Homes and businesses that aren’t connected to the municipal sewer system often have a septic tank on the property. If correctly installed and maintained, septic systems should provide long-term wastewater treatment. However, misuse, improper installation, and lack of maintenance can lead to expensive system failures. Learn the top five reasons septic systems fail so you know how to keep yours working smoothly.
Excess Wastewater
Septic tanks release wastewater while taking it in, so they can only handle a certain flow rate. If multiple people live in your home, coordinate showering, running the dishwasher, and doing laundry so none of these activities happen simultaneously. Otherwise, the septic tank could overfill, causing water to flow back up the pipes or out into your yard.
Disposal of Too Many Solids
Never put anything down the drain that can easily be thrown in the trash or onto a compost heap. Cooking grease is the single most important item to throw away, not pour down the drain. Other solids that are known to cause septic tank failure include:
- Diapers
- Flushable wipes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper products (besides septic-safe toilet paper)
- Dental floss
- Cotton balls
- Cat litter
- Coffee grounds
Harsh Cleaning Products
Septic systems work thanks to a delicate balance of flora that exists within the tank. If you wash and clean with harsh chemicals, you could kill the bacteria that help break down waste. Stick to natural cleaning products whenever possible, and minimize or eliminate your use of the following:
- Bleach
- Powdered detergents
- Antibacterial soaps
- Automatic toilet bowl cleaners
- Drain cleaning chemicals
Improperly Sized or Installed Septic System
Even if you’re careful about using your septic system properly, it could fail you if the wrong tank type or size is installed. Everything about your yard and plumbing system must be taken into consideration when designing a septic system. The factors the come into play include:
- Slope of your property
- Soil type and condition
- Water table level
- Garbage disposal use
- Whether you have a water softener or water filtration system
Neglect
Traditional plumbing requires little maintenance. However, septic systems are different. The tank buried in your yard processes wastewater and solids from your home’s showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and plumbing appliances. Some of this wastewater flows out to a leaching field, but the organic sludge left behind slowly fills up the tank. As a result, it must be pumped occasionally—usually every two to three years—to prevent drain clogs, sewer backups, and groundwater contamination.
The best way to prevent problems with your septic system is to have it professionally serviced on a regular basis. Choose Trinity Liquid Waste for residential and commercial septic systems services in San Francisco, CA. We offer septic pumping, inspections, repairs, and more, drawing on 25 years of experience to ensure safe, quick, and efficient work. Contact us online or call us at 510-874-6489 to request services from us today.
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