As a homeowner with a septic system, you'll want to know the inner workings of your septic system to ensure you can tell the difference between a full septic tank and a clogged septic tank. In this post, we’ll be going over all of the common problems you may encounter with both a full septic system and a clogged septic system. We’ll also address the steps one should take to properly resolve the issues at hand should your septic tank become too full or clogged. We hope you enjoy this post, and should you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
Before we begin exploring the troubleshooting process, let’s go over the basics to gain a greater grasp and understanding of how a residential septic system works. Your typical septic system will consist of a septic tank and a drainfield. Waste from your household will flow into the septic tank. The waste solids will settle on the bottom of the septic tank and lighter materials such as fats and oils will rise to the top of the liquid material. The liquid effluent will then flow from the septic tank to the drainfield. From there, the liquid effluent will percolate into the soil area for further processing and treatment.
Below are some of the signs of a full septic tank and how to recognize said signs before it becomes a major issue:
Slow Drains: If you’ve begun to notice all of the drains in your home are draining much slower than usual, this could be a sign your septic tank is nearing its capacity.
Bad Odors: If there are foul odors beginning to emanate from the drains themselves, or the area surrounding the septic tank, this can be a strong sign your septic tank is full and will likely require pumping.
Pooling Water: If there are large pools of water developing around your septic tank, especially during drier weather, this may be an indicator the tank is overflowing due to being at capacity.
Sewage Backup: Sewage backup within your home can be one of the most critical signs a septic tank is full. Not only is this an extreme inconvenience, it’s also a health hazard and should be addressed immediately with professional assistance.
Below are some of the most common signs of a clogged septic system:
Localized Wet Spots: If there are smaller, localized wet spots or soggy areas throughout your yard, specifically near the drainfield area, this could possibly indicate clogs leading to blockages which prevent proper drainage from occurring.
Gurgling Sounds in Pipes: If you’re observing gurgling sounds from your plumbing, this can be a strong indicator of a clog or partial blockage within your septic system.
High Levels in the Tank: A septic inspection may reveal high levels of liquid in the septic tank itself, possibly higher than the outlet pipe. This indicates there’s some type of clog preventing effluent from flowing out properly.
Effluent at the Surface: If you’re noticing visible effluent at the surface of your drainfield, this is a critical sign of a septic clog or failure.
To accurately diagnose whether your septic tank is full or your system is clogged, consider these steps:
Inspection & Maintenance Records: You’ll want to check previous records if you’re inheriting the responsibilities of the system from previous ownership. If you’re the first owner of the septic system, it’s important to keep accurate records to ensure you’re maintaining everything on a timely basis. Septic tanks need to be fully pumped every three to five years in most cases. This timeline of pumping activity obviously depends on overall use and frequency levels.
Professional Inspection: Hiring a professional to inspect your septic system can be a great way to properly diagnose any problems which you may be encountering. A septic professional has the ability to check the sludge levels in the tank itself and check out your drainfield for signs of failure or clogging.
Check for Blockages: Periodically inspecting the inlet and outlet areas of the septic tank can help to identify any blockages. These can be some of the most common areas where partial clogs or full blockages occur.
Once you’ve been able to identify whether the underlying issue is due to a full septic tank or a clog, you can then proceed with the right solution:
Pumping the Tank: If the septic tank is full, you’ll need to have it pumped ASAP. This will include removal of the septic tank’s contents, providing you with a clean slate and preventing future backups.
Clearing Clogs: If there’s a clog within your septic system, the blockage will need to be cleared ASAP. The pipes may have to be cleared or the pipes may need to be replaced in certain sections where the clog is too substantial.
Repairing or Replacing Components: If the drainfield is clogged or truly failing, more involved repairs or even an entire replacement may be required.
Below are some quick tips on preventative measures one can take to reduce the chances of issues with their septic system.
Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance, like anything else within your home, is an ideal preventative measure to keep everything in good working order.
Water Usage: Reducing water usage is also a good way to prevent excessive burden on your septic system. Installing efficient shower heads, washing machines, toilets, etc… can help you reduce the burden on your septic system , as well as save you money with your water bill each month.
Proper Disposal: Avoid flushing anything which does not break down easily within your septic system. This includes “flushable wipes”, feminine hygiene products, or cooking oil and grease.
Being able to identify whether your septic tank is clogged or full is a great skill to possess. Having the proper level of understanding and being able to identify the signs of a clogged or full septic tank can save you time, money, and frustration. Regular maintenance, proper usage, and timely interventions of your septic tank can provide you with a septic tank system which will be efficiently and effectively operating for many years to come. We hope you’ve enjoyed this post on determining whether your septic is full or clogged. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Shop for our various septic parts, accessories, pumps, and more by clicking the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!
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