1. Stop Running Water. The first thing to do when your septic system starts backing up is stop running water. Most people forget that when sewage starts flowing into their home it’s because the water they are using does not have anywhere to go, stop running water and the flow of sewage will stop!
- The most important step you can take is to prevent a septic tank backup in the first place. Here are some preventive suggestions: Make sure your septic tank is always biologically active. Don’t use antibacterial soaps and cleaners that drain to the tank.
What causes a septic tank to back flow?
Hydraulic overloading occurs when too much water rushes into the septic system at once, causing wastewater to back up into your drains. Space out high-volume activities like laundry, showering and running the dishwasher. Also, remember that unusually wet weather can contribute to hydraulic overloading.
How do you divert water out of a septic tank?
Avoid altering the slope of your landscape to ensure water drains away from the drain field as intended by the builder. Angle your gutters in a way that diverts water from the drainfield. Have new ditches dug to divert excess water from your yard and drainfield.
Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?
Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.
What is a backwater prevention valve?
The backwater valve is designed to automatically shut to prevent leakage out of the plumbing fixture if sewage from an obstructed public sewer backs up the owner’s drain line.
How do you fix a flooded septic tank?
4 Things to Do When Your Septic Tank Is Flooded
- Check the Groundwater Level. Drainfields for septic tanks are normally between 2 to 4 feet from the top of the soil.
- Wait to Pump Until the Ground Dries.
- Reduce Water Sent Down the Drain.
- Make Changes to Help Your Newly Pumped Septic System.
How do you fix a clogged drain field?
While a clogged drain field cannot be snaked out and cleared like a drain pipe, you can take steps to alleviate the problem.
- Shock the System With Bacteria.
- Reduce Water Usage.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals.
- Change to Gentler Toilet Paper and Soap.
- Contact a Septic Professional.
Why is my septic tank full of water?
The water flow backs up when your drain field floods, causing the water level in your septic tank to rise. Other common issues are plumbing and excess water use. The septic system functions as a step-by-step process which takes time to complete.
Can I take a shower if my septic tank is full?
Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.
Will a drain field dry out?
The remaining liquid evaporates or penetrates far beneath the surface. That is, unless the surface is saturated. If your drainfield is taking on more water than it can absorb, it never has a chance to dry out and make room for more water. As long as your family is awake, you’re sending water to that drainfield.
How long does it take for a drain field to dry out?
Except for mound systems, most drainfields are 2 to 4 feet below the ground surface. The groundwater will take time to recede to the level of the bottom of the drainfield. This could happen within a week or two or require a couple of months.
How do I keep groundwater out of my septic tank?
Here are some suggestions to help your septic system deal with high water table:
- Reduce water use in the house.
- Check faucets, shower heads, toilets, sinks and any other water using device for leaks and repair them as soon as possible.
- Don’t direct water from a basement sump pump into the septic system.
4 Steps to Preventing Septic Backflow and Flooding
In either case, whether you construct a septic system or move into a property that already has one, be sure it has a sufficient capacity to accommodate not just your family but also any visitors you want to welcome on a regular basis. This will aid in reducing the likelihood of backflow caused by poor sizing of the pipeline. The location of your new system should be in an area where you do not intend to grow anything other than grass, and it should be far away from any parking places if you are installing one for the first time.
Septic system inspections are recommended for new homeowners who are moving into homes with existing systems.
Regardless of whether you’re purchasing or installing, you should check to see whether there are any trees in the vicinity (or, if there are, have them removed) since tree roots can get into the pipes and produce blockages, which can result in backups.
2. Install a Preventive Mechanism
A backflow preventer is an absolute essential. Even if you keep your system in good working order, having a physical device to protect your house from contamination is still beneficial, not only to alleviate concerns, but also to act as an additional safeguard against the possibility of contamination. If your septic system becomes old, infested with tree roots, or clogged as a result of something your child flushed down the toilet, this extra precaution might prove to be lifesaving.
3. Keep your Septic System Healthy
It is important to keep that child from flushing objects down the toilet as this will help to maintain the system clear of clogging. In fact, make sure that everyone in the household understands that they should not flush anything that might harm the system (or put them down any other drain). The following are examples of objects that should never be flushed down the toilet or into the septic tank:
- Trash as a generalization
- Aside from the quantity utilized to clean the toilet bowl, there are no chemicals. Anything other than toilet paper
- Any sort of paper other than toilet tissue Baby wipes, flushable wipes, or any other type of wet wipes are acceptable. waste from the preparation of food (coffee grounds, grease, or crumbs)
- Medications (whether prescribed or otherwise)
- And Dental flossers, dental floss, toothbrushes, and other hygiene goods are available.
Other than watching what goes down the drain, you’ll need to have your tank pumped periodically and annually examined to ensure that it’s in good working order for the long run. Maintain a safe distance between the septic drain field and stormwater.
