A flood can cause a lot of damage to buildings. If you have a septic system, this can also cause additional complications. If your home or commercial building uses a septic system, there are certain things you should check on after a flood event. The level of flooding doesn't matter. Even a little bit of extra water around can interfere with your septic system.

Reduce Water Use in the Building

A flood means a lot of water will find its way into the septic system. These systems have a maximum amount of water that they're designed to handle. Therefore, the first thing you should do is ensure as little water as possible goes into the septic system.

Call the State or EPA if Your System Handled Chemical Waste

A septic system in a commercial building may be used to dispose of chemicals, in addition to raw sewage. Cleaning up chemicals is highly risky since they can cause health problems. Get in touch with the EPA or your state to find out how you should clean up the chemicals if there was an overflow of the septic system during the flood.

Test the Well Water

If you use water from a well, you should avoid using the water completely after a flood. Flooding can cause the well water to become contaminated by effluent from the septic system. Get the well water tested first to ensure no contamination took place.

Get a Professional Inspection

Flooding can also cause damage to your septic tank especially if the ground surrounding the tank was adversely affected. If you suspect that your tank might have suffered damage, ensure that it gets inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Flooding can also fill the tank and pump with debris and silt. You'll need professional septic services to clean these out. Your next septic tank pumping might need to be sooner rather than later.

Have the Tank Repaired by a Licensed Specialist

Only a licensed expert should attempt any repairs to the septic system. There may be dangerous gases in such systems. Get in touch with the relevant authorities to find out if a contractor has the right qualifications to do the job.

Clean and Disinfect Basement

Sewage may have backed into your basement as a result of the flooding. Ensure that the affected area is cleaned and properly disinfect. For disinfection purposes, use a chlorine solution or a solution of chlorine bleach mixed in water. You should also inspect any electrical connections in the basement to ensure they're not soaked in water.

For more help, get in touch with a company like Dixon Septic & Sewer.