Why a Flooded Septic Drain Field Is Dangerous for Kids and Pets

The Risks of a Flooded Drain Field to Children and Pets

 Septic systems are designed to handle toxic waste and gases, and exposure to these conditions can be hazardous. With this in mind, preventing kids and pets from playing near a flooded drain field is essential for their safety and overall well-being. Let’s explore the common risks to children and pets to ensure you make informed decisions.

Gastrointestinal Illnesses

When playing in the backyard, children are driven by curiosity and often explore every inch of the property. This can lead to accidental ingestion of contaminated soil, water, or pets licking paws for pets, which can cause vomiting, pain, and diarrhea due to bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. If you don’t want emergency trips to the ER, prioritize regular septic pumping and cleaning to maintain safe effluent levels throughout.

Infections through Wounds

Outdoor activities, from riding bikes to playing games, can cause bruises and scrapes. Although minor injuries may not raise concerns, contaminated water can enter the body and cause serious skin rashes, infections, or even worsen health symptoms. By hiring a reputable septic company in Orlando, FL to regularly inspect and pump your system, you can rest assured that your kids and pets are safe.

Long-Term Health Effects

As mentioned, exposure to raw sewage and toxic gases can affect the health of children and pets. Beyond the immediate symptoms of bacteria, it can also cause malnutrition and stunted growth if improperly treated. With that in mind, seeing your doctor only solves half the problem. Professional septic cleaning can ensure effective and efficient performance while protecting the long-term health of your household.

How to Keep Your Pets and Kids Safe

Now that you know the risks of a flooded drain field, taking a proactive approach to prevent damage is essential. Here are helpful tips to ensure that your wastewater system runs smoothly and safely year-round.

Watch What Flushes Down the Toilet

One of the most effective ways of preventing septic issues is watching what goes down your drains and toilets. Kids may intentionally flush items that don’t belong in the septic tank, causing blockages, overflows, and floods. A septic system is designed to handle organic waste, typically human waste and toilet paper. If you have kids on the premises, educating them on proper disposal habits can ensure lasting protection. Additionally, disposing of pet waste in the toilet can lead to hazardous scenarios in the future.

Secure the Septic Tank

A septic system that is not secured properly not only poses risks to adults but also the children and their furry friends. If the system is misaligned or improperly installed, it can allow raw sewage to escape into the surrounding soil and cause devastating damage. Even if the initial installation was done by a septic company, you still need to ensure the system remains secure.

At Septic Blue of Orlando, we understand that septic systems are solutions for household waste management. However, they can risk the safety and well-being of your loved ones if left unattended. Contact us today to learn more about on-site waste management and how our septic services can help.