4. Handle the System Gently When the Weather Is Extra Wet
Finally, you just need to be aware of the inherent limits of a water treatment system that relies on the earth to treat the water. If there is a particularly heavy downpour that entirely soaks the ground, the system may treat water more slowly when the ground is saturated. If there is a particularly heavy rainstorm that completely soaks the ground, the system may appear to completely halt for a while. When this occurs, make every effort to give your septic system as much time off as you possibly can.
These suggestions should assist you in maintaining the health and safety of your septic system, as well as drastically reducing the likelihood of suffering sewage backup.
ContactBowen’s Septic Environmental immediately if you would like more information on how to maintain your septic system healthy and free of blockages and backups.
Septic Tank Backup: Warning Signs & How To Fix It
It is no one’s desire to rip up their grass in order to pay for a pricey septic tank repair. Having a thorough understanding of your tank and a sharp eye for difficulties implies that you can foresee problems and the entirety of your system’s renovation.
How Does A Septic Tank Work?
A basic septic tank is composed of two components: Watertight subterranean tank for storing sludge and wastes 2) and a drain field, which treats and filters water as it returns to the soil after being drained. When everything is running correctly, this mechanism keeps potentially hazardous material in situ and only allows treated water to escape. All that is required is that the waste be pumped out every few years, and the system will continue to operate properly. However, if you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that this isn’t always the case.
Why Do Septic Tanks Backup?
A backed-up septic tank is a major headache that can occur for a variety of reasons. Some events are under your control, while others may occur at any time. Septic tank backlog can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are listed below: Flooding: When heavy rains soak the earth around a septic tank, the tank may have a difficult time emptying correctly, leading to flooding. The trash and the clean water will mix together and run out simultaneously if there is no dry soil to absorb the pure water.
- Tanks are available in a variety of sizes.
- Unsatisfactory Installation: Unless you built your home from the ground up, you may not be aware of who constructed your septic system or how old it is.
- Before purchasing a new house, make sure to get the septic tank inspected.
- Only rubbish and toilet paper should ever be flushed.
- If you’re not sure whether anything is flushable, look to see if the box says “septic safe.” If it doesn’t, toss it in the garbage!
- Growing tree roots may even cause obstructions in pipes as they creep into cracks and crevices.
- Make sure your tank is well marked and that any prospective traffic is kept away from it.
Warning Signs of a Backed Up Septic System (And What to do About It!)
It might be difficult to determine the signs of a backed-up septic tank at first glance.
At first sight, you could dismiss any of these warning indicators as being inconsequential. However, it is critical to take all of these warnings seriously and to conduct an investigation into the matter. Identify whether any of these warning indicators are present in your house.
- Was it a while ago that you had your septic tank drained and cleaned? In the absence of a regular cleaning routine, you may notice sewage backups in your toilet as well as slow draining sinks and bathtubs in your bathroom. This is an indication of blockages. Without frequent pumping, a septic tank fills up with solid waste and enables contaminated water to pass through
- However, the unclean, polluted water has nowhere to go and must be pumped out regularly.
- Your driveway or sidewalk may be gradually rising due to tree roots if you see bumps in the road or uneven surfaces. There are a few different approaches you may use to deal with roots in your septic system. It is the most lasting method if you are ready to part with the tree, removing it totally, removing and replacing it with new pipes. Newer, stronger plastic pipes are designed to withstand tree roots and are an excellent alternative to metal pipes. Alternatively, you may pour a root-killing solution down the drain to prevent future development.
- In one spot of your yard, do you have a clump of vivid green grass growing? If it hasn’t rained in a while, have you seen pools of water in unexpected places? Your septic system’s leaky pipes are clearly visible in these conditions.
- It is a strong indication that you have a septic tank backlog if your home begins to smell like a sewer. If sewage cannot adequately drain down into the tank, the only option is for it to flow back up the pipes.
If you have seen one or more of these warning signals, it is imperative that you take action before the issue spirals out of control, since there are serious implications to having a clogged septic system.
Dangers of a Backed Up Septic Tank
A clogged septic tank may cause far more serious problems than just a puddle of water in your shower. Septic backflow is a serious health threat for you and your family, since it is a carrier of illness. In sewage, drug leftovers, human waste, fungi, viruses, and bacteria can all be found in large quantities. If you see any sewage backup bubbling into your house, call for expert aid in disinfecting your home. When you have a clogged septic tank, water damage is a definite possibility. Septic tank leakage in your house may severely harm your flooring and walls, as well as the rest of your property.
Untreated sewage from your clogged septic system can have far-reaching consequences for the ecology surrounding your property.
If you see signs of a clogged septic system, you should either attempt to fix it yourself or hire a professional like All Dry USA to do the work for you.
How To Fix Septic Tank Backup
The most effective technique to repair a septic tank is through regular maintenance. If you have a big family, make sure you get your system pumped every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if necessary. Regular pumping will hopefully save a giant backhoe from ripping up your yard and repairing a sewage tank that has broken down on you. Check to ensure that your float switch is functioning properly. This will automatically turn off the system and shut off your water supply to prevent a potential backup from occurring.
