Busting The Biggest Myths About Septic System Backups

How do septic system backups happen? Would you know what to do during a septic backup? Some of the tips out there are helpful, while others leave you in the middle of a smelly, overwhelming mess. Acme helps you distinguish “helpful” from “harmful” information in this blog. 

If you own a septic system, you probably already know that a septic system backup isn’t fun. An event that can lead to wastewater coming back up through your sinks, showers, and toilets, backups are smelly, expensive, and never arrive at a good time (as if there is one!). There are many tips and a lot of information floating around about how to prevent septic backups, why they happen, and how to fix them – but what’s myth, and what’s fact? In this post, we’ll help you separate the two so that you can avoid a messy, costly, stressful situation. 

Myth #1: Septic Backups Only Happen If You Forget To Pump Your Tank

While pump-outs are one of the most effective ways to prevent septic backups, forgetting to schedule a septic pump-out, or simply not having your tank pumped often enough, are only a couple of reasons your system may back up. Here are a few lesser-known ways you could end up with a mess on your hands:

• Hydraulic overload from using multiple water-using appliances, such as showers, the dishwasher, and laundry washing machine, at one time. 
• Ground saturation due to heavy rains, a high water table, or poor drainage 
• Your system is damaged or aging 

As well as ensuring that your system receives regular pump-outs, scheduling regular inspections can help determine the condition of your septic tank – and whether or not you’re at risk of septic system backup in the near future. 

Myth #2: Septic Backups Happen Suddenly, Without Warning

While you might worry that a backup is some sort of spontaneous eruption, thankfully, that’s not what normally happens. Most septic backups occur gradually, and there are signs that homeowners can look for that indicate that a backup may soon occur. Here are just a few: 

• Drains that are working more slowly than usual
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing 
• Foul odors in your home or near your septic tank 
• Wet, soggy spots in the yard (especially over your drain field) 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a company that is qualified to perform septic backup repair services. 

Myth #3: Installing A Septic Alarm Will Prevent A Backup

Septic alarms can alert you to potential problems – such as high water levels in your tank – but they won’t actually prevent a septic system backup from occurring. While technology and monitoring systems help avoid costly surprises, they can’t take the place of regular pump-outs, inspections, and repairs. 

Myth #4: Planting Large Trees Won’t Lead To Septic System Backups

You know you’re supposed to pump your septic tank, schule regular inspections, and take care of repairs, but it may not have crossed your mind that those beautiful shade trees in your yard could one day be the culprit behind a septic system backup. 

The truth is that damage caused by tree roots can absolutely lead to a septic system backup by puncturing your septic tank or part of your drain field. When this type of damage takes place, wastewater is either prevented from exiting your septic tank properly, or may not be properly filtered once it reaches the drain field. 

Myth #5: I Can Handle A Septic Backup Myself

While it may be tempting to handle septic problems on your own, there are many potential consequences that result from improper septic maintenance. Doing it yourself puts you at risk of: 

• Damaging your septic tank or drain field
• Exposing yourself to harmful bacteria and toxins
• Contaminating groundwater or nearby wells
• Paying more in the long run due to improper repairs
• Violating local or state regulations regarding septic care and waste management 

You should never try to DIY when it comes to septic maintenance. If you’re experiencing backups or any other type of septic problem, relying on the expertise of a qualified septic company will save you the stress and expense of addressing the issue yourself. 

We’re Here To Back You Up When Septic Backups Strike

If you’ve heard any of these common myths about septic system backups, don’t worry – we’re here to set the record straight and keep your system running smoothly.  

Contact us today for reliable, efficient septic solutions.