic system in place. Ensure that you and your family have a strategy in place for when the power goes out if you have an electrical pump-based water system in place. The best course of action is to put strong water-use regulations in place before you find yourself in this scenario.

List the activities that can be continued on the water and another list of activities that should be postponed or restricted until electricity is restored. It is recommended that if a storm is on the horizon, people take showers as soon as possible before the storm hits to avoid adding additional pressure to shower during the outage.

It is recommended that you put a backup generator on your house or system to ensure that the electricity continues to flow to your system during extended power outages.

I hope that this post has been of use in answering any concerns you may have concerning your septic system and the electrical needs it requires.

How to Check Your Septic Panel and Pump Chamber

It is recommended that you inspect your pump chamber once a year to ensure that everything is in proper working order. Follow the 11-step procedure outlined below to complete this task on your own! (Do you require further assistance? Alternatively, you may watch our instructional video below.)

‍ 1. Let’s start by inspecting the panel. Make sure the power is on by verifying the power switch to the panel is on.

The following items should be included in this general overview: The electrical box may be seen in the lower left corner of the image below, starting at the bottom of the image. Check to verify that all of the cables are firmly connected before using it. Next, take a look at the lower right corner of the photograph, where you can see the discharge pipe for the pump. Check to see if it is operational (valve should be lined up with pipe). It’s now time to have some fun!

‍ FIRST.PUT ON GLOVES!That is one step you DO NOT want to miss. Remove the float tree (the pipe with a pvc handle located upright left in our picture) and pull up the alarms.

Among the items on this broad overview list should be: The electrical box may be found in the lower left corner of the image below, starting at the bottom. Check to verify that all of the cables are firmly connected to the device before continuing. Look to the lower right of the shot, where you can see the discharge pipe of the pump, for your next step. Check to see if it is operable before proceeding (valve should be lined up with pipe). It’s time to have some fun now!

If you don’t hear an alarm, this is cause for concern. Starting at the top, I will explain the floats and how to ensure each one is working.

NOTE: If your water supply is depleted, you may need to replenish it. Fill it up a little with water from a yard hose.

7. Continue testing.

Check that the pump is operating properly by flipping the second float from the bottom upside down and then turning it back around. With your other hand, turn the next float up (which would be the second from the top) upside down while still holding the first float. You should be able to hear the pump start up. As soon as you have confirmed that the pump is operational, just release these two floats. There’s one more float to go. The top float serves as an alert in case of high water. Turn it over down to see whether this is the case.

8. Now is the time to inspect the power cords.

Check to see that everything is securely tied to the float tree and not just hanging free. Zip ties can be used to reattach any stray cables.

9. Securely return the float tree to its holder and coil any dangling cords so that they are out of the water.

Septic System FAQs Am I required to have a maintenance contract?Yes, it is a Brazos County law that you must keep up a valid maintenance contract at all times. If the County finds that you are not under contract, it could result in a court date and fines up to $500.What should I do if I’m buying a house with a septic system?When buying a home with a septic system you should request to have the system cleaned out and inspected. You want to start fresh in your new home by having the system cleaned out, and having an inspection done will ensure that the septic system is in good condition.

An aerobic system is designed for the size of the house and the number of people who live there.
To avoid any embarrassing situations, have your system checked and possibly cleaned out before the holidays.Should my septic system be making a noise?Your aerator will make a constant humming noise.
First you should check your breakers to make sure power is getting to your system.
If the alarm is on, there is something wrong that should be checked out.Is my Aerobic system supposed to run all the time?Yes, your aerobic septic system is intended to run constantly.
You must maintain a chlorine residual in your system at all times.
The only way that the wastewater can be treated is for chlorine to be in the system.
You can also purchase a 10 lb bucket from ASIM.
If you buy a larger bucket, the moisture will begin to break down the remaining tablets in the bucket and they will go bad before you can use the whole bucket.
DO NOT use Pool chlorine tablets.
If you are experiencing a sewage smell, that does not mean you need to add more chlorine to your system.
This can cause the water level to rise and trigger the high water alarm and sprayers.

If you still have a problem, call ASIM.Should my sprayers keep coming on during an ordinary day when there is no rain?If there is no rain water to raise the water level in your tanks, and your sprayers are going off frequently during the day, this is a sign of overloading or a plumbing problem.

Also, if your sprayers are going off frequently and you are not using water in the house, check for leaking faucets or leaky/running toilets.

SEPTIC SYSTEMS DO NO MAKE WATER.

A plumber is responsible for the area under the house, we are responsible for the area from the cleanout to the system.How do I mute the alarm?There is a button marked on your control panel box to mute the alarm.

The alarm comes on for a reason and it should be addressed sooner than later.What can I do if my neighbor’s septic system stinks?If your neighbor has a smelly septic system and doesn’t appear to care or try to fix the problem, you can make an anonymous complaint to the Environmental Health Services division at the local Health Department.What to do if my electricity is out?

However, if you depend on a pump to move your treated water to another tank, disposal area, or if you have an aerobic septic system with surface spray disposal you should minimize water usage during the interruption in electrical service.

The best thing to do is minimize water usage.

advise caution when doing this, and remove the cap.

Taking the cap off will help relieve the possibility of a sewer backup in the house and let it go outside instead.

Your septic service provider should assist you if needed.How often will I need to have my tank pumped?Not very often.

If your installer is a licensed septic contractor in the area, he should know exact guidelines for your home, usage, and locality.Or you can check with your county health department.

Do not build any additions, pools, or driveways over a tank.Also, do not build or plant on top of your drainfield.If I think there is a problem, should I open my septic tank?NO!

Call a certified and trained septic professional if you detect any problems in your system.What are the major dos and dont’s of maintaining a trouble-free system?DO THIS .Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.

.Only discharge biodegradable wastes into your system.

.Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your drainfield.

.Have your septic tank pumped regularly and checked for leaks and cracks.

.Compost your garbage or put it in the trash.

.Dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides, or poisons down the drain.

They can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate groundwater. .Dig in your drainfield or build anything over it. .Plant anything over your drainfield except grass. .Drive over your drainfield or compact the soil in any way.