Snakes may be obtained at any hardware shop and are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the size of your pipes.
Calling (866) 313-0458 at any time of day or night to speak with All Dry USA about your backed-up septic tank is a terrific answer.
As a result of our more than ten years of repair experience, we haven’t come across an obstruction, a pipe, or a septic tank that we couldn’t clear out and put back in working condition.
Ben possesses a wide range of specialized qualifications and certifications in the fields of repair and building. Ben Suiskind’s most recent blog entries (See all of them)
4 Things to Do When Your Septic Tank Is Flooded
If your neighborhood has recently been flooded or has been subjected to strong rains, you may discover that your toilet isn’t flushing properly and that your drains are draining more slowly than usual. It is possible that raw sewage will back up into your tub and sink drains. Drains that are slow or clogged may signal that the water table has risen over the level of your septic field and septic tank. If you believe that your septic system has been flooded, there are four things you should do immediately.
- Check the level of groundwater in your area.
- Septic tanks are typically located a few feet below the surface of the earth.
- If you are aware of the location of your septic tank and drainfield, you should check the water level in the area to ensure that flooding is not a concern.
- When there isn’t any evident standing water in the area, use a probe to check the water level or an auger to dig deep into the earth to find out how much water is there.
- If your tests reveal that the water level is higher than the top of the septic tank, you should immediately cease utilizing the tank.
- 2.
- Until the Ground Becomes Dry When you believe that your septic system has been flooded, contact a septic pumping specialist immediately; however, you must wait until the earth has become less soggy before having your tank drained.
- If a septic tank is pumped out when the earth is saturated, it may potentially float out of its location.
- Following a decrease in the water table level, it is necessary to pump your system as quickly as feasible.
- 3.
- Approximately 70 gallons of water are flushed down the toilet per person every day in the average home.
The first step is to check for leaks in all of your fixtures. An inoperable toilet flapper or fill mechanism can leak up to 200 gallons per day, creating a backup of water that your flooded septic system doesn’t have room for. Other suggestions for keeping water out of the drains are as follows:
- Prepare meals that don’t require cooking, such as sandwiches. Disposable flatware, such as paper plates and paper cups, should be used. Showers are preferable to baths because they are shorter. Save the rinse water and put it to good use on the plants. Only flush the toilet when absolutely essential
If your clothes washing machine drains into your main sewage line, it can cause a significant amount of water to be discharged into your septic system. Wash your garments at the laundry until the water table begins to fall below the surface. In the event that you must use the washing machine, wash only modest loads and wait a few hours between each load of laundry. 4. Make modifications to your septic system to make it more efficient. After your septic tank has been drained and your house drainage system has been restored to working order, you should make certain modifications to your system in order to minimize flooding problems in the future.
During a septic emergency, the backflow preventer prevents waste water from entering your home or building.
Also, check to be that your yard’s storm drainage does not overflow into your septic field and storage tank area.
When your septic system is inundated, call Eckmayer Inc right away.
Protecting Your Septic System From Flooding
Septic waste can back up into your home during floods, and there are precautions you can do to minimize the risk of this happening. Photograph courtesy of George Hurd of Penn State Extension A buildup of water in your septic system’s drainfield might lead it to overload, which can cause the treatment of your wastewater to slow down or stop completely. If this occurs, you face the risk of septic waste backing up into your home, which is particularly dangerous if your drainfield becomes plugged.
- There are measures that you may take now to assist secure your system before this occurs, if you choose.
- Rainwater collected on rooftops and driveways should be channeled away from the septic tank and drainfield for disposal.
- To encourage rainwater to flow off of your system rather than onto it, the soil above your system should be somewhat mounding up.
- Have your septic system examined at least once a year.
- The sludge and scum levels in the tank should be examined on a regular basis, and the drainfield should be monitored for smells, damp areas, and surface sewage on a regular basis.
- This is an extremely crucial stage in the ongoing maintenance process.
It is recommended that you have a licensed plumber install a backflow preventer on the building sewer if you live in an area that is susceptible to flooding, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency factsheet, “What To Do With Your Septic System During A Flood.” If you live in a flood-prone area, you should have a backflow preventer installed on the building sewer so that sewage does not backup into your home during a flood.
Because there is some worry that a basic check valve may fail to close correctly, sewage may back up into the residence, it is advised that a backflow preventer be installed.
Additional information on managing your septic system during a flood can be found in the U.S.
More Information
- The National Environmental Services Center may be reached at 800-624-8301, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection can be found by searching for “Onlot Disposal System.”
Steps to Take When Your Septic Tank Backs Up
Septic tanks are a way of life for many people in rural regions, and for good reason. The most of the time, they are out of sight and out of mind. That is, unless something goes wrong and the septic tank begins to back up into the house. Then there’s an issue, and then there’s a big mess. In addition, there is the matter of what to do. If your septic tank does begin to back up, there are a few things you may take to resolve the situation.
