Little-Known Causes Of Septic Failure And How To Avoid Them
Septic system failure can be a messy, expensive, time-consuming experience. Our Oviedo septic pumping service shares some tips on how to avoid septic emergencies.
Suppose you’ve owned a septic system for some time. In that case, you’re probably familiar with some things that may lead to septic system failure, including flushing non-septic friendly items such as baby wipes and feminine hygiene items. However, there are several other, lesser-known ways that septic systems may overflow, back up, and even fail. The pros at Acme want to help you avoid unnecessary fines, expensive repairs, and replacements. Read more to learn how to prevent septic failure today.
Excessive Water Usage
Septic tanks are designed to handle specific volumes of water at a time, often around 70-100 gallons per person per day. So, if you’re in a household with a family of four, this means that your septic system should be able to handle approximately 280-400 gallons of water per day.
Several events could follow if your household’s daily water usage goes well beyond this amount. These include:
Drain field overloading
Reduced settling time
Hydraulic overload
Scouring of solids
How To Avoid:
If you’re worried about excessive water usage, especially during the summer months, there are simple ways to reduce the amount of water your household uses. These include:
Installing water-efficient fixtures – There are plenty of eco-friendly, water-efficient fixtures available today. While these fixtures do sometimes cost a little more upfront, they will save money on your water bill over time and help prevent septic system failure.
Spreading out activities that use large amounts of water – If you’re planning on using your sprinkler to water the lawn, try not to do any other activities that require significant amounts of water – such as doing all of your household’s laundry – at the same time. Using more water than your septic system is able to handle at one time is known as “hydraulic overload,” and can lead to water damage and septic breakdown.
Homeowners can also limit shower times, wash full loads of laundry, and educate household members on how to save more water during the day.
Regular septic system maintenance – It is recommended that your septic system is pumped by a professional septic pumping company once every 3-5 years and inspected once every 1-3 years. Regular maintenance ensures that your septic tank works efficiently, no damage is overlooked, and that your drain field is properly processing and filtering wastewater.
Lack of regular septic maintenance can also contribute to “scouring of solids,” which means that excess water removes debris from your plumbing and septic networks. While this may sound like a positive side effect, if there is too much buildup in your pipes or septic tanks, rapid displacement could result in sewage backflow, your septic system becoming overwhelmed, and pipe damage.
If you’d like to simplify your pump-out schedule and avoid these problems, sign up for Acme’s automated pump-out reminders.
Tree Roots
Trees and septic systems share one common trait – they both love water! The problem is that tree roots seek out the water source your septic system naturally provides. If tree roots come into contact with your septic system, they can puncture its components and wreak major havoc, including system failure.
How To Avoid:
Plant trees a safe distance from your septic system, usually about 20-50 feet away. Before planting or installing your septic system, research the variety of trees nearby. If they have root systems that reach far distances, make sure to plant accordingly so that roots will not come into contact with your septic tank or drain field.
Install root barriers between trees and the septic system.
Maintain your septic system with regular pump-outs, inspections, and necessary repairs. Irregular septic maintenance increases the likelihood of clogs and backed-up waste, leading to higher levels of nutrients in the soil – something else that trees love – so make sure to keep those septic pump-out appointments with Acme!
Leaky Fixtures
Have you noticed that your bathroom sink has been dripping for a few days? You may think of leaky fixtures as an irritation or an extra expense, but they can also lead to septic system failure if the problem goes unresolved for long enough.
Leaky fixtures can contribute to excessive water usage that exceeds what your drain field can handle. Leaks can also lead to hydraulic overload, which prevents your drain field from properly draining and filtering wastewater.
How To Avoid:
Regular inspection – Regularly inspecting your sinks, toilets, and showers for leaks reduces the likelihood that you will miss something that needs to be repaired. Sometimes leaks are obvious, but sometimes, we need to look more closely to catch a problem.
Prompt repair
Use water-efficient fixtures
Educate members of your family on the proper use of fixtures.
Overloading During Events
If you’re hosting an event in your home, water usage will likely increase.
How To Avoid:
If guests stay overnight, try to space showers out over the day rather than having everyone take them within the same time frame.
Dispose of food in trash cans instead of washing it down the drain or using your garbage disposal. Doing this will significantly reduce water usage, save on water costs, and help prevent an overloaded septic system.
Contact Acme For All Your Septic Needs
We hope you don’t require an emergency pump-out this year – but even if you do, we’re here for you.
Contact us for pumping, repairs, or replacement today.
