A well-maintained septic system can
stay in great shape for decades. However, some homeowners find
themselves replacing their systems sooner than necessary due to
problems with the tank or drain field that could have been avoided
with proper septic tank maintenance.
Read to learn about three common septic
tank problems and how to prevent them to eliminate the need for early
tank replacement or repairs.
1. Tank Cracks
One common septic tank problem is the
development of large cracks. Large cracks can allow sewage that
contains harmful bacteria to seep out of your tank and into your
yard, potentially posing a health hazard to your family. In addition,
groundwater can seep through these large cracks and into your tank,
increasing your tank liquid level so much that your entire septic
system can no longer work efficiently.
While some septic tank cracks are
unavoidable, such as those caused by a natural disaster like an
earthquake, others can be prevented with proper tank care.
If you live in an area that experiences
freezing winter temperatures, cover the ground above your septic tank
with mulch before winter arrives to keep the ground underneath warm.
When the ground around your tank is warmer, the water inside of it is
less likely to freeze and expand, which would lead to large crack
development.
In addition, never drive vehicles or
other heavy equipment over your tank, because the weight of these
vehicles can crack the tank instantly. Finally, never plant trees or
other large plants with intrusive root systems on or around your
septic tank. Small cracks can become larger when plant roots enter
them and enlarge the cracks as they grow.
2. Baffle Problems
Every septic tank is equipped with two
devices called inlet and outlet baffles that help control the flow of
wastewater into and out of the tank.
The inlet baffle directs incoming
wastewater to the middle of the tank to encourage more efficient
natural separation of liquid and solid waste while limiting the
chance of inlet pipe clogs. The outlet baffle helps direct wastewater
out of the septic system and into the drain field instead while
blocking the outflow of solid waste.
If your inlet baffle cracks or
collapses, then a septic system back-up can occur that can only be
remedied by professional plumbers. If your outlet pipe becomes
damaged, then solid waste can more easily enter your drain field and
disrupt its natural bacterial balance, reducing its efficiency. This
solid waste can also clog drain field pipes, leading to the need for
pipe repair and replacement.
Both of these baffles can also become
clogged when too much solid waste accumulates inside of your tank due
to tank neglect.
To prevent baffle problems, obtain
regular septic tank pumpings to remove solid waste accumulation. Your
septic tank specialist will inspect your baffles for damage during
the pumping process and repair or replace them if necessary to
prevent future problems.
3. Floating Tank
Another common septic tank problem is a
floating tank. When a septic tank floats, it begins to rise out of
the ground instead of staying buried where it belongs. As the
tank rises, it can break free from the inlet and outlet pipes
connected to it and become completely unusable until it is reburied
and repaired. Plastic and fiberglass tanks are more prone to floating
than concrete tanks because these materials are lighter.
Thankfully, you can take additional
steps to prevent septic tank floating. First, ensure home gutter
system downspouts are not directed toward your septic tank where they
can saturate the soil around it and increase the chance of floating.
In addition, avoid having your tank
pumped when the ground surrounding it is saturated with water, such
as after a long period of heavy rain. Tanks are more susceptible to
floating when they are empty while the ground around them is
saturated with water.
If you are a homeowner with a septic
system, then follow these tips to prevent septic tank problems.
Contact the septic tank specialists at Pete's Outflow Technicians to
schedule a tank pumping
service or septic tank repair
today.