How a Septic Tank Works
The first step in resolving a septic problem is to have an understanding of how a septic tank truly operates and functions. A septic system is composed of three components:
- Your toilet, sink, and tub all have lines or pipes that go from them that use gravity to transport waste outdoors to a holding tank. Essentially, the holding tank serves as a bacterial chamber for breaking down solids. Then there’s the disposal field, which distributes liquids such that they may be absorbed into the earth over time. In the event of a blockage or obstruction in any one of these components, a septic backup will occur.
Types of Septic Tanks
There are three basic types of septic tank materials: concrete, plastic, and metal. The first is made of concrete, the second of fiberglass, and the third is made of polycarbonate plastic. The difference between them is the pricing range they provide as well as the strength or durability of their products. All of them do the same duty of collecting waste and separating solids from liquids, but the materials used in their construction have no effect on backup. It is the overall design of your septic tank “system” that makes the most impact in the frequency of septic tank backups.
One is straightforward and relies on gravity to empty your waste into a holding tank.
Because it is pressurized, the second septic system is more complicated than the first.
The spilling liquid is then gravity-fed into a second, smaller tank located downstream of the original.
Steps to Take When Fixing a Septic Tank
Now that you understand how septic systems function and whatever type you have, you must identify the source of the problem and take the necessary actions to correct it.
- Isolate the source of the obstruction. To begin, open the tank lid and check the amount of the liquid within the tank. If the tank level is low, this indicates that there is a barrier upstream between the home and the tank. If the tank is completely filled, you’ll have a downstream problem
- Look for a power interruption or a jammed float switch to rule out. Usually, restoring one of these will restore your system to its previous state
- Inviting a professional with the skills and instruments to externally remove the obstruction is a good idea. This involves the use of cameras to determine the exact source and position of the obstruction, as well as augers to remove the impediment.
Septic Tank Backup Prevention
The most critical action you can take is to avoid a septic tank backlog from occurring in the first place, as described above. Here are some recommendations for prevention:
- Always check to see that your septic tank is still biologically active. Use of antibacterial soaps and cleansers that leak into the tank is discouraged. Never use the system to dispose of rubbish or other alien things. By their very nature, human waste is biologically active, but raw food scraps are not. Garburators are extremely dangerous criminals. Planting trees in close proximity to your sewage lines is not recommended. It is well known that tree roots will search for water and nutrients within sewage pipes. You should avoid operating heavy machines over sewer lines since they will puncture and obstruct them in no time. Moreover, lines are readily crushed and damaged
With a little forethought, you can ensure that your septic tank continues to function for an extended period of time with little or no maintenance. That’s exactly what it’s intended to do.
What To Do If Your Septic Tank Overflows
A regular part of everyday life for people who have grown up in rural settings, septic tanks are a common occurrence. They are literally out of sight and out of mind since they are buried beneath the ground. Up to the point when anything goes awry. The subterranean world may be a difficult place to navigate, and you may be blissfully unconscious of any problems growing in the background of your life. That is, until it emerges from beneath the surface. It’s also important to be aware of some of the most prevalent septic tank concerns.
After that, there’s the matter of what you can do.
This is mostly dependent on how dire your circumstances are. Hopefully, it’s a short cure and an empty bottle would suffice, but it may be something far more serious. In either case, following the procedures outlined below will put you on the correct track.
Step 1: Stop using water.
This may seem like an obvious initial step, but it must be taken nonetheless. This point has been reached, and adding any further water to it will cause the system to fail much more severely. You will only contribute to the problem’s escalation. As a result, the first step is to shut down the source. If you are able to entirely eliminate the use of water in your house, that would be perfect. At the very least, you should dramatically minimize your consumption and limit your use to to the bare necessities.
Step 2: Find the cause of the overflow.
It is possible for a septic tank to overflow due to a number of different circumstances. Some of these factors are under your control, while others are not. The next step is to figure out what caused the overflow to occur in the first place. For example, an overflow does not always indicate that there is a problem with your storage tank. Your septic tank will only be capable of holding a specific amount of waste. If you go over this point, the water will overflow. Even if the tank is in excellent condition, flooding it with a large amount of water at once will have just one result.
- There are an excessive number of individuals having showers and utilizing an excessive amount of water in a short period of time. Is there a lot of rain right now? Maybe the water from the leach field backed up onto your garden, flooding your yard and causing a backup into the tank
- When was the last time you had the tank emptied? Isn’t it past time? It is possible that it is overflowing with solid waste, leaving little room for liquids. You’re experiencing a snag. Check the level of septic tank sludge in your tank. If the tank level is low, this indicates that there is a barrier upstream between the home and the tank. If the tank is completely filled, you’ll have an issue further down the line. Make a visual inspection of your drainage field. Here is where you should look for evidence of damage. It is possible, however, that it has failed as a result of age and must be replaced.
Step 3: Take Action. Or not.
What you do next will be determined by what you believe to be the underlying source of the problem. If you have had your tank emptied within the previous year, the overflow might be caused by rain or excessive water consumption. Perhaps you’ll be able to wait it out in this situation. Make careful to use as little water as possible for a few days until the tank drains into the leach field if you do this. If the problem remains after a few days, it is possible that there is a blockage or a leak in the tank itself.
- Either way, it’s a good thing.
- A septic service may remove solid waste from the tank, allowing more space for liquid waste to accumulate.
- The intervals between emptyings are recommended to be every 3-5 years.
- Please keep everyone out of the yard until the situation has been rectified.
- It is possible that dangerous microorganisms from untreated sewage are present.
Is it your drainage field?
The drainage field should be the next point of contact after your tank has been emptied and examined and no problems have been discovered. Here is where you should look for evidence of damage. It is possible, however, that it has failed as a result of age and must be replaced. When a CCTV camera assessment is performed, it may reveal that the plumbing is not damaged but is full of water, and/or that water is flowing back into the septic tank after it has been emptied, even if there is no damage.
As a result, it may be a symptom that the device has simply ceased operating and that it requires repair or replacement.
How to stop your septic tank from overflowing
A septic tank system is susceptible to a wide range of issues and malfunctions. Some of these factors are under your control, while others are not. Keeping up with maintenance and monitoring the overall health of a septic tank is critical for septic tank owners. Listed below are some simple steps you may take to lessen the probability of your septic tank overflowing in the future.
1. Be careful with what you flush
One of the most prevalent causes of septic tank overflows is the introduction of items into the system that are harmful to the system’s functioning. In septic tanks, there are millions of bacteria that work together to break down the materials drained into them. Certain compounds, on the other hand, will destroy these germs. Your tank will fill up prematurely if these solids are not removed from the system. Listed below are some objects that should never be allowed to enter your septic system.
- Tampons and other feminine hygiene products
- Harsh home cleansers or chemicals (bleach and the like)
- Nappies
- Condoms
- Coffee grinds
- Plastics
- Dryer sheets
- Paper towels
- Grease
- And other such items.
The most straightforward method of avoiding polluting your septic tank is straightforward. If it didn’t make it into your mouth, don’t flush it down the toilet.
2. Keep an eye on those roots
You can run into issues with your septic tank if you have a few trees in close proximity to it. The natural tendency of roots is to seek water, and they have been observed to pass through drain pipes in order to obtain it. Tree roots may wreak havoc on your septic tank system, resulting in the need for costly repairs. Maintain a distance of at least thirty feet between your septic system and trees and deep-rooted plants. Planting new ones in the vicinity of your septic tank is strongly discouraged.
3. No Parking
You should avoid putting anything heavy on or near your septic tank or drainage field unless absolutely necessary. Any amount of weight might compress the soil and cause harm to the system. This might cause damage to the pipes and cause drainage to be reduced. Your system will overflow if you do not provide appropriate drainage. 4. Maintain your vehicle on a regular basis. It’s easy to forget about this until it’s too late, but the good news is that it’s a simple problem to correct. Understanding your tanks’ emptying intervals and keeping a note of them are the most important things you can do.
This will vary from family to household, though, due to a variety of circumstances.
Scum and solids will find their way into the drainage field, preventing it from functioning properly.
5. Prepare for holiday seasons
This is just to keep on the safe side and shouldn’t really be a problem right now. If you’re expecting friends and family round in the future when you can actually do that, it may be best to have your tank emptied before they come round. This is purely to take into account the increase usage on your system. D-tox have been running for nearly 30 years and between all of our staff, we have a wealth of experience. If you are in need of a service or simply some friendly advice, call us on 0800 999 2260 or email us at info @dtox.org.
Services that are related Septic Tank Cleaning and Emptying Service Continuing Your Education Signs that your septic tank needs to be emptied Is it necessary to empty your septic tank on a regular basis? What is a septic tank and how does it work? How does one go about their business?
AVOID PAPER PROBLEMS IN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
Septic systems provide a safe means to dispose of waste for homeowners who live in locations without access to a municipal sewage system. If you have a septic system, you are surely aware that there are a variety of items that should not be flushed down the toilet. All of the following items: cat litter, dental floss, and antibacterial cleaning products can all cause harm to your septic system with continued use. The majority of homeowners believe that paper goods are safe to dispose of in a septic system when it comes to paper products.
- You may avoid the dangers of paper products in your septic system by not flushing typical clog-causing materials down your toilet or sink drains.
- Toilet paper is classified as a solid in your septic tank, and it is disposed of accordingly.
- Despite the fact that the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank can assist to minimize sludge over time, you should still have your tank pumped on a regular basis to avoid the sludge layer from growing too thick and blocking your drains.
- Using this method, you can simply lengthen the amount of time between pump-outs while also preventing huge bits of toilet paper from being lodged in your septic system.
- Instead, look for toilet paper that has been labeled as “septic-safe” or “recycled.” Toilet paper that is septic-safe has been thoroughly tested and proved to degrade swiftly.
- Additionally, recycled toilet paper has short strands that break apart quickly, reducing the likelihood of clogging.
- Many people consider facial tissues to be of the same caliber as toilet paper, and they are correct.
The unfortunate reality is that flushing face tissue into your septic system may put your system at danger.
In truth, facial tissue is engineered to be tough enough to withstand the moisture and pressure that is generated when you blow your nose without splitting or breaking apart.
The trapped tissue can capture other materials that are traveling through your drain pipes, resulting in a clog that totally limits the passage of waste and wastewater that is moving through your septic system and into the environment.
When a large amount of facial tissue is flushed down your drains, you may discover that solid waste is being pushed into your drainfield or that the baffles in your septic tank are not operating correctly.
It is critical that you use caution while flushing any form of paper product down your toilet or down your sink drain.
Contact Upstate Septic Tank, LLC if you suspect that you have flushed potentially hazardous papers into your septic system. We can assist you in removing the paper issues and restoring the performance and efficiency of your septic system.
How the Rainy Season Can Ruin Your Septic System
As the rainy season continues, homeowners should be aware of the dangers linked with septic systems and take precautions. After or during periods of severe rain, it is typical for septic systems to backup. However, there are certain preventative actions that may be taken to aid. This article describes the symptoms of a septic backlog as well as ways to avoid future problems.
Ground Flooding
Significant rainfall has the potential to immediately flood the ground. The soil area surrounding the septic tank is responsible for absorbing the water that drains from the septic system. However, if an excessive amount of rainwater has already accumulated around the septic tanks, there is nowhere for the water to drain. Because there is no route out, the water backs up into the home’s drainage system. If there has been ground flooding, the toilets may not flush properly and the water may drain extremely slowly.
Clogged Drainfields
A drain field is an area around a septic tank where water can be flushed out into the surrounding environment. Even if it hasn’t rained enough to create standing water, wet soil around the septic tank prevents water from draining away from the system properly. This indicates that septic water has backed up into the house and is causing an odor. If the water is not treated, it can overflow from the floor, shower drains, and toilets, causing flooding. A specialist may be called to evaluate the tank and the system if any of these indicators are present.
How To Prevent Overflow During Rainy Season
There are various things that homeowners may take to keep the soil around their septic systems from becoming saturated or flooded. Generally speaking, these issues are only problematic if the system is not well maintained.
- Pump the sewage tank: Septic tanks must be pumped on a regular basis to prevent them from overflowing. This will vary depending on the size of the tank, thus it is necessary to become familiar with the system. Making certain that the tank is drained out before the rainy season might help to minimize flooding, even when it is raining. However, if the residence has a tiny tank, it may be refilled in a matter of days. Install the risers and lids as follows: Many underground storage tanks are inaccessible because they are located far beneath. Most pros propose digging it up and installing risers with caps to protect it from the elements. As a result, repairs may be handled more quickly and efficiently, saving the homeowner money. When there is a problem, digging up the tank will be more expensive if there are no risers installed. Direct runoff is a type of runoff that occurs when water is poured directly into a drain. A drainage path that is separate from the drainage field can help to prevent the surrounding soil from getting too saturated. Make sure the gutters on your property are pointing away from the drainage field and that they are clean of debris. Check out the baffle tees: Baffle tees are fittings that are installed within the tank on the sidewalls of the pipes to prevent the flow of water. These assist in stopping the flow of water while allowing incoming water to flow into the tank. Making certain that they are properly placed and free of debris might assist in keeping the tank running smoothly throughout the rainy season.
About Marc Francis Plumbing
Marc Francis Plumbing, based in Johnson City, Tennessee, has been providing high-quality plumbing services for over 25 years to the community. Their qualified and insured experts are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are committed to providing high-quality service and communication. Call them right now if you need plumbing services!
How to unclog your leach field
A SHOCK TREATMENT CAN SAVE YOU UP TO $150. The leach field, also known as a drain field, is the area where effluent from the septic tank is disposed of. In this stage of the septic system, a network of perforated PVC drain pipes, crushed stone, and a layer of unsaturated soil are combined to form a septic system. Gravity is typically responsible for the movement of wastewater from the septic tank to the leaching bed. Nevertheless, when the conditions do not permit the use of gravity to transport the wastewater to the leaching bed, a pumping station can be utilized to transport the wastewater to the leaching bed.
Final filtering is carried out by the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms that further purify the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater table.
This natural cleansing technique helps to keep groundwater from being contaminated. It does, however, become clogged from time to time. In this essay, you will learn how to clear your leach field.
How is a leach field made?
It is critical that the leaching bed functions well in the wastewater treatment system, and if it does not, the entire system will be adversely affected. It is also critical to prevent structural problems from occurring in the first place by ensuring that the building is designed correctly. As a result, only fully licensed contractors are permitted to do such a project. But, first and foremost, you will need to conduct a percolation test as well as a comprehensive review by an engineering professional.
