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| Power outage lasting more than a half-day |
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| Alarm on the control panel sounds |
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| Alarm on the box beside the control panel sounds |
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EMERGENCY ACTIONS
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The following is a list of problems with advice on how to deal with them.
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Flooding can clog filters, damage components, and push organic matter from the septic tank into the dispersal area or cause sewage to backup into the home.
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 If there is a risk of flooding, go to the electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker that provides power to the pumps and treatment plant. Do not turn the power back on until the risk of flooding is over.
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If flooding does occur, contact the Maintenance Provider immediately. The MP may require an electrician be brought in to verify all electrical components are safe and pose no risk of electrocution.
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Some onsite systems have components that require electricity to operate, such as pumps, treatment plants and control panels.
If a municipal water supply serves the property and occupants continue to use toilets, bathing or otherwise generate a
wastewater, the onsite system will not reliably handle it. Newer onsite systems have a reserve capacity to allow limited
use in the home that can range from ½ to a full day, but for older systems the capacity may be much less.
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Since the system’s key components will not be operating, this can result in clogging of filters, damage to components,
back-up into the home, or flooding of the dispersal area when power is restored.
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Turn the power off to the pumps and treatment plant by tripping the circuit breaker on the panel and do not turn them on
until power has been restored and no dimming or surges are evident. Power fluctuations can damage electrical components
in the system.
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Limit the use of water to essential needs only.
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If the system has a high-level alarm installed, it may sound once the power
is restored and the pumps are activated, but the alarm should turn off after several minutes.
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Contact the Maintenance Provider immediately for advice on how to prevent or limit damage,
or if the high-level alarm does not silence after several minutes.
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Sewage can be a health hazard. If sewage backs up into your home:
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Stop using water immediately.
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Prevent wastewater from spreading further into the home by using towels to create a dam.
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Keep children and pets away from sewage and use rubber gloves and rubber boots when in the area.
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Contact your insurance company immediately to determine if they want a restoration company to perform the cleanup. If you perform the cleanup, use bleach to disinfect the area.
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Contact the Maintenance Provider immediately. The MP will advise you on matters such as cleaning the components.
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Contact your local Health Authority for more information.
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Press the alarm silence button on the control panel and note which warning lights are displayed (usually red or amber coloured).
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Contact the Maintenance Provider immediately. Provide details so the MP can diagnose what the likely problem is and can bring the appropriate equipment or replacement parts.
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Follow the MP’s instructions for the time between your first call and their arrival.
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Press the alarm silence button on the box.
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Contact the Maintenance Provider immediately and follow their instructions.
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Do not silence the alarm and ignore. The alarm is intended to warn of a problem developing in order for further action to be taken quickly.
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| Emergency Contacts |
If sewage is flowing off a property and especially towards or into any streams, creeks, water supplies
(including wells), various agencies and authorities may need to be involved. The Provincial
Emergency Program (PEP)
determines which agencies to involve in situations such as these. One call can inform them all.
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1-800-663-3456
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www.pep.bc.ca
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| Health Authorities |
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To report the illegal installation of a system, a suspected health hazard, sewage escaping from a system,
or to obtain permit/Filing information for a property:
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Northern Health Authority
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www.northernhealth.ca
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Interior Health Authority
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www.interiorhealth.ca
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Vancouver Island Health Authority
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www.viha.ca
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Vancouver Coastal Health Authority
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www.vch.ca
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Fraser Health Authority
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www.fraserhealth.ca
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| Consumer Information Line |
| Have a question or need assistance? Call our Toll Free number: 1.877.456.ROWP (7697) |
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