How to Abandon a Septic System Safely
If you have a septic system you no longer plan to use, you should not just stop using it. Instead, you should take measures to ensure the septic system won't cause any harm to you or the environment. Below are some precautions for abandoning a septic system.
Pump the Tank
If the tank is not empty, then the first step is to empty it by pumping it. This will get rid of the waste, which is necessary because leaving the waste in the tank risks environmental contamination. This requires the involvement of a septic professional.
Excavate the Tank and Fill the Hole
Once the tank is empty, the next step is to dig it out and fill the hole. This will be the case if the tank is metal, plastic, or fiberglass (but not concrete). The tank needs to be crushed once it is out of the ground and disposed of appropriately (you can bury the crushed tank back in the same hole it came out of). Don't forget that the tank will still have traces of germs that can pollute local waters or the environment or cause diseases.
Once the tank is out of the ground, you need to fill the hole to reduce the risks of accidents and prevent surface water from collecting in it. Use granular and inert materials, such as stones, rubble, or soil, to fill the hole.
Fill the Tank
You don't have to excavate all septic tanks when you no longer need them. Certainly, excavation and removal can be difficult with a concrete septic tank. In such a case, you can puncture the bottom of the tank, fill it up with inert materials, and leave it in place. The puncturing ensures that surface water won't run into the tank and fill it up.
Document the Site
You should document the process to ensure future occupiers or users of the property will have access to the information. Create a map of the septic system with clear markings of the location of the septic tank plus other notable features.
Follow Local Regulations
Septic systems are dangerous – they can trigger injuries, diseases, and pollution. For this reason, most local authorities have strict regulations on the abandonment of septic systems. Ensure you understand and follow the codes and requirements of your local government to the letter.
Hopefully, your septic system won't cause any harm to you or the environment at large. As you can see, some of the above things are best done by a professional septic technician.
To learn more about removing a septic tank, contact a contractor offering septic tank services in your area.