A quick percolation rate is seen in sandy soils; whereas, a sluggish percolation rate is found in clay soils.
In order for a soil to be considered excellent, its percolation rate should not be too high or too low.
If, on the other hand, it takes more than an hour for the water to settle, this indicates that the effluent is not infiltrating quickly enough, which might result in backflow difficulties.
Steps followed when building a leach field
- The moment has come to start digging the trenches after all of the testing have been performed and the building plan has been finalized and approved by the project team. The number of trenches that will need to be built depends on the size of the septic tank and the volume of wastewater that will be released into the leaching field throughout the construction process. Each trench should have the same breadth as the others (approximately 3-4 feet). In addition, the ditches should have a modest downhill slope to them. Following the excavation of the trenches, they should be filled with crushed stone. The crushed stone bed should be at least one to one and a half inches thick and evenly distributed throughout the ditches. This procedure is critical because it enables for more effective drainage of the effluent under the perforated pipes
- Nevertheless, it is not required. The perforated pipes are then laid on top of a bed of crushed stone to allow for proper drainage. Crushed stone is then placed on top of the perforated pipes to ensure that they are securely attached — enough to prevent them from moving or getting misaligned over time. A layer of crushed stone between 1 and 3 inches thick should enough.
- Following that, a geotextile membrane is laid over the crushed stones. When the membrane is in place, soil or dirt cannot slip between the crushed stones and cause a blockage in the leaching bed. If you haven’t already, install a drain line from the septic tank to the leach field pipes. Finally, the trenches are filled with dirt to make them more level and to make the surface of the leach field more consistent in appearance. After that, you may cover the area with a covering of grass. And, at all costs, avoid planting anything else in or near this part of the yard.
How long does a septic leach field last?
Weeping beds should last at least 25 years if they are well-maintained, but they may live much longer or shorter depending on a variety of conditions. The majority of leaching fields collapse as a result of biological or hydraulic overstress. Hydraulic overload occurs when an excessive amount of water is discharged into the septic tank. Consequently, it is advised that duties such as washing be spread out throughout the course of the week rather than being completed in a single weekend session.
When an excessive amount of organic material enters the leaching field, this is referred to as biological overloading.
The only solid waste that should be disposed of in your septic system is toilet paper and human waste (feces).
Because of the high activity of the bacterial flora in your system, Bio-Sol’sSepti +can help to avoid biological overload in your system.
What is clogging your leach field?
The leaching bed, like the septic tank, is not meant to survive indefinitely. All leaching fields will need to be replaced at some point in the future. However, with careful care and maintenance, your leaching bed should last for many years, if not for a lifetime. The leaching bed utilizes aerobic bacteria on the receiving soil to filter wastewater before it reaches the groundwater table, preventing groundwater contamination. These bacteria decompose organic materials and aid in the elimination of viruses as well as the reduction of nutrients in wastewater.
Clogging in the leaching bed, on the other hand, causes this process to be slowed down, resulting in unavoidable environmental contamination. So, before we look at how to clear your leach field, let’s have a look at what’s causing the problem.
Biomat
During the wastewater treatment process, a black, gelatinous layer forms beneath the distribution pipes as the wastewater passes through the leach field. Rather than sludge, this layer is really a biomaterial sludge known as “biomat.” Because the biomat is waterproof, it significantly minimizes the amount of wastewater that percolates into the soil. In most cases, this biomat is formed of organic waste and anaerobic bacteria that have attached themselves to the soil or broken stone. The organic stuff in the effluent provides food for these bacteria.
- Contrary to this, it aids in the further filtering of wastewater by reducing the rate of infiltration and retaining the organic matter before the water is allowed to reach the soil.
- More black gelatinous sludge builds up in the trenches, the more difficult it will be for the wastewater to permeate and subsequently percolate into the soil as a result of the accumulation.
- As soon as sewage begins to back up, it will always flow to the spot that provides the least amount of resistance.
- When this occurs, the objective should not be to entirely remove the biomat from the environment.
- It is important to note that good care and maintenance of the system will assist in preventing such an imbalance, which will save you a great deal of headache (like having to unclog your leach field).
How do you know if your leach field is failing?
It goes without saying that the most visible indicator of a failing leaching bed is when wastewater overflows and reaches the surface. The effluent will rise to the top of the soil or, in certain situations, will pour out the end of the trenches if the receiving soil in the leaching bed is unable to absorb any more water from the receiving soil. The most common reason for the effluent to stop flowing is due to an excessive amount of biomatis being created. Check out the following indicators to determine if you need to unclog your leach field:.
Sluggish drains and toilets
Prior to the drain field failing altogether, you may notice that water is draining through the home at a slower rate. The drains will continue to function as long as there is enough space for the water to flow. On the other hand, it is possible that the water is draining more slowly. If you neglect this problem, which is caused by the leach field, the situation will deteriorate over time and become more serious.
It is possible that the septic tank will become overflowing and that the water will be unable to penetrate into the earth at all. Of course, there are a variety of other plumbing issues that can cause slow drains, so we urge that you search for other indicators as well.
Septic odors
Septic tank scents might be detected in the vicinity of the leaching area or within the house itself. Another sign that the leaching field is failing is the presence of rust. Due to the fact that it is so uncomfortable, this is perhaps one of the easiest indicators to recognize. To determine if you are experiencing the rotten egg smell, first check to see if there has been a buildup of organic material in the plumbing system. You may either use an ecologically friendly drain cleaner (such as SeptiDrain) or check your septic tank for abnormally high water levels to resolve the problem.
Sewage backing up in the house
In the case of clogged septic fields, water is returned to them, which causes the water level in the septic tank to rise. Water will back up through the hole in the septic tank or into your home if there isn’t enough room left in the tank. The leach field in your septic tank is almost certain to be the source of the problem if you see an excessively high water level in the tank. The water level in the septic tank should always be at or below the level of the drain pipe that connects the tank to the leaching field.
It is thus required to determine whether the soil has been saturated as a result of recent high rainfall or snowmelt, as well as to determine whether there has been a recent hydraulic overload.
However, if the situation persists, we can conclude that the leaching bed is no longer operating correctly (it is most likely clogged).
Greener and taller grass around the drainfield
A sign that your leach field is not operating correctly is the presence of higher, greener grass in the area where it’s supposed to be placed. When wastewater is unable to penetrate the soil, pressure can force it to rise to the surface, causing it to become visible. Because of the nutrients in the wastewater, the grass might grow more quickly and seem greener as a result of this.
Puddles of water in the yard
Puddles on the field may indicate that a hydraulic overload has forced water to come to the surface. If this is the case, contact the field superintendent immediately. When a leach field becomes blocked, the pressure builds up, forcing the water to rise. Large amounts of wastewater can practically pool on the ground when released into the environment. If the water smells like rotten eggs, avoid touching it and keep your children away from the area until the scent has been eliminated. There have been instances where perforated pipes in the leach field have either disconnected or broken.
Otherwise, a blockage is more likely to be the source of the problem.
Soil sinking or collapsing over the leachfield
The presence of excessively damp soil where the leaching bed is placed may also be an indicator that the leaching bed is no longer performing effectively, according to the manufacturer.
How to unclog your leach field?
When you find an issue with your leaching bed, you should make an attempt to fix it as quickly as possible. If this is not done, the condition may worsen and result in wastewater overflows. Those spills are potentially hazardous to both you and the environment. Also prohibited is the pollution of the environment, and local authorities may order you to replace your septic system if you fail to comply with the law. In addition to promoting the growth of biomat, as previously described, the discharge of organic particles into the leaching bed generates an imbalance in the natural water filtration system.
- As a consequence, a waterproof biomaterial sludge is formed, and this sludge significantly reduces the rate of infiltration of wastewater into the receiving soil, which is abnormal.
- Because of this, it is necessary to minimize the accumulation of organic matter in leaching fields and to reduce the thickness of the sludge layer that clogs the leaching fields.
- However, the one offered by Bio-Sol is without a doubt the quickest, easiest, safest, and most ECONOMIC method available!
- These shock treatments are 100 percent environmentally friendly (and hence safe), and they are simple to do on your own.
- It is typically necessary to introduce a high concentration of these bacteria and enzymes into the leaching bed in order to break down the organic waste that has collected in the leaching bed and unclog the leach field.
- The result is that your septic system is back in operating order!
- The majority of the time, this occurs when a large truck passes by.
- If this is the case, you should use a camera to evaluate the area to ensure that there is no structural damage.
How much does a new leach field cost?
Choosing to repair your leaching bed will almost certainly necessitate the replacement of your complete septic system as well. You will require a fresh percolation test as well as an appraisal by an engineer with appropriate qualifications. When using a standard septic system, you may expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,500 for the installation and maintenance. However, if you require the installation of a more sophisticated system, the cost of the replacement will be significantly higher (between $15,000 and $30,000).
As a result, we highly recommend you to attempt to resolve the problem first by selecting one of the alternative options that have been provided.
PROMOTION TO ASSIST YOU IN UNCLOGGING YOUR LEACH FIELD: By visiting our monthly specials page, you can receive a discount on a shock treatment. To save even more money, click here: SAVE UP TO 150$ ON A SHOCK TREATMENT WITH THIS PROMOTION.
Conclusion
A blocked leach field will jeopardize the integrity of the entire system. It can result in sewage backups in the house, septic smells, sewage leaking on the yard, and groundwater contamination, among other problems. Unclogging your leachfield with shock treatment can help you to avoid these and other problems associated with leachfield failure in the future. It is the injection of billions of bacteria and enzymes into the sewage system through the use of biological additives that is known as shock treatment.
This septic-safe solution from Bio-Sol is manufactured from bacteria and enzymes, and it will clear your leach field without harming the bacteria or enzymes in your system.