Owner`s manual

Additional resources:
Your county family living agent, your
county code administrator, your local
health department, the Wisconsin
Bureau of Building Water Systems,
Department of Industry, Labor and
Human Relations.
Related publications:
UW-Extension publication “Care and
Maintenance of Residential Septic
Systems,” (B3583).
AFTER THE FLOOD
♦ Do not use the sewage system until water in the disposal field is
lower than the water level around the house.
♦ If you suspect damage to your septic tank, have it professionally
inspected and serviced. Signs of damage include settling or inability
to accept water. Most septic tanks are not damaged by a flood since
they are below ground and completely covered. However, sometimes
septic tanks or pump chambers become filled with silt and debris, and
must be professionally cleaned. If tile lines in the disposal field are
filled with silt, a new system may have to be installed in new
trenches. Because septic tanks may contain dangerous gases, only
trained specialists should clean or repair them. Wisconsin code
requires licensed plumbers for any repairs.
♦ Discard any items that are damaged by contaminated water and
cannot be steam cleaned or adequately cleaned and disinfected.
♦ Do not pump water out of basements too quickly. Exterior water
pressure could collapse the walls.
♦ If sewage has backed up into the basement, clean the area and
disinfect the floor with a chlorine solution of one-half cup of chlorine
bleach to 1 gallon of water.
♦ Contact the county health department or county Extension office to
obtain a drinking water test kit. (See the fact sheet “Water
Contamination in Private Wells.”) Do not drink the water until it has
been tested and is safe.
Information from: University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension; the Wisconsin Bureau of Building Water Systems, Department of Industry,
Labor and Human Relations; Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension Service
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension