How To Stop Septic Tank From Backing Up? (Question)

5 Ways to Avoid a Septic Backup

1. Be Careful About What You Flush. There is no such thing as a flushable wipe – they are not flushable, so do not flush them!
2. Pay Attention to What Goes Down the Kitchen Drain.
3. Take it Easy on the Laundry.
4. Pump Your Septic Tank Before the Holidays.
5. Use a Septic System Additive.

How do I stop my septic from backing up?

Septic Tank Backup Prevention

1. Make sure your septic tank is always biologically active. Don’t use antibacterial soaps and cleaners that drain to the tank.
2. Never put garbage or any foreign objects into the system.
3. Avoid planting trees anywhere near your septic lines.
4. Do not run heavy machinery over sewer lines.

Why does my septic tank keep backing up?

Drains can become blocked with sludge, roots and dirt from broken pipes. In addition, if the ground is saturated because of high water table or heavy rainfall, then the septic tank will not drain and it will back up into the house.

What are the signs of a backed up septic tank?

Septic Tank Back Up: Top 5 Warning Signs

• Drain Clogs. Clogged drains are a common indicator of septic problems, as well as being one of the most common problems homeowners face.
• Sewage Backup.
• Standing Ground Water Near Septic Tank.
• Bad Odors.
• Patch of Overly Green Grass.

Can heavy rain cause septic backup?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

Can I shower if my septic tank is full?

Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.

Will toilet flush if septic tank is full?

Toilets Flush Slowly When your septic tank is excessively full, your toilet may start acting odd. You might find that your toilet doesn’t fully flush or flushes very slowly and odd noises occur when you flush your toilet. These noises usually sound like gurgling or bubbling.

Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?

Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.

How do I clean my septic tank naturally?

You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!

How often should you pump your septic tank?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

How do you fix a flooded septic tank?

4 Things to Do When Your Septic Tank Is Flooded

1. Check the Groundwater Level. Drainfields for septic tanks are normally between 2 to 4 feet from the top of the soil.
2. Wait to Pump Until the Ground Dries.
3. Reduce Water Sent Down the Drain.
4. Make Changes to Help Your Newly Pumped Septic System.

Why is my septic drain field wet?

Debris Buildup & Clogs These blockages could be caused by invasive tree roots or dumping grease, oils, or other non-biodegradable materials down household drains. These may be the factor due to the bacteria’s inability to break them down in the septic tank.

How long does it take for a drain field to dry out?

Except for mound systems, most drainfields are 2 to 4 feet below the ground surface. The groundwater will take time to recede to the level of the bottom of the drainfield. This could happen within a week or two or require a couple of months.

What to do if your septic system backs up?

The steps you should take if your septic system begins to back up. Make sure you follow these procedures to ensure that the problem is resolved!

1. Stop Running Water

When your septic system begins to back up, the first thing you should do is turn off the water supply. The majority of people are unaware that when sewage begins to flow into their home, it is because the water they are using has nowhere to go. Simply turn off the water supply and the flow of sewage will be stopped immediately! Until the problem with your septic system is repaired, refrain from using the bathroom, taking a shower, doing dishes, or doing laundry. In order to use the shower or the bathroom, you will be need to go to a neighbor’s house or a local leisure center.

Once the switch is turned on, the light will continue to flash, but the sound will be silenced.

2. Check the Water Level in Your Septic Tanks

After that, you need to figure out where the problem is stemming from. Perhaps there is no problem with your septic system at all, but the plumbing between your house and the tank may have been blocked as a result. In order to accomplish this, the amount of water in your septic tank must be checked. We recommend that you hire a waste-water specialist to take care of this for you, as entering your tank may present a risk of injury or death. If you decide to do the inspection yourself, keep in mind that tank lids can be heavy and may require specific tools to open properly.

Normal Operation Level:

It is difficult to define what constitutes a “full” septic tank. The normal operating level will look somewhat like the image on the left of this page. In order for the “riser” to ascend to the surface, there should be no water present. The sewage connection from the home to the septic tank should be checked for damage or obstructions if your septic system is backing up yet your septic tank has a normal operating level, such as the one illustrated in the illustration below. However, while John Todd Co.

When it comes to sewage line scoping, a camera tiny enough to penetrate your pipes and check the problem regions is available as a service from our company.

Overfull Level:

It is necessary to have your septic tank pumped if you open the lids of your septic tank and see water pouring into the riser, as shown in the illustration to the right. Always be sure that whomever is pumping your septic tank is keeping an eye out for any backflow from the soil treatment area (for gravity systems). A failing leach field will be evident if you detect water gushing back into the tank from the leach field for an unusually long period of time. Septic tank pumping is a service provided by John Todd Co., and the company even provides an after-hours emergency pumping service for customers.

To use hot water, turn on all of your sinks, showers, and tubs, and flush a toilet two to three times, as needed.

Allow for approximately 5-10 minutes of continuous running of the sinks. This forces anything that may have become lodged in the pipes between your tank and your house during the back up to the surface of the water.

3. Follow Up with Repairs

Pipe cleaning and septic tank pumping are merely short fixes for a long-term problem. Make sure you follow up on any repairs that have been recommended to you. Your sewage line being clogged might be due to a broken or deformed pipe that has to be repaired or removed and replaced. It will be necessary to have a new leach field created if your existing leach field is not absorbing water. You can contact us at any time if you have any queries or need assistance with the situation. Call (303) 791-0520 to talk with a member of the John Todd Co.

Septic Tank Backup: Warning Signs & How To Fix It

It is no one’s desire to rip up their grass in order to pay for a pricey septic tank repair. Having a thorough understanding of your tank and a sharp eye for difficulties implies that you can foresee problems and the entirety of your system’s renovation.

How Does A Septic Tank Work?

A basic septic tank is composed of two components: Watertight subterranean tank for storing sludge and wastes 2) and a drain field, which treats and filters water as it returns to the soil after being drained. When everything is running correctly, this mechanism keeps potentially hazardous material in situ and only allows treated water to escape. All that is required is that the waste be pumped out every few years, and the system will continue to operate properly. However, if you’re reading this, you’re probably aware that this isn’t always the case.

Why Do Septic Tanks Backup?

A backed-up septic tank is a major headache that can occur for a variety of reasons. Some events are under your control, while others may occur at any time. Septic tank backlog can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which are listed below: Flooding: When heavy rains soak the earth around a septic tank, the tank may have a difficult time emptying correctly, leading to flooding. The trash and the clean water will mix together and run out simultaneously if there is no dry soil to absorb the pure water.

• Tanks are available in a variety of sizes.
• Unsatisfactory Installation: Unless you built your home from the ground up, you may not be aware of who constructed your septic system or how old it is.
• Before purchasing a new house, make sure to get the septic tank inspected.
• Only rubbish and toilet paper should ever be flushed.
• If you’re not sure whether anything is flushable, look to see if the box says “septic safe.” If it doesn’t, toss it in the garbage!
• Growing tree roots may even cause obstructions in pipes as they creep into cracks and crevices.

Pressure on the Tank: If cars are passing over your septic tank, the pressure created might cause pipes to rupture. Make sure your tank is well marked and that any prospective traffic is kept away from it.

Warning Signs of a Backed Up Septic System (And What to do About It!)

It might be difficult to determine the signs of a backed-up septic tank at first glance. At first sight, you could dismiss any of these warning indicators as being inconsequential. However, it is critical to take all of these warnings seriously and to conduct an investigation into the matter. Identify whether any of these warning indicators are present in your house.

• Was it a while ago that you had your septic tank drained and cleaned? In the absence of a regular cleaning routine, you may notice sewage backups in your toilet as well as slow draining sinks and bathtubs in your bathroom. This is an indication of blockages. Without frequent pumping, a septic tank fills up with solid waste and enables contaminated water to pass through
• However, the unclean, polluted water has nowhere to go and must be pumped out regularly.

• Your driveway or sidewalk may be gradually rising due to tree roots if you see bumps in the road or uneven surfaces. There are a few different approaches you may use to deal with roots in your septic system. It is the most lasting method if you are ready to part with the tree, removing it totally, removing and replacing it with new pipes. Newer, stronger plastic pipes are designed to withstand tree roots and are an excellent alternative to metal pipes. Alternatively, you may pour a root-killing solution down the drain to prevent future development.

• In one spot of your yard, do you have a clump of vivid green grass growing? If it hasn’t rained in a while, have you seen pools of water in unexpected places? Your septic system’s leaky pipes are clearly visible in these conditions.

• It is a strong indication that you have a septic tank backlog if your home begins to smell like a sewer. If sewage cannot adequately drain down into the tank, the only option is for it to flow back up the pipes.

If you have seen one or more of these warning signals, it is imperative that you take action before the issue spirals out of control, since there are serious implications to having a clogged septic system.

Dangers of a Backed Up Septic Tank

A clogged septic tank may cause far more serious problems than just a puddle of water in your shower. Septic backflow is a serious health threat for you and your family, since it is a carrier of illness. In sewage, drug leftovers, human waste, fungi, viruses, and bacteria can all be found in large quantities. If you see any sewage backup bubbling into your house, call for expert aid in disinfecting your home. When you have a clogged septic tank, water damage is a definite possibility. Septic tank leakage in your house may severely harm your flooring and walls, as well as the rest of your property.

Untreated sewage from your clogged septic system can have far-reaching consequences for the ecology surrounding your property.

If you see signs of a clogged septic system, you should either attempt to fix it yourself or hire a professional like All Dry USA to do the work for you.

How To Fix Septic Tank Backup

The most effective technique to repair a septic tank is through regular maintenance. If you have a big family, make sure you get your system pumped every 3 to 5 years, or more frequently if necessary. Regular pumping will hopefully save a giant backhoe from ripping up your yard and repairing a sewage tank that has broken down on you. Check to ensure that your float switch is functioning properly. This will automatically turn off the system and shut off your water supply to prevent a potential backup from occurring.

Snakes may be obtained at any hardware shop and are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate the size of your pipes.

Calling (866) 313-0458 at any time of day or night to speak with All Dry USA about your backed-up septic tank is a terrific answer.

As a result of our more than ten years of repair experience, we haven’t come across an obstruction, a pipe, or a septic tank that we couldn’t clear out and put back in working condition.

Ben possesses a wide range of specialized qualifications and certifications in the fields of repair and building. Ben Suiskind’s most recent blog entries (See all of them)

Steps to Take When Your Septic Tank Backs Up

Septic tanks are a way of life for many people in rural regions, and for good reason. The most of the time, they are out of sight and out of mind. That is, unless something goes wrong and the septic tank begins to back up into the house. Then there’s an issue, and then there’s a big mess. In addition, there is the matter of what to do. If your septic tank does begin to back up, there are a few things you may take to resolve the situation.

How a Septic Tank Works

The first step in resolving a septic problem is to have an understanding of how a septic tank truly operates and functions. A septic system is composed of three components:

1. Your toilet, sink, and tub all have lines or pipes that go from them that use gravity to transport waste outdoors to a holding tank. Essentially, the holding tank serves as a bacterial chamber for breaking down solids. Then there’s the disposal field, which distributes liquids such that they may be absorbed into the earth over time. In the event of a blockage or obstruction in any one of these components, a septic backup will occur.

Types of Septic Tanks

There are three basic types of septic tank materials: concrete, plastic, and metal. The first is made of concrete, the second of fiberglass, and the third is made of polycarbonate plastic. The difference between them is the pricing range they provide as well as the strength or durability of their products. All of them do the same duty of collecting waste and separating solids from liquids, but the materials used in their construction have no effect on backup. It is the overall design of your septic tank “system” that makes the most impact in the frequency of septic tank backups.

One is straightforward and relies on gravity to empty your waste into a holding tank.

Because it is pressurized, the second septic system is more complicated than the first.

The spilling liquid is then gravity-fed into a second, smaller tank located downstream of the original.

Steps to Take When Fixing a Septic Tank

Now that you understand how septic systems function and whatever type you have, you must identify the source of the problem and take the necessary actions to correct it.

1. Now that you understand how septic systems function and whatever type you have, you must identify the source of the problem and take the necessary actions to remedy the situation.

Septic Tank Backup Prevention

The most critical action you can take is to avoid a septic tank backlog from occurring in the first place, as described above. Here are some recommendations for prevention:

• Always check to see that your septic tank is still biologically active. Use of antibacterial soaps and cleansers that leak into the tank is discouraged. Never use the system to dispose of rubbish or other alien things. By their very nature, human waste is biologically active, but raw food scraps are not. Garburators are extremely dangerous criminals. Planting trees in close proximity to your sewage lines is not recommended. It is well known that tree roots will search for water and nutrients within sewage pipes. You should avoid operating heavy machines over sewer lines since they will puncture and obstruct them in no time. Moreover, lines are readily crushed and damaged

With a little forethought, you can ensure that your septic tank continues to function for an extended period of time with little or no maintenance. That’s exactly what it’s intended to do.

5 Things To Know About Septic System Backups

If you’re the kind that like to do things himself, fixing a leaking pipe every now and then is OK. However, if the problem is more complicated than a leaking pipe or a blocked toilet, it is not a job that should be attempted by the homeowner. Septic system backups are extremely dangerous, and you should contact a septic repair firm as soon as possible to get the situation resolved. The probability of sewer backups is one of the most difficult challenges that homeowners will have to deal with.

This is one job for which you will want the services of a professional. When it comes to dealing with septic systems, you need to be skilled and knowledgeable about how the system works, where the drain field is located, and how the piping from your home to your septic tank is connected.

Can the septic system backup into my house?

Yes, it is possible. Sinks and bathtub drains that take a long time to empty may be your first and only warning indicators. If this appears to be happening on a regular basis, it might be an indication of something more serious to come. If you notice murky, black, or dark-colored water backing up into your toilets, bathtub, or sinks, it might be sewage, and you should call a septic provider to come out and inspect the situation immediately. If it turns out to be a backup problem, they will have the necessary instruments and experience to correct it without putting you or the houses around you in any danger.

What causes this to happen?

• It is possible. Sinks and bathtub drains that take a long time to empty might be your first and only warning indicators. In the event that this appears to be happening frequently, it might be a hint that something more severe is about to happen. A septic service should be called if you see murky, black or dark-colored water backing up into your toilets, bathtub, or sinks with a foul stench. If this is the case, a septic service should be called to inspect the situation. Even if it is a backup problem, they will be able to solve it without putting you or the residences in your immediate vicinity at risk of injury or death.

5 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you see one or more of these five signs, your septic system may be failing. If you only have the first of these indicators, it may not be a significant worry, but if you have more than one of these signs, you most likely have a serious issue.

1. Drainage that is clogged
2. A foul odor emanating from your yard
3. Reverse osmosis of water into the tub, shower, or sinks
4. The presence of water near the septic tank’s lid
5. A area of greenery or a stretch of land that has a lot of water

Can this be prevented?

You may avoid septic system backups by making sure that no toys or other things are flushed down the toilet. A sink strainer will also prevent a large amount of food leftovers from being flushed down the toilet. You may also avoid overflowing toilets by spreading out your water consumption, as previously indicated. Additionally, make certain that your system is pushed out at the suitable moment. Septic systems should be pumped out every 3 to 5 years in order to prevent issues from developing.

Posts from the recent past

What Causes a Septic Tank to Back Up With Your Home System?

Consider the following subject, which may cause chills to run up and down your spine.and for good reason! The most common reason for this is a clogged septic tank. That one seemingly simple, innocent query has elicited as many and different responses as the people who use the facilities that drain into septic tanks. Let’s have a look at a couple of them in one go.

Answer1.

When a septic tank backs up, it is because it is exhausted from constantly moving ahead. Haha. You got me on that one, didn’t you? Okay, so I couldn’t help but crack a corny joke here and there.

More serious now:

When dealing with a septic backup, one of the first things to assess is if the backup is caused by the Septic Tank itself, or whether it is caused by a blockage in the plumbing lines. Customers who are experiencing a backup may contact in to have their septic tank pumped, only to find that once our personnel pump the septic tank, the backup has returned to its previous state. As opposed to a genuine backup in the sewer system, blocked plumbing lines are more frequently the culprit. The following are some of the most typical reasons for clogged plumbing/drainage lines leading to the septic tank:

Tree Roots

This is one of the most typical problems that drainage lines encounter all across the world. We all adore those beautiful lawns that are shaded by a large, imposing old oak or maple tree, don’t we? They’re just stunning. While it is true that the upper half of the tree, which is easily seen and appreciated, is lovely, these trees have a dark counterpart underground.a vicious root system that is constantly on the lookout for.water! Tree roots have an extraordinary capacity to detect the presence of water from tremendous distances, and they will go to great lengths to penetrate anything that comes between them and the precious water that they so desperately require to survive.

1. Once you’re inside, two things start to happen at the same time.
2. These roots continue to develop and proliferate within the pipe, soaking up the nutrient-rich water and returning it to the tree.
3. Despite its small size, it possesses incredible strength.
4. The use of a high-powered water-jetting equipment and/or a mechanical augering cutter tool can be used to address minor root infestations in the home.
5. Major infestations will need the excavation and removal of the infested pipe, followed by the installation of a new pipe to remedy the damage.

When doing these repairs, special attention must be paid to the connecting points because even the smallest break will result in a recurrence of the original problem over time.

Other common system damage causes include:

Never, ever do something like this. Grease should be poured down the sink. Period. This is one of the most reliable methods of causing a backup in your plumbing lines and septic tank. When grease comes into touch with water, it will coagulate and solidify. Once within your pipe, it will solidify into a stiff material that can eventually block your pipes completely, causing overflowing toilets, sinks, and showers to occur. Have I said everything I wanted to say? Here are a couple of more things you might not have considered.

• They have a bad propensity of producing backlogs in the system.
• Baby wipes should not be flushed.
• There will be no condoms.
• They will eliminate the live bacteria that is necessary for your septic tank to function correctly.
• And yes, we have witnessed each and every one of these frightening scenarios.as well as many others.

Improper plumbing installations

Never. Under any circumstances. Fill up your sink with grease. Period. This is one of the most effective methods of causing a backup in your plumbing lines and septic tank to happen. When grease comes into touch with water, it will coagulate. Once within your pipe, it will solidify into a solid substance that will eventually clog your pipes completely, causing overflowing toilets, sinks, and showers to occur. Are there any more words to say? Other considerations that you may not have considered.

• Back-ups are a common occurrence when they occur.
• Keep baby wipes out of the trash.
• There will be no condoms given out here.
• They will destroy the live bacteria that are necessary for your septic tank to function correctly.
• Undeniably horrifying incidents like this have been witnessed by us on several occasions.as well as many others.

Another cause of backups:

These are intended to keep your leach field from being overloaded, hence avoiding the need for costly septic system repairs. Their purpose is to keep all particles contained within the septic tank and to enable only water to drain to the leach field or drain field. To ensure that these filters continue to perform properly, they must be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Failure to clean and maintain your effluent filter will eventually result in.you guessed it.a clogged effluent filter.

One final common cause for Septic damage:

Extremely heavy rains or extended periods of wet or rainy weather, particularly in areas where groundwater and surface water are not adequately redirected and drained away from your septic tank and leach field, can cause flooding in your septic system.

The long-term solution to this problem is to have adequate drainage work completed to guarantee that your septic system is kept protected from rainwater run-off. Give us a call at Shankster Bros. to find answers to all of these issues and many others!

