WElcome!

In this November edition of the Septic Scoop, we’re excited to share resources that may be helpful this fall and winter. The holiday season can get busy, and it’s best to be prepared ahead of time and not get caught by surprise during any emergencies caused by the wild weather we sometimes get in Snohomish County. We also have some reminders to help you protect your system during the next few months.

Resources

Power outages and flooding are not uncommon in our area, and it is important to be prepared. This includes knowing what to do during these events if you have a septic system. The National Environmental Health Association has two guides to help you know what to do before, during, and after a power outage or flood. Take a look and learn what to do for these emergency situations.

Guidance for Septic Systems Before, During & After a Flood

Guidance for Septic Systems Before, During, & After a Power Outage

If you have a well, you’ll want to take precautions with your well water too. Flooding can contaminate well water. See the CDC’s page for disinfecting a well after a disaster.

Reminders for the rainy season

Now that it’s fall and winter in the pacific northwest, the rain is here to stay! All that rainfall over your drainfield means your soil will need to process more water than it does during drier times of the year. Septic systems are designed to accommodate rainfall, however it is important to limit your water use so that your drainfield doesn’t become saturated with water. If your drainfield becomes saturated, that means there is too much water for the soil to handle - your wastewater won't be treated like it should and will struggle to move downward into the soil. There are lots of ways you can limit the amount of water being sent out to the drainfield to keep it from getting overloaded with too much water. For example:

Catching up on chores? Avoid running your dishwasher and laundry machine at the same time. Try to do only one load of laundry per day.
Do you have high-efficiency appliances and low-flow fixtures? Consider installing them so that you use less water every time you run your dishwasher or laundry machine, flush the toilet, or take a shower.
Do you know where your downspouts flow? Direct any roof runoff or other sources of water away from your drainfield.

Full houses During the holidays

During the holiday season, your home might host more people than usual. This can put extra strain on your septic system in more ways than one. More guests means more flushes, more showers, and in general more water going into your system. If your septic tank fills up too fast, the water won’t have time to settle out any solids that made their way into the system which can lead to build up on filters or clogged lines in your drainfield. Also, those unfamiliar with septic systems might put things down the drain that should be going in the trash. Consider the suggestions below to help your friends and family treat your septic system right during the holiday season.

Put a sign in your restroom to remind guests that the only things that should go down the drain are human waste and toilet paper. Everything else belongs in the trash.
If you have a disposal, don’t let guests run it. Use a sink strainer to catch bits of food instead.

Questions?

Do you have questions about your septic system? You can visit our website for more information on septic systems and contact SHD-EHQ@snoco.org for any additional questions.

For information on Savvy Septic financial assistance, visit savvyseptic.com or email savvy.septic@snoco.org. To find a septic professional, click here.