The plumbing systems of homes can be put under an immense strain in the aftermath of a flood. This article discusses some tips that you should implement in order to limit the damage to your plumbing system after a flood.

Limit Water Use

You should reduce how much water you use in your home in the aftermath of a flood. This reduction will allow the septic system to dry out and regain its ability to handle the wastewater and grey water coming from inside your home. Some water use reduction steps include using disposable plates in order to avoid using the dishwasher. You can also put a temporary stop to using the garbage disposal. Hire a portable toilet in case the flood seriously affected the septic system. For instance, the drainfield may have been overwhelmed to the extent that sewage is floating on the surface of the soil.

Limit Traffic

Restrict the movement of people and vehicles on the drainfield after a flood. This is because the soggy soil can easily be compacted as people or vehicles move on it. Compacted soil will no longer be able to absorb the water discharged from the septic tank. This can cause the drainfield to collapse.

Use Lime

Some floods can cause sewage to float up to the surface of the drainfield. This can put your family at risk of contracting waterborne diseases, such as cholera. One way to reduce this risk is by spreading hydrated lime on the affected sections of your property. The altered pH will hinder the growth of germs. Chlorine bleach can also serve the same purpose.

Pump the Tank Carefully

Another step that you can take after a flood is to pump half of your sewage tank. Why shouldn't you pump it fully? Some tanks, such as fibreglass tanks, may float up from the ground due to the buoyancy caused by the high amount of water in the soil surrounding them. Partial pumping prevents that eventuality. Partial pumping also clears the inlets of the tank so that it can start taking in more wastewater from your plumbing system. The rest of the flood water inside the tank will clear out gradually as the drainfield dries.

Restoring the health of your septic system after a flood starts with assessing any damage in order to institute corrective measures. It is therefore prudent to hire a plumber to inspect your plumbing and septic system so that any defects that you could not spot on your own can be rectified before they worsen.