Clogs in the Septic Tank System

One of the most common problems that we see with septic tanks is clogs. If you are experiencing sewage backups in your toilets, showers, sinks, or other plumbing, a clog is probably at fault. Another warning sign is if your drains and toilets are slow and is usually caused by a lack of timely maintenance.

You should get your septic tank pumped regularly, exactly how often depends on factors like how many people use the system. If you do not get your tank pumped regularly, your tank can fill up and cause a backup.

If you have been getting your septic tank maintained, clogs can still occur in the pipe between the house and the septic tank. This is generally an easier issue that can be fixed by a plumber.

 Leaky Septic Tanks

It can be difficult to identify a leaky septic tank, especially if the leak is small. However, the soggy ground above the septic tank is a strong signal of a leakage problem.

Any kind of septic tank can develop a leak. Cement can crack in cold weather and plastic may not hold up over time. Rust damage and poor-quality construction can also cause leaks. The best way to avoid leaks is to keep a regular maintenance schedule and stay on top of any recommended septic replacements. This will help catch developing problems before they become significant.

If you have a leaking septic tank, you should call a septic maintenance company immediately. Wastewater and raw sewage are a significant health hazard and must be fixed quickly.

Tree and Plant Roots Breaking Pipes

 We all love our trees and plants. But if the wrong plants are too close to the septic system, they can break into your line pipes and even the septic tank itself.

Tree and plant roots seek out water anywhere they can, especially during droughts. Sensitive tree root tips can detect slight differences in moisture levels nearby, including the warm water flow in your pipes. From there, the roots will grow in the direction of the water source and potentially break into the tank.

Over time, these roots will grow bigger and cause significant clog or damage to the septic system. This is a tough problem to fix on your own, so you need a professional to cut out those roots and repair the damage to the septic pipe. You can avoid this problem by planting trees far from the septic system so that you reduce the likelihood that the tree roots will damage your septic pipes years later.

Vehicle Damage to the Septic Drain Field

Cars and other vehicles can put far too much pressure on a septic tank or drain field. This weight can cause the earth over the septic system to become heavily packed, which will have a negative impact on distribution lines. Parking heavy vehicles over a septic system are a definite no-no.

Occasionally driving a light vehicle (like an average-sized car) over your drain field is probably fine, but even that can be a problem under wet conditions. It’s a good idea to avoid driving or parking over any part of your septic system.

Digging Errors

Everyone makes mistakes. It’s easy to accidentally hit a pipe or the septic tank when remodeling your yard, installing a new cable line, or re-landscaping your property.

The best way to avoid this issue is to know where your septic tank is to have a map of your septic system and water lines that you can show any professionals who may be doing work around your house.

Excessive Water

This may not seem like an obvious problem, but overworking your septic tank with excessive water could cause problems. Multiple loads of daily laundry, extra-long showers, and daily dishwasher runs might cause your tank to fill up fast if you don’t have the appropriate septic tank size.

Keep an eye out for water backing up in drains or foul odors near the septic tank. These could be signs that your water usage is exceeding the capabilities of your septic tank.

Non-Biodegradable Substances

If you have a septic tank, everything that goes in your garbage disposal, toilets, and drains will eventually end up in the tank. That means everything you flush needs to be biodegradable.

Paper towels, diapers, sanitary wipes,  cigarette butts, and other problematic substances should never go in a septic tank.

Cleaning Substances and Household Chemicals

While cleaning substances seem benign, these chemicals can potentially leave your yard damaged beyond repair if they enter your septic tank. Drain cleaners are particularly corrosive and cause damage to the very pipes you’re trying to clean.

Detergents can also cause problems, especially if used in excess. Many detergents contain surfactants, which often cause problems for septic systems and contaminate groundwater. Less expensive detergents may contain fillers that can easily clump up and clog the septic tank.

You should also avoid putting substances like motor oil, glue, paint, and nail polish remover down the drain.

 Ground Movement

Earthquakes are common in many areas a usually cause cosmic movements, ground movements that often shifts slightly without you noticing. This can put enormous pressure on your septic tank and cause fractures.

If the ground shifts around your septic tank, you may find that your tank backs up and needs to be pumped more often. Groundwater may be able to get into the septic tank through the cracks and may overflow during rainy seasons.

There’s no way to anticipate a wastewater emergency, but you can reduce the chance of it happening by getting regular septic tank maintenance.