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Will My Septic System Work Without Power?
It's April in Ohio which means heavy winds, rain storms and power outages. If you have a pump septic system you may be asking how the septic system works without power. Will you be able to flush the toilet if the power is out? Can you do laundry or take showers? We use this post to provide an explanation about what's happening to your septic system when the power is out and why you want to be strategic about your water use during a power outage.
If your power outage is scheduled do to construction or septic system replacement, remember that Double Flush also rents porta potties. Contact us for long-term or short-term portable toilet rentals:
Will My Septic System Still Work When My Power is Out.?
Yes. Your septic system will work without power but if your power fails it is important to be water wise. Pump septic systems do need electricity to move effluent (liquid sewage) from the septic tank into the drainfield.
How does my pump septic system work without power?
If you have a septic system with a pump, your system relies on electricity to pump the wastewater into the drainfield, so how does it still work without power? Simple. All the liquid sewage you flush into the septic, as well as the other water you use, is held in the pump tank until the power returns and the pump moves the effluent into the drainfield.
How Much Water Can You Use When the Power Is Out?
If you have a septic system, during a power outage you want to be smart about how much you flush, how much you shower and overall water use. A typical pump tank will have 300 - 500 gallons of extra space available to be used for pump failures or power outages. With that being the case, it is important to judge how long you think the power will be out to determine how to conserve. When the pump tank is full, you will be backed-up until the power comes back. The objective is not to fill the pump tank so that you can still flush the toilet without power.
How Long Will the Power Outage Last?
When determining how much to flush, shower and use water for dishes and laundry you first want to think about how long the power will be out. For example, if it's a big storm and there are wide-spread power outages, then it will likely take longer to restore power. Superstorm Sandy of 2012 had many areas without power for three days or more. In a case like that, it's wise to limit showers, avoid doing laundry and be very strategic about your water use by following these tips:
- Take short showers
- Don't wash laundry
- Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth
- Keep your toilet flushes for solids
- Don't let the water run when washing dishes
- fill one sink with water to soak dirty dishes when necessary.
REDUCE EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES WITH MAINTENANCE
You can do your part to keep your septic tank healthy and reduce the frequency of septic tank pumping. First, don't put anything down your septic system that is non-biodegradable, such as cigarette butts, diapers, paper towels, and more. Plus, installing an effluent filter, which helps to decrease the number of solids that leave the tank helps promote your septic tank's health.
THINGS THAT SHOULD NEVER GO IN YOUR SEPTIC TANK
- Grease
- Rags and strings
- Coffee grounds
- Paper towels
- Baby wipes
- Sanitary napkins and tampons
- Diapers
- Cigarette butts
- Antibacterial soaps
- Trash
- Condoms
- Bandages
- Dental Floss
- Cat Litter
- Pharmaceuticals
- Other non-degradable products
24/7 EMERGENCY SEPTIC SERVICES NEAR YOU
We service the Northern Ohio area; are service area includes Erie, Lorain, Wayne, Portage, Summit, Stark and Medina Counties. Our family-owned septic company is the one to call for all of your emergency septic tank services, including septic tank pumping. We can work around your schedule when it's convenient for you, including working on weekends and evenings. Our team offers efficient septic tank pumping, so we take up as little of your time as possible. We take our time to ensure your septic tank looks good and is in good shape for the future. Rest assured, when you partner with our local, family-owned septic company, your Northern Ohio home or business will be well served. Call to get started today!