Preventing Septic System Backup
Preventing septic system backup is your responsibility, you need to provide proper maintenance of the system. Because not properly maintaining your system can have dangerous consequences. This can impact the health and well-being of your family. Not to mention the extra expense of repairs. This article discusses the general maintenance necessary for preventing a septic system backup. While it will also will help keep your tank running properly during its lifetime. We will discuss what you need to do, and things you should avoid, like using antibacterial soap.
Preventing Septic System Backup
If your septic system has not been properly maintained, solids can build up in the tank and cause blockages which can overflow in the house, and in the yard. Proper maintenance is a must. Septic system backups create floods that are not like a pipe break or a busted hose.
It’s also important to note septic systems do not last forever. However, if well maintained, a good quality tank can last between 30-40 years on average.
How Does A Septic System Work?
Preventing Septic System Backup is easier, when you know how the system works.
How does a septic system work? There are two main sections of a septic system. The tank and the drain field. While the tank is a holding reservoir for all water drainage in the house, including toilets, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, disposals, and sinks.
Another important part of a septic tank system, called a drain field, also known as a leach field. This is a crucial part of your septic system. The drain field aids in dispersing waste water from your septic tank. Another thing it does is help to remove contaminants before they can penetrate deep into the soil. If allowed to penetrate deep into the soil, it could contaminate the underground water table. This in turn, could contaminate water in nearby wells or streams. When the drain field malfunctions, it can cause the rest of the sewer system to fail.
Preventing Septic System Backup
Although most water damage caused by floods are a messy disaster, septic backups are plain nasty, as they are raw sewage. Septic backups can create a health hazard along with a smelly problem you want to avoid at all costs.
The big difference between a septic back up and a regular flood is, a flood from a broken pipe, or other in-home fixture, is mostly clean water. It may get dirty because of what the water flows over. However, it is still so much easier to clean, and control bacteria and odors, than a septic system failure.
If the drain field has a problem, in some cases it may be possible to use special chemical treatments. These treatments may help to restore it back to a satisfactory condition.
Where is the Septic Tank?
Sometimes you can see a vent pipe sticking out of the ground, or a cap, like a manhole cover. In most cases, it is between 10-20 feet away from the house. Another tell tale sign is the grass is may be greener in that area.
Getting A Septic System Inspection
Prevention starts with maintenance, and that means having the septic system regularly inspected. Generally, a septic system should be inspected every 3 to 5 years, depending on use.
If you have not had the septic system inspected in the last couple of years, it may be time to think about having a professional inspect the tank and the drain field. The cost of a service check, is worth the peace of mind knowing you should not have a septic system backup.
Depending where you live, inspection may be required by a licensed professional before pumping out the tank.
Preventing Septic System Backup
The inspection will tell you the condition of the tank and drain field. They should also advise if the tank needs to be pumped out, and if it can be safely pumped out without risking damage. The drain field cannot be inspected when the tank is empty.
Certainly, never pump out a tank without first having an inspection. Pumping out a weak or damaged tank could cause it to collapse. Similarly, do not pump out the tank if there is flooding on the land. An empty tank can float up damaging the system.
Although many suggestions recommend pumping out a tank every 3 to 5 years, certainly this is not set in stone. Of course this depends on how many people live in the home and the size of the tank. The more people in the home, the quicker it will need to have service.
Buying a home?
Make sure to get an inspection on the tank and drain field before purchasing. Sometimes the seller will offer to have the septic tank pumped out before you buy the property. Like I mentioned before, you cannot inspect the drain field if the tank is empty. You do not want the seller to pump out the tank before it has been inspected.
How to Maintain Your Septic System
To help prevent unnecessary blockages,
- Do not put grease, oils or food scraps down the drain. Septic tanks and garbage disposals do not work well together. Remember you are filling up your tank faster, and adding materials which may cause an imbalance in your tank’s bacteria.
- Do not put engine oils, brake fluid, radiator fluids and chemicals down the drain.
- Only use toilet paper that is safe for septic tanks. These break down and dissolve better to help prevent unnecessary build up in the tank.
- Do not use antibacterial soaps.
- Be careful what cleaning products you use. You may want to check with the manufacture to ensure they are safe for septic tanks.
Preventing Septic System Backup
Putting these products in your septic tank can interfere with the natural bacteria process that the septic system creates. The tank is designed to break down solids and these products can interfere with that natural process.
It’s also important that you do not drive over your septic system. This can put added stress on the system, which may lead to pipes breaking, or the system completely collapsing.
There are products you can add to your septic system that claim prolonging the times between servicing your septic system. However, these products are unproven. There are many mixed reviews on using theses products, some are in favor and others are not. Before using any product in your septic system, research the product you want to use, or call the manufacture of your system to understand the products they recommend.
Visit my YouTube Channel
My father has been having some issues with his septic tank over the past month. Thanks for pointing out that he will want to make sure that he doesn’t use any chemicals that can damage the septic tank. He might want to also look into getting his tank drained.