If the SHTF and Toilets Back Up

[DrPrepper]

I was reading this on the Organic Prepper:

“In an all-out disaster that shuts down municipal water supplies, you may find yourself in a situation where the toilet won’t flush. At times like this, you’ll want to shut off the main to your house, because you could end up with other people’s waste backing up through the lines. ”

My question is, how do you shut off the water main?

And do you agree that this is a good idea?
I don’t understand how other people’s waste could back up in your lines. I could see how it could happen in an apartment complex, but in a regular house? I know nothing about plumbing.

Thanks

 

[TexasFreedom]

DP,

That's a crock. OK, there are 2 parts to plumbing: incoming water and outgoing sewage. Incoming water is pressurized, and in SHTF scenarios, the pressure drops to 0 so there is no flowing water. And the incoming side has a shutoff valve.

Sewage. There is no 'shutoff valve' for sewage. It flows with gravity. Now in a SHTF scenario, it is possible in something like an apartment complex for sewage above to overflow into apartments below. If in SHTF, there is no water flowing so how are they going to get water upstairs to dump into the toilet/drains? Now if you're in an apartment, raw sewage will be the least of your problems. If you're out in the country, you likely have a septic tank & field. It will continue to work wonderfully with no electricity. Yes, tanks sometimes clog, it's up to you to clear that every decade or two. Now if you have one of those newer septic systems with the sprinkler heads... well good luck with that.

 

[jimLE]

what texasfreedom said about water line and sewage line being separate lines.there's already shut off value for the fresh water flowing.but not one for sewage flowing out.so installing one on it would be smart.but only IF the sewage would back up into your home during a long term outage.another thing to think about.is there a lift station close to where you live? it won't work during any type of outage.and yes sewage will flow from it when it's down.i lived across the street from once when IT went down.neighbors next to me got their yard fertilized.

 

[Proud Prepper]

I have a septic system. I will run my airater of a battery charged by a solar panel when needed. And will have water buckets filled from rain catches and the pond to flush the toilets. I'm keep stocked up on TP, of over 300+ rolls on hand.

 

[Arcticdude]

My house is on a septic system. If it ever fails, unlikely in my lifetime, I have an out house for back up. If it gets full I could just tamp it down with a post.

 

[Brent S]

We talked about this on another thread somewhere. The only time a sewage valve would be needed is if you live in a low lying area and have other higher areas around you flushing stuff into the sewers. Gravity moves most waste systems downwards naturally. There are areas where pumps have to lift the sewage up from the low areas. Of course when there is no power, and even when there is a clogg in the line, sewage can and will back up into the unfortunate lower homes. I have never seen a plumber install a shutoff on the sewer line before, but would if I was building in a low area. One thing to consider when buying land or a home is always try to get high ground. It makes sense for flooding and possible sewer problems.

 

[jimLE]

only draw back i see at having a shut off value on the sewer line.is if a person is to far down into the low area.other then that.i believe it's a good idea.the rent house i moved from is on septic and it sits on high ground.but as for where i live now.city sewage..but im thinking im good to go at no backing up.i haven't been out n about to check out the low areas.but there's a creek in the area.so that could be bad news if raw sewage started flowing into it.and the wind blow's in the wrong direction.

 

[tmttactical]

In a major grid down even in your local, you will absolutely want to be on high ground. Low ground and all drain, shower, tub, possibly sinks and toilets could start over flowing with raw sewage. You do not want to be in deep doo-doo or even shallow doo-doo.

 

[JackDW]

I have several properties that are all on septic. As long as it is working properly and you are conscious if what goes down the drain, they last a long time. Had the tank at my primary house cleaned last year. As far as I know, it had not been pumped it 15 - 20 years. Was not real bad. Did have more settlement than I like but no where near an emergency. Also had the one at my future retirement house (daughter and gran-daughter living there) cleaned. I have owned the property for around 25 years and it had never been pumped. Tank is much larger than the one in my primary house. Again, had a lot more settlement then I liked but still not an emergency. All nice and clean now. Also last year, had my Mother's septic pumped. She started have some issues with the toilet not flushing very good. It was last pumped by my Father over 30 years ago. The tank was in good shape and no where near backed up since it has only been my mother for the last 20 years. Found that somehow a towel had been flushed and the drain line was partly blocked. Once I got that out, all is good.

Bottom line, a septic will last you a long time even without being pumped every few years. Just know your usage and it will serve you a long time even if everything else is failing.

I am sure glad that I am not on a public water or sewer system. A couple of things I will not have to worry about.

 

[Brent S]

I’ve pumped mine once after 11 years, and it did need it. Toilet paper isn’t as biodegradable as they say.

 

[Kevin L]

You guys should consider the Clivus Multrum, which is a waterless septic system that has no odor, and is approved by the health department as a viable means of dealing with human waste.

I've seen them before, and there seemed to be no issue with flies, odor, or unsightliness.

They are often placed on golf courses, where running pipe can be prohibitively expensive...and in sensitive environmental areas, like high alpine meadows where people hike.

The waste goes through a 4 year composting process (no known human pathogens can survive 4 years in a clivus multrum), and the end result is an excellent garden fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus and nitrogen.

The original crude prototype built right after WWII is still completely functional.

If I ever get my house, I plan on having a large shed with a clivus multrum as a sanitary backup.

 

[jimLE]

I have several properties that are all on septic. As long as it is working properly and you are conscious if what goes down the drain, they last a long time. Had the tank at my primary house cleaned last year. As far as I know, it had not been pumped it 15 - 20 years. Was not real bad. Did have more settlement than I like but no where near an emergency. Also had the one at my future retirement house (daughter and gran-daughter living there) cleaned. I have owned the property for around 25 years and it had never been pumped. Tank is much larger than the one in my primary house. Again, had a lot more settlement then I liked but still not an emergency. All nice and clean now. Also last year, had my Mother's septic pumped. She started have some issues with the toilet not flushing very good. It was last pumped by my Father over 30 years ago. The tank was in good shape and no where near backed up since it has only been my mother for the last 20 years. Found that somehow a towel had been flushed and the drain line was partly blocked. Once I got that out, all is good.

Bottom line, a septic will last you a long time even without being pumped every few years. Just know your usage and it will serve you a long time even if everything else is failing.

I am sure glad that I am not on a public water or sewer system. A couple of things I will not have to worry about.

having a good feild line the proper length is a big added pluss..

we were having septic issues with the setic at the rent house i moved from.one of the landlords n me got out there n replaced it.and went 20 or 40 feet further then needed.no more septic issue's. Plus more line can be added IF it ever becomes necessary.

 

[Arcticdude]

For my new house I installed an over sized septic tank and a large drain field. The house has 3 bathrooms, but won't be usable until the builders finish the flooring, etc.
When I built the cabin I dug a deep pit with a backhoe and built and outhouse over the pit. The grey water from the cabin is piped in to another deep pit. In the outhouse I installed a vent pipe from under the floor extending above the roof to vent out odors. I have two screened windows on each side of the "throne" for more ventilation and to enjoy the view. If the outhouse pit ever fills up, which is highly unlikely, I'll just dig another pit and move the building over the top.