How to Avoid Yard Damage from Your Sewer System

During flooding events such as storms and periods of heavy rain, one of your greatest risks likes in backups of your sewer system. Sewage often contains microorganisms that present serious health risks. In the event that these pathogens spill over into your yard and seep into the soil, they can thrive long after the waters have receded, posing an ongoing hazard. There’s also the terrible odors involved. Here are some ways to ensure your sewer system will function as intended even under the worst conditions.

Engineered Lawns

It’s a good idea to adjust the topography of your property as much as possible. If you live in a low-lying, flat lot, all those foul floodwaters will pool up in the vicinity. Create a low bank around your home’s foundation, and low walls or embankments to channel water away from spots like flower gardens or children’s play areas and toward public drains or low-lying spots where the overflow can be contained. Dig some small drainage ditches, or lay underground pipes to facilitate better drainage.

Reduce Possible Blockages

Many substances that belong in the trash are improperly disposed of down drains and toilets. These can build up to form blockages in sewage lines that create backups. The most common are grease from cooking, diapers, and paper towels. Hot grease should be poured into empty cans and disposed of in the trash after it has cooled. Paper towels and diapers should also go in the trash. Put them in separate air-tight bags if they’ve become a source of noxious smells, but don’t flush them down the toilet.

Upgrade Your Plumbing

Install sump pumps in the basement or other low-lying areas so you can quickly pump out any unhealthy waters. You may have to do this anyway before cleanup can begin. You could also ask your plumber about installing backup prevention valves in your sewer lines so that any overflow doesn’t come back into your yard.

Inspect Your System

Call in a professional from a company like Rob’s Septic Tanks Inc to look over your sewer lines and septic tanks at least every year or two. Things like growing tree roots, corroded metal pipes, and improperly draining septic tanks can lead to sewage backups. Your best bet for preventing this issue is to ensure your sewage system is up to current building codes and in good condition well before the flood waters arrive. These measures can ensure your safety and the preservation of your property during high water events, or at least control and minimize the damage. Otherwise, you could be looking at the expensive and difficult prospect of replacing all the topsoil and turf in your yard, as well as cleaning and disinfecting any affected structures.