The following advice comes from Russell Janes, certified electrician and building consultant; and Adelso Rodas, owner of AR Plumbing, Inc.
A properly functioning sewage pump is essential to floating home living. Most residents are familiar — either personally or through a neighbor — with the serious consequences of a malfunctioning or overflowing sewage tank. However, these problems do not have to become costly or severe if adequate warning is provided.
Although sewage leaks create a significant biohazard, residential building codes do not require alarms on sewage holding tanks. Yet such alarms have been available for decades and, when properly installed, can provide early warning that allows owners to intervene before major damage and cleanup costs occur.
Two practical options are available:
- Battery-Powered Moisture Detector (Lower Cost)
A simple battery-operated moisture detector can be placed on the floor near the tank. It sounds an alarm if moisture is detected and beeps when the battery is low.
Advantages: inexpensive and easy for homeowners to install.
Limitation: the alarm sounds only after a leak has already occurred, meaning cleanup and repairs are still necessary.
- Float-Activated Overflow Alarm (Higher Cost, Earlier Warning)
A more effective option is a purpose-designed overflow alarm with a float installed inside the tank and connected to a 120V alarm (with possible battery backup). If the float reaches about an inch to overflow the switch inside it will send a signal to activate a wall mounted alarm. So this system alerts occupants before the tank overflows.
Advantage: early warning prevents unsanitary overflow and allows timely professional intervention.
If the problem persists and the leak is minor it might be prudent to next contact an electrician who can look at the electrical portions and repair as necessary. If it’s only an electrical problem it can likely be remedied right away. If it is a plumbing issue the plumber will need properly functioning electrical in order to complete his repair and the electrician can ensure this is so. FHA members can find contact information for electricians and plumbers with floating home experience in the Members-Only section of the FHA website.