Hurricane Season Preparation
Hurricane season is here and if you are a private well or septic system owner, it's a good time to review maintenance and safety procedures to protect the health and safety of you and your loved ones, as well as minimize damage and repairs associated with storms. Read on for steps you can take to prepare for hurricane and flood events.
Private Wells
Before a storm: Stock up on water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and flushing toilets. Even if you have a generator, a flooded well could cause contamination and/or pump malfunctions.
  • Remember that wells rely on power; if power is lost, water will not flow into your home. Toilets can be flushed by pouring water into the tank and then flushing, or by pouring water directly into the toilet bowl.
  • If you plan to use a generator during power outages, be aware that well pumps are hard-wired to 240 volt circuits. This means getting your well back in service will take more than just plugging it in; using a licensed electrician to install a generator will keep you and your family safe from faulty connections.

After a storm: Assess your well for damage.
  • If a well becomes flooded/ covered with flood water, assume it is contaminated until tested. Tests for bacteria should be done following any flood event to ensure your water is safe to use.
  • Do not turn on well pumps while the well is flooded—wait until the electrical system is completely dried out.
  • If you have any questions about your well, check out Wake County’s Common Well Problem page.

For additional information, please visit NC Dept. of Health and Human Services and NC State Extension.
Septic Systems
 Before a storm: Consider an inspection/pumping prior to hurricane season to best handle storms
  • Decrease water use prior to storms. Conserving water decreases chances of failure or backup of sewage.
  • Ensure that the septic field is safe from falling limbs. Repairs are costlier than prevention.
  • Be aware that flooding can wash away or saturate topsoil and damage the drain field. Untreated sewage may rise to the surface. Avoid contact with contaminated soil.

After a storm: Assess your system for damage.
  • Fallen trees may have damaged tanks and underground components
of the septic system.
  • Limit water use while field is saturated; redirect gutters away from field.
  • Keep an eye on any standing water…it should drain over time.

For additional information and resources, visit the National Environmental Health Association and NC State’s Extension Service.
Septic System Repair Request Available Online
Did you know that you can now submit a septic repair request through Wake County’s website? Previously, repair requests could only be placed by calling Environmental Services (919) 856-7400. While that option is still available, customers can now also submit requests online at the following website: Septic and Maintenance Repairs. If you have a septic system failure or would like to report a malfunction, please call or submit your request online. 
Financial Help for Well and Septic System Repairs
Do you have a problem with your well or your septic system, but the cost is keeping you from fixing it? There are financial assistance programs that may be able to help. Check our Financial Help page for more information. Remember, maintaining properly functioning septic systems helps protect public health and water quality in our streams!