Septic tanks are a common waste solution for residential and commercial properties cut off from the mains sewer system. These large tank systems collect and treat wastewater from the property, before releasing treated water into drainage fields and other drainage solutions. To ensure septic tanks continue to run at full capacity, regular upkeep and maintenance is required, including desludging, cleaning and emptying. These servicing tasks require a professional septic tank servicer like Owls Hall, while other common septic tank issues can be either alleviated or reduced by the property owner. We have put together this guide outlining possible septic tank issues and indicating the best ways to solve them, either at home or through the help of a professional.
The first step to troubleshooting any septic tank problems is to know what all the signs of septic tank issues are, and how to spot them. There are some common early warning signs of septic tank problems which are easy to identify, with your eyes, ears and nose. Often, it is a foul odour which first leads property owners to realise there is an issue with their septic tank or that it is ready to be emptied and cleaned. Other septic tank issues signs to look out for include slow or gurgling drainage inside and outside the property, and the potential that sewage could come back up into your toilets, sinks and baths due to a septic tank being at capacity. These three signs can indicate a serious underlying problem with your septic tank, or it can simply show that regular maintenance tasks are required.
Now you know what to look out for when assessing whether your septic tank is running properly, let’s break down some of the most common septic tank issues that those warning signs might point to. The most common septic tank problems are:
The first two issues around an overflowing tank and a clogged system go hand-in-hand. If the tank has reached its capacity, the wastewater will begin to clog up other areas of the system, causing bigger issues. In a similar vein, excessive water use can lead to these issues, as the septic tank system becomes unable to cope with the sheer volume of wastewater it is receiving.
Other septic tank issues involving structural damage, soil absorption field failure and root intrusion are more commonly observed in older septic systems not properly maintained over a number of years. If a septic tank has been overly full several times during its lifespan, structural damage may become an issue, while overuse of a drainage field can affect its usefulness and bring with it environmental issues for the surrounding area.
Heavy rain and other inclement weather can also lead to more issues with septic tanks or exacerbate any underlying issues already present. For instance, if your leach field is already struggling to cope with drainage damage, adding a significant amount of rainfall to the area will cause the area to become oversaturated and stop working as it should. Similarly, rain can also cause or worsen septic tank issues around overflowing and sewage backup into the property by adding more water to an already struggling drainage and septic system. Another common septic tank problem when it rains is that water can begin to pool around the tank, adding pressure to the system and reducing the effectiveness of the drainage system and causing a hazard for humans and wildlife.
Now we have outlined the most common issues that may occur with regards to your septic tank, we can start to offer solutions and advice on how to prevent such issues arising. The biggest piece of septic tank help we can offer to anybody is to ensure you partner with a local wastewater and sewage company to ensure regular maintenance and servicing of your septic tank, which will prevent many of these issues from ever occurring in the first place. Septic tank emptying and cleaning should occur at least every year and will go a long way to prevent tank overflows, sewage back ups and clogged systems ever happening. Aside from this professional help, there are a number of other measures you can take yourself to prevent or fix common septic tank problems.
For example, if you engage in water conservation techniques and reduce overall water use, there will be less strain on your septic tank system. You could choose to introduce a rainwater harvesting system to your property or choose to limit water consumption during peak hours to ensure your septic system is not overworked.
To prevent or fix specific septic tank problems around your drainage field, consider avoiding parking large vehicles near the field and reducing any digging or landscaping in the area. If this fails to solve the problem, you may need to create a new absorption field to prevent oversaturation and flooding.
With regards to issues around root intrusion, the easiest solution to this septic tank problem is to install root barriers around your septic tank. These prevent roots from entering the system and causing structural damage. If a specific tree is causing a large problem, you could also consider having the tree removed or moved elsewhere.
Another preventative step you can take to reduce septic tank problems is to conduct regular inspections. You can perform simple visual inspections yourself, looking for obvious signs of wear and tear, leaks and spillages, while a wastewater professional can perform a detailed inspection of your system and recommend maintenance tasks. Leaks in pipes and other plumbing are one of the most common issues in this area, but can be solved easily if spotted early. More significant damage to your septic system may require professional repairs or even the installation of an entirely new system.
With any septic tank problem, you should always obtain professional advice to receive a proper diagnosis of the issue and a quote for the solution. That said taking the aforementioned preventative steps will go a long way to prevent these issues ever occurring in the first place.
For professional help with septic tanks in Essex and the wider South East area, consult the experts here at Owls Hall. We have over 50 years of experience in septic tanks and sewage treatment, available to you for regular septic tank emptying, desludging and cleaning, plus any other advice and servicing you may require. For any other information, contact our friendly team today.