How To Handle Septic System Backups A-American Septic Service

When you flush the toilet and immediately hear the gurgling of water from the tub or sink, it’s never a good day. It’s critical to precisely assess the location of the problem because fixes might differ depending on where and what the problem is in the first place. We’ll look at how to deal with septic system backups and obstructions in this section. There are a multitude of factors that might contribute to the failure of a sewage system. Something as easy as flushing a toy or an item of clothing down the toilet can produce a clog in the system, resulting in foul odors or worse in your house.

First Warnings That The Septic System Is Backing Up

Ordinarily, the first signs of a failing septic system are foul odors within the home; slow drains; backup of water in toilets, tubs, and sinks; or the presence of standing water on the ground outside the home. It is vital to take the necessary measures to determine the source of the problem, as breaking up the yard with a backhoe is a costly option.

Septic vs. Plumbing Problems

If you are experiencing a plumbing problem, the first thing you should do is determine whether you have a septic system problem. The best approach to determine if you have a single drain problem or a clog that affects the whole home or building is to test some of the other drains. Unless the problem is limited to that one drain in the kitchen and everything else in the house is working properly, you most likely have a blockage in the plumbing system within the house. If, on the other hand, all of the drains in the home are sluggish to drain or are backing up, you may have a problem with the whole wastewater disposal system.

Steps To Fixing A Slow Or Blocked Drain

First and foremost, you must determine whether there is a clog or obstruction within the structure. Regardless of whether the structure is a home or an apartment complex, you’ll need to verify the operation of all of the drains in the building. If the main drain is blocked, the higher floor drains may continue to work, although this is not always the case. Because of this, when the upper floors use their water, the contents of the tank can back up into your ground-floor flats. If all of the drains in the basement levels are functioning well, but there is one drain or toilet that is not functioning properly, you have a blockage at that location.

If it has always been a little sluggish, it might be due to a tiny obstruction.

As previously said, if the problem affects all of the drains in the building, you are most likely dealing with a main line issue that is preventing waste water from reaching the septic system.

Septic System Blockage Clearing

If you are feeling handy, there are a few things you can do for yourself before calling in a professional to assist you.

Traps are seen in sinks and bathtubs. Traps are a U-shaped curve in the plumbing that allows it to travel down in one piece.

DIY Septic System Blockage Clearing

Step1 – Locate the PVC pipe by opening the cupboard under your sink and looking inside. You’ll see a sequence of links as you scroll down. The pipe that runs from the bottom of the sink, down to a U-shaped part (the trap), and then another elbow junction that links the trap to the wall drain is known as the sink trap pipe. Placing a bucket beneath your work location will allow you to more easily untie the connections to the trap. Make sure you’re not wearing your favorite t-shirt since the water may start to drain.

If you don’t have access to a garden hose, attempt to clear the obstruction with a plunger rather than allowing it to just run down another drain.

In rare cases, if the water level is not too high, it is possible to pour some hot tap water into the tank to cause a brief surge in pressure that will force the blockage loose.

Kinetic water rams can also be used to clear these obstructions, but the majority of people do not have one of these laying about the house.

Professional Septic System Blockage Clearing

Obviously, if you’ve gotten this far and it isn’t depleting you, it is unavoidable that you will require some assistance. A specialist will be able to assist you in determining whether or not you have a drain waste vent problem or whether or not the blockage is located outdoors. This is accomplished by a professional by opening either fixture drains or the whole-house drain, which is where the waste water from the entire house escapes. It is the pros’ tools, expertise, and understanding that will allow them to either correct the problem or provide you with further information about why your system isn’t operating properly.

What exactly is required may vary depending on the nature of the problem you are experiencing with your system.

Checking The Drain-Vent System

When you have slow-draining fixtures, this is a regular problem to encounter. In order for the system to function properly, air must be drawn back into it through the vent. On rare occasions, birds may construct nests in the drain vent, or other small creatures may climb into and become trapped in the pipes. It is possible for these vents to get frozen if you live in a particularly cold climate, and this will prevent them from functioning properly.

Damaged Piping Outside

It is possible for the PVC drainage line that connects your home to your septic system to get damaged. This might occur when heavy machinery runs over it, or it can occur when something as simple as a tree root breaks through and causes failure.

This is a bit aggravating, but it is far less expensive than having to replace the whole septic system. Professionals can assist you in locating, clearing, and repairing broken parts of your pipe that leads to your septic tank.

Snaking The Line

Professionals will snake the line leading to your septic system in an attempt to determine whether and where you may have root damage, blockages, or other problems in your line by looking for signs of failure. This will either remove the obstruction or restore your ability to operate, or it will assist the professionals in determining the location of the damage or blockage. Instead of digging up your entire yard, this will assist them in determining where they should dig.

Failed Septic Systems

If all of the pipes, drains, vents, and traps are free of obstructions, the most likely source of the problem is the septic system itself. An assortment of factors may contribute to this. Control panels wear out, toilet paper that is not septic-friendly is used, leech fields become blocked, and a slew of other issues arise. Professional septic firms can assist you in determining exactly what is wrong with your system and in determining an economical solution to get it back up and running. Depending on the architecture of your system, there may be a range of expenses associated with repairing or replacing your malfunctioning sewage disposal system.

