Septic tanks are common on residential properties. However, you don’t give it much thought until a plumbing problem arises. What then is it, and how does it work?
This aids in solid waste and wastewater management. It splits into wastewater that rises to the top when it passes down the drain and into the tank. A solid substance that falls to the bottom follows.
The leach field’s perforated pipelines allow the liquid sewage to slowly seep into adjacent soil. Here, the liquid is filtered and dispersed to finally transform into groundwater.
There are several things you should watch out for concerning your sump—see https://www.reedsplumbing.com/septic-systems/tank-pumping/ and consult an expert. Thus, you are aware of when to pump it.
What’s meant by a full septic tank?
This indicates that it is operating at a typical maximum level. This indicates that there is normal operation of the inflow and outtake pipes. The drain field or absorption field of the septic system is receiving the wastewater.
The tank does not remain empty when it is pumped. It will revert to its original full level as soon as you use it once again.
This gets jammed with sludge, so it can fill up. The liquid or wastewater continues to flow through the outflow pipe towards the drainage region even in this scenario. However, excrement or undissolved toilet paper does not decompose.
It frequently results in sewage backup. It occurs when wastewater overflows to the top. However, it is not correctly draining into the area of absorption. Rather, it stays in the output pipe, causing the reservoir to overflow and back up.
How can it be avoided?
Making sure it continues at its peak should be your main priority. Regularly pumping your system and practicing prevention are the finest things you can do.
To get rid of sludge buildup, the US Environmental Protection Agency advises having it pumped every three to five years. That period is determined by a few things:
- The sump’s size.
How many people live in your house? The amount of solid trash and wastewater that your family produces. How can you determine the level of your catch basin? Check out https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/eq401 for further reading.
Your toilet is either difficult to flush or keeps backing up. If the drains in every bathroom and kitchen in your house are difficult to flush or drain slowly. This could mean there’s more to the blockage than meets the eye.
- Your pipes either slowly drain or produce a gurgling sound.
Gurgling occurs when there’s an air pocket within the pipes that stops liquids from draining. The formation of air pockets produces a gurgling sound.
These problems can also be caused by other things. This includes clogged or blocked drains caused by paper residue, hair, or dirt.
- Suddenly, your lawn is covered in lush, green grass.
This could appear to be an odd sewage backup symptom. However, if the neighboring grass doesn’t seem as healthy as the grass surrounding your catchbasin. This can indicate that your system needs to be pumped.
- The water in your yard begins to collect.
Your sump may be overflowing if you have observed standing water or spilling. There is a scent of wastewater.
- You might smell sewage in your yard or house.
Toilets and drains may be the source of these smells. They can suggest that you are experiencing cesspit flow issues. This may occur if gasses are trapped by a blockage in the ventilation system.
Methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide are among them. Therefore, if you smell strong sewage, you need to call a professional.
- Backup of sewage in the drains.
If you observe that the drains in your shower and bathtub are backing up raw sewage. It is best to contact a plumbing service right away. This kind of sewage backup might be dangerous for your health or cause damage.
If your sump overflows, what should you do?
- Once you get access to the problem, turn off all of the water supply in your house and don’t use it again.
- Verify the drain field’s water level. Your septic system may be experiencing standing water as a result of flooding. You may read this for more information.
- Think about the weather right now and how it could contribute to an excessively saturated drain field. Has the last few days seen a lot of rain? You should give it a few days to find out if that resolves the issue if this is the problem.
- Always get in touch with experts. But before they can deal with your case, you could be forced to wait for the earth to dry out. Debris like mud and other things could enter the reservoir. If your tank is pumped when the earth is excessively damp, this could cause harm.
If it’s filling up too quickly, what can you do?
- Water continues to fill the tank.
A clog may eventually result from the solid waste being forced into the distribution pipes. Or the excess may increase in the reservoir above usual levels. If excessive wastewater is entering the drainage system at once, this can happen.
Prevention:
- Reduce the volume of water that is running down the drains.
- Make sure downspouts and drainage systems are directed against your tank.
- Just one shower should be taken at a time in your home.
- Wash your garments several days apart rather than all at once.
- To assist in reducing the water flow, you can also install energy-efficient showerheads and faucets.
- Your drain field frequently becomes wet or plugged.
- To assist with absorbing some rainfall, cover the drain field with grass or flowers with shallow roots. It’s crucial to remember that you shouldn’t ever plant larger plants. Considering that tree or shrub roots can harm your septic system.
- To keep extra rainwater out of your septic tank, dig trenches.
- Installing gutters or storm drains facing your septic system is never a good idea.
- Reduce the volume of water and drainage you use while it’s raining a lot.
- Avoid traversing the drain field with large vehicles. This might affect the soil and make it more difficult for it to absorb water.