Septic tank maintenance

What causes septic tank failure?

In this article we will cover what causes septic tank failure? A septic system may be the least regarded component in entire property. There are still households who think that just leaving the septic system alone with a block of yeast is enough for it to last forever. This is a misconception because the septic is technically, a living organism that depends on the homeowner as the primary caregiver. Care and maintenance should be regularly given to the entire septic system so that the overall flow of the wastewater treatment will not be interrupted.

The septic system is comprised of the septic tank and the drain field. The septic tank is where the first stage of wastewater treatment occurs. The raw wastewater is collected and then separated into three distinct layers—the scum, the effluent, and the sludge. The scum is made up of lightweight solid wastes that float on top. The effluent is the middle part that’s clear liquid. The sludge is made up of the heavy solid waste that the anaerobic bacteria digest. If this process of pre-treatment happens successfully, then there will be no problems at all.

What causes septic tank failure?

Basically, the septic tank could fail because of neglect, which can be manifested in a lot of ways. The following are the most common reasons why a septic tank fails:

  1. The trees and other higher species of plants that are planted on and near the septic tank have root systems that penetrate deep into the septic system. When they reach the septic tank, the roots tap into a very rich supply of effluent that they need to survive. The roots thrive and occupy the space in the septic tank that’s needed to perform the wastewater treatment. The roots should be removed manually and the plants should be relocated to a place that’s far away from the septic tank area. If the situation is not corrected, then the septic tank will fail.
  2. It’s mandatory to pump out the septic tank so that the sludge level is kept very low. There is a high risk that the sludge will take over the septic tank and prevent the incoming raw wastewater from entering it and starting treatment. There will be wastewater backup, overflow, flooding and failure if the septic tank is left to fill up with sludge. Pump out schedules should be discussed with your septic expert because it depends on how many are residing in your home. For large households or six or more people, the septic tank should be pumped out every year. If you have up to five people in your home, then you should have the septic tank pumped out every two years. When there are only two people at most in your home, then every three years would be an ideal schedule for a pump out.
  3. Soil compaction is caused by heavy vehicles and structures that are placed over the septic tank. The soil gets too compressed that the physical components of the septic tank are crushed. The resulting damage will cause effluent to leak, backup, overflow, and flood. The vehicles and structures should be removed immediately. The septic expert should immediately check for the damages and make the necessary repairs and replacements. If this is not attended to, the septic tank will inevitably fail.
  4. Dumping harsh chemicals into the septic tank is a big negative. These compounds kill off the bacteria in the septic tank. Without bacteria, there is no septic system. The raw wastewater and solid waste will just stay in the tank until it gets full. There will be effluent leaking, flooding, and backup. This will be aggravated if you continue to dump non-biodegradable materials, grease, and paint into the system because they cannot be decomposed by bacteria. They will just fill up the tank as well.Feel free to consult your septic expert for more methods on how you should take care of your septic tank. There is nothing like being able to care for your septic and your home at the same time.

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