Phoenix Area Septic System Repair

If you have a septic system and your drains are clogging, don’t wait to see if they will just clear themselves out on their own. Please contact a professional to prevent septic systems from destroying your house and costing you even more money in the future. For further information, please contact A-American Septic Service at 602-455-3878.

About the Author

• Send us your question or comment on how to prevent backups in your septic system or sewage line.

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Questions and answers on preventing septic or sewage backups. When excessive usage of the septic system is predicted, this article series will explain how to avoid septic system backups. For properties linked to a municipal sewer, we will address how to avoid sewage or storm drain backups into a building during severe rain or flooding.

Q A on Avoiding Septic Backups

These are the questions. Answers to questions about how to avoid a sewage or septic system backlog were first posted at PREVENTION OF BACKUPS, SEPTIC- Make sure you go through that article. I’m not aware of any compelling reason not to do so. A backwater valve on a private septic system provides the same benefits as a backwater valve on a residence that is linked to a private sewer system: it prevents sewage from backing up into the building downstream from the valve. Note: If your septic system is failing or otherwise blocked outside of the home, a backwater valve will not and cannot prevent sewage backups as toilets are flushed or other fixtures are turned on after the sewer line between the home and tank has been filled with backup and thus the backwater valve has been shut.

• Is it a good idea to install a waste backwater valve on the line just in case something happens?
• It appears to me that the initial design may have been insufficiently robust.
• However, this is distinct from the issue of groundwater leaking into the actual septic tank itself.
• Thank you for reassuring me that what I suspected was the problem was correct.
• This has been the case even since it was fresh new.
• Thank you one again.
• Septic tank flooding is frequently caused by a failing drainfield, clogged drainfield pipework, or surface runoff that leaks directly into the septic tank.
• Will a drain that runs all the way to the home (which is a single storey with no basement and only a standard septic system with a leech field) become clogged with water if a major rainstorm occurs?
• Is it common for groundwater to have such a significant influence on a conventional system in such a short period of time?
• I’ve done all I can to keep water away from it, yet it still happens on a regular basis.

(Drainage has been substantially improved, and gutters have been erected to divert runoff away from the site.) Rick Because the answer is dependent on a variety of factors such as drainfield design and type, soil properties such as percolation rate, drainfield size, other sources of soil water or groundwater, condition of the drainfield – and its otherwise functional state – I am unable to provide a reasonable answer to your question.

1. Additionally, there might be some subtle problems, such as a septic tank with no exit baffle, causing floods that forces sediments into and clogs the drainfield, shortening the tank’s future life even if it looks to “function” for a period of time.
2. While on vacation, the toilet continued running, causing the septic tank to overflow.
3. Clare A plumber or septic specialist will need to come out and diagnose the problem on the spot to figure out what’s going on.
4. Can you tell me what I should do if my septic tank keeps backing up into my house?
5. What should I do and why is this occurring is a mystery.
6. If a section of your drain system is clogged, I’d probably start with a professional drain cleaning service using a rotary auger, and then I’d have the line scoped to make sure it isn’t damaged and that it is correctly sloped before calling a plumber.

However, I am not aware of any connection between a leaking TPR valve and a clogged septic tank problem at this time. The drain line from the pop off valve to the septic tank is always clogged.

Question on basement sewer line backup:

Yesterday, I experienced another sewer backup into my home, this time at a basement toilet. Our main line is equipped with a sewer backup flap. Is there such a thing as a soft plastic or other substance loaded with water that would conform to the curvature of the toilet and prevent water from re-entering the bowl as a backup? In the same way as I did with a ball of cloths and a block covered in plastic It worked in an emergency situation, but it is not a realistic solution. – By request, all information will remain anonymous.

Answer:

When you install a main sewer line backup prevention valve, you will avoid having to stop many drains around your home. Additionally, because the valve is essentially a large check valve, you will not have to do anything to make it operate; it will always be in place. If you are experiencing drain backups, including at the toilet, it is likely that your main sewer line check valve is not functioning properly, or that your backup is occurring (as you suspect) because water or wastewater is draining into your in-house building drain/waste/vent system before or ahead of the main sewer drain check valve.

However, while it is possible to install a second check valve at or near the basement toilet waste line, installing only one such valve would safeguard the entire building and will ensure that one is functioning correctly.

Not only is it potentially unclean and a health hazard in some instances, but who is going to clog drains when flood conditions strike and no one is at home to deal with them?

Install a Main Sewer Line Check Valve or Make Sure Installed Valves are Working

The first thing to examine is the condition of your main waste line backup check valve – if you notice that the sewer line is backing up from the street into your home, it is possible that your main sewersewer backup valve (waste backwater valve) or a flood guard valve is not functioning properly. The following is aCHECK VALVE MAINTENANCE GUIDE provided by the City of Ann Arbor, Michigan:

Don’t Route Roof or Surface Drainage into the Sewer Piping System

Second, you should completely separate your roof drainage from the sewage pipe system, and direct it to a nearby storm drain or directly to the ground surface (if applicable) (at least 12 feet away from the building and to a location that drains away from the building to avoid basement flooding). Even if connecting roof runoff drains to the sewage system is authorized in your community, you should experiment with moving the drain connection to a location downstream from your main sewer line trap and check valve.

