On Thu, 18 Jul 2019 22:14:01 +0000, Hendu
m wrote:

I recently bought a home with a septic tank. I have never had one before so I
am trying to learn all I can. A couple of weeks ago we had a very bad rain
storm and sewage from my septic tank backed up through my basement drain. It
was very expensive to clean so I plan to take measures to prevent it from
happening again. From discussions with a couple professionals, I believe the
cause was a stream of water running downhill through my yard over my tank
covers. Enough water entered to fill the tanks and forced water/sewage up
through my basement drain which sits lower than the tank lids. My thinking is
that with some waterproof caulk (or Flex Seal (TM) ) I could make the concrete
covers waterproof in case of another severe storm. I know this is where the
tanks are accessed for cleaning, but the seal could be broken with a utility
knife for this maintenance. Is there another risk I am not aware of to making
these covers waterproof (and probably air tight)? Thanks for any
advice/suggestions



How far - is your basement floor - below the septic tank inlet ?
Do you have a basement " septic pump " ? for basement washroom
or laundry or water treatment .. ?
ie: are you sure that the basement drain isn't overflowing with
"other" septic-y water - storm sewer water polluted by illegal
septic hook-ups .. ? **** happens ..
If there is no possibility that the back-up is not from other sources
- then -
I would first look to resolve the issue of rainwater run-off -
- the grading of the area around your septic tank should divert
rainwater and mel****er around it. ... and also away from the
foundation, of course.
The drainfield should be able handle a good bit of excess - it
seems like yours does not .. you might want to consider that as
a future upgrade.
I've owned 3 homes over ~ 40 years - all with septic systems -
none have given me any cause for concern ; none have required
any remedial work ; just pumped out every 5 years or so - as a
precaution and for inspection ;

John T.