5 Reasons You're Experiencing Septic Issues

If your home has its own septic system, you want to make sure it functions well so you don't have to deal with raw sewage. Know the common problems that affect septic systems so that you can avoid them.

1. System Overload

A common issue is that too much wastewater is flowing into the system. This can occur for many reasons. One common issue is that your household size or water usage patterns have increased since the system was installed, so the system is no longer sized appropriately to your household. Installing water-saving appliances and taps, as well as minimizing water use, can solve the issue. Poor drainage from your house, such as guttering that runs off toward the septic field, can also lead to a system overload. You must reroute drainage to fix the problem.

2. Physical Damage

Physical damage can occur due to using machinery or digging near the tank, lines, or drain field. Most of these accidents are easily avoided with advance planning. Roots can also cause damage to septic components. Tree roots are known to invade lines and fields. Another common cause of physical damage is ground shifting. If the soil shifts, it can warp or crush sewer lines and loosen fittings.

3. Failed Components

Many of the components in your septic system have a finite lifespan. Seals will eventually give out, hoses will fail, filters become clogged, and pump motors can break down. Fortunately, an annual inspection of your septic system will catch component failure in the early stages when repairs can still easily be made. Make sure to schedule these inspections if you don't want to chance major failure and a septic leak.

4. Infrequent Pumping

Failure to pump on a regular schedule leads to an overflowing septic tank and sewage backups into the home. How often you pump depends on your household size, water usage, and septic tank capacity, but most homes need to schedule a pumping every one to three years. If your drains are emptying slowly or septic odors are coming into your home, a pumping is past due.

5. Drainfield Damage

A damaged drainfield can compromise your entire septic system because the effluent will come to the surface instead of filtering through the field properly. Drainfield damage can be caused by flooding, tree roots, or using heavy equipment on top of the field. If you have standing water in your field or smell sewage odors from the field frequently, it's time to schedule septic service.

Contact a septic tank contractor for more assistance.