When this occurs, the wastewater volume load on the municipal sewer treatment system is increased to such an extent that the sewage treatment plant simply overflows, releasing raw sewage into neighboring rivers or waterways, as a result of the storm.

If your toilets are overflowing, please seeTOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY for further information. Following the emergency, read CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSISREPAIR for further information. Additionally, see CAMPINGEMERGENCY TOILETS for information on emergency toilets.

Comments:

(2nd of May, 2011) An anonymous user commented: Thank you. My toilets will no longer back up as a result of this.

Question:

(Saturday, July 26, 2011) Jim Mullen reported that his septic tank overflowed into his basement shower during a recent extremely hard rain and power loss. It sprang out of the ground like a geyser. My system makes use of a lift station, and when the pump was turned off, the well began to fill and gravity pulled the water back into the home. Is it necessary to install a check valve near the house? If there isn’t one, do you have any idea how much it would cost to install one?

Reply:

(Saturday, July 26th, 2011) – As reported by Jim Mullen, my septic tank backed up into my basement shower after a recent very strong rain and power loss. A geyser of water erupted from it. When the pump was turned off, the well swelled and the water was driven back into the home by the force of gravity. A check valve should be installed near the home, shouldn’t there? Does anybody know how much it would cost to install one, if there isn’t one already in place?

Question:

(Sept. 26, 2011, 5:00 p.m.) Faith wrote: Hello, I’m in need of assistance. I’m not sure where my septic tank is at my house; can you tell me where it is?

Reply:

Faith, check the SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FINDARTICLE link in the master index supplied above under More Reading for additional information.

Question:

(12th of March, 2012) When it rains, would the installation of a check valve prevent sewage gas from leaking back into the house? Anonymous said:

Reply:

It may be possible, but it will not be sufficient to fix the failing drainfield that may have been suggested by your complaint.

Question:

(February 2, 2013) fran stated that her grinder pump’s aotp switch was constantly flicking off.

Reply:

Keep an eye out for a faulty check valve.

Question:

(16th of March, 2014) What should I do if my septic tank is leaking from the ground up? asked Anonymous.

Reply:

Ensure that there is no blockage in the septic tank or that the drainfield has failed. When diagnosing a problem with a tank, inspect both the outside and inside. If a tank is leaking to the surface because the outlet is clogged, resulting in the tank overflowing, the problem is most likely with the outlet pipe or drainfield. It is generally possible to repair a tank that has leaked out of its sides or from pipes near the tank as a result of fractures or other damage.

Question: basement flood after sump failure

(6th of April, 2014) According to Moo, we experienced a flood in our basement last week that was caused by a sump pump failure rather than a septic problem. Now, instead of overflowing into the home, our septic system is overflowing outside. Is it possible that the two are connected? The flooding is covered by our insurance policy. Is it possible that the septic problem stems from the flooding of the basement? Having been emptied out last summer, the septic system is expected to be in proper operating order.

Reply:

Moe, I have a strong suspicion that there is a significant connection between the basement flood that occurred as a result of a sump pump failure and the septic system failure you are currently experiencing. Coincidences are something I prefer to distrust. However, the situation may not be exactly how you see it – or at least not in the way that I deduce from your question below. If the basement flood was caused by high roof spillage, surface water runoff, or groundwater levels that accumulated around the foundation to the point where the basement flooded – a condition previously avoided by the little Dutch Boy in the Dike basement Sump pump – then those very same conditions could have flooded a failing or poorly-designed septic drainfield or soakbed, as was the case in this case.

As a result, a wet soakbed indicates that the effluent is having difficulty exiting the septic tank.

Even worse, you may be at danger of having sewage back up into the building.

In that document, you’ll see that, contrary to your assumption, draining out the septic tank last summer, while a crucial step in extending the life of the drainfield, does not provide a shred of evidence to support the claim that “the septic system should be functioning well.” Sorry.

Question:

(Apr. 26th, 2014) – The baffle on my septic system is clogged and I’m having trouble clearing the blockage. The distance between the house and the tank is only approximately six feet. Digging the line (at least the majority of it) to test whether any roots were attacking the live wires was unsuccessful; there were no roots that deep. When the clog seems to be spherical at the baffle, it nearly appears as though the clog is occurring within the pipe, but it is actually being forced out to the baffle.

• The tank was last pumped around 16 months ago, so it should be fine for another year or two at the most.
• We utilize an additive in the tank, therefore it should be in good working order at all times.
• Do you think I’ll need to pump it up another time?
• I have a 2700 sq/ft property with just three occupants, therefore I should be able to live there for four or five years at the most.
• Thanks Rob

Reply:

(Apr. 26th, 2014) – The baffle on my septic system is clogged and I’m having trouble unclogging it. The distance between the house and the tank is just around six feet. A portion of a power line was dug up to investigate whether roots were attacking the live wires, but no roots were discovered that deep. When the clog seems to be spherical at the baffle, it nearly appears as though the clog is occurring inside the pipe, but it is actually being forced out to the baffle. Not every week, but every month or so used to be the norm.

• A great deal of thought and effort went into the floating scum layer.
• If the scum layer is already too thick, is it conceivable that the intake may become clogged?
• Do you think I should pump it up again?
• As a single person living in a 2700 square foot home with just three other people, I should be able to endure four or five years in this situation.
• – Thanks Rob

Question:

(15th of May, 2015) Ryan Prough stated that his family had recently moved into this property, which had a brand new septic system built the previous year. After many days of heavy rain, we are seeing water seeping through the region surrounding the septic line within our foundation.

I believe the field is saturated, but I’m at a loss on what to do next. It is by no means a large amount of water, but it is expected to rain for at least another day or two. Every bit of assistance would be much appreciated.

Reply:

Ryan That which you describe is a frequent problem: the trench holding the sewage line functions as a natural catchment point for surface and groundwater and much worse, directs the water directly into the foundation wall, where a hole had been drilled to allow the sewer pipe to flow through it itself. 1. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are free of obstructions and that they are diverting water away from the foundation. 2. Do the same for site grading. 3. Excavate outside the wall to clean and seal the area where the pipe penetration is located.

If necessary, build an intercept drain that is suitably sloped to divert water away from the sewage line trench, away from the foundation, and down-slope to the daylighting area.

Follow the link to continue reading atBACKUP PREVENTION, SEPTIC-topic home Alternatively, choose a topic from the closely related articles listed below, or browse the entireARTICLE INDEX.

Septic or Sewer Backup Articles

• ADVICE FOR ADDITIVES AND TREATMENTS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEMS
• BACKUP, SEPTIC-SEWAGE WHAT TO DO
• BACKUP PREVENTION, SEPTIC
• BACKUP PREVENTION, SEPTER LINE
• BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS
• DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS
• SEWAGE BACKUP TESTCLEANUP
• SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION-

Suggested citation for this web page

A pedia of building environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, and issue prevention guidance may be found at www.inspectapedia.com – an online encyclopedia of building environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, and problem prevention advice. Alternatively, have a look at this.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Alternatives include asking a question or searching InspectApedia using the SEARCH BOXfound below.

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

We encourage you to use the search box just below, or if you prefer, you may make a question or remark in theCommentsbox below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. InspectApedia is a website that allows you to search for things. Please keep in mind that the publication of your remark below may be delayed if it contains an image, a web link, or text that seems to the program to be a web link. Your submission will appear when it has been reviewed by a moderator. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Technical ReviewersReferences

Citations can be shown or hidden by selecting Show or Hide Citations. InspectApedia.com is a publisher that provides references. Daniel Friedman is an American journalist and author.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK?

By Admin on November 12, 2020 Your efforts to live as environmentally conscious as possible, as a responsible homeowner, are likely already underway, with practices such as recycling, composting, and purchasing energy-efficient equipment among your list of accomplishments. As a septic tank owner, you want to be sure that anything you put into your tank and septic field is causing the least amount of ground contamination as is reasonably practicable. Fortunately, there are a number of modest improvements you can do immediately to make your septic system even more ecologically friendly than it already is.

Have your septic tank inspected and pumped on a regular basis.

A bigger septic tank with only a couple of people living in your house, for example, will not require pumping as frequently as a smaller septic tank or as a septic tank that must manage the waste products of multiple family members will require.

When in doubt about how often to pump your septic tank, consult with a professional for advice.

In addition to locating and repairing any damage, a professional can ensure that the septic field is in good working order and that your septic tank is functional, large enough to handle your family’s waste, and not causing any unwanted pollution in nearby ground water.

Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet or down the toilet.

Items that are not biodegradable are unable to properly decompose in the septic tank and might cause the system to get clogged.

In addition to causing issues in your house, septic system backups can damage ground water in the area surrounding your septic field.

Towels made of paper Products for feminine hygiene Grease or fats are used in cooking.

grinds from a cup of coffee Even if you have a trash disposal, the food scraps that you flush down the drain and bring into your septic system may cause unanticipated harm to your plumbing system.

Food scraps can enhance the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wastewater, which can disturb the natural bacterial balance of the septic tank, among other things.

Water conservation should be practiced.

Exceedingly large amounts of water use will interfere with the normal flow of wastewater from your home into your septic tank.

Limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower and turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, as well as purchasing a smaller dishwasher and washing machine that use less water, are all simple strategies to reduce water use in your home.

The following are some basic steps you can take to make your septic system more ecologically friendly: save water, maintain your septic system and tank, and recycle wastewater. To get answers to any of your septic tank-related issues, get in touch with the experts at Upstate Septic Tank, LLC.