Your septic system plays a crucial role in managing wastewater from your home, and understanding how to properly maintain it is key to avoiding costly repairs or messy backups.
Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace and improper maintenance by home owners is a common cause of early system failure. The minimal amount of preventative maintenance that septic system require, cost very little in comparison to the cost of a new system. It typically cost from $4,000 to 15,000 to replace a failing septic system, compared to $150 to $500 average per year cost to have a septic system pumped and inspected.
Knowing how to tell when your septic tank is full or clogged can help you take action before major problems arise. Here’s a guide to spotting the warning signs and preventing clogs.
Signs Your Septic Tank is Full or Clogged
1. Slow Drains Throughout the House
One of the most common indicators that your septic tank is full or clogged is slow drainage in your sinks, toilets, and showers. If water is draining slower than usual throughout your home, it could mean that your tank is nearing capacity or that there’s a blockage in the system.
2. Unpleasant Odors
If you notice foul odors coming from your drains, yard, or near the septic tank area, this could be a sign that the tank is full or there’s a clog in the pipes. As the tank fills up, gases are released and can lead to unpleasant smells both indoors and outdoors.
3. Standing Water or Puddles in Your Yard
If your septic system is full, wastewater may start to overflow, leading to standing water or puddles in your yard, especially around the drain field area. This could also indicate a clogged drain field, which prevents proper wastewater absorption.
4. Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is one of the most serious signs of a full or clogged septic system. If waste starts backing up into your sinks, toilets, or tubs, this indicates that the tank can no longer hold any more wastewater, or there is a blockage in the pipes. This requires immediate attention from a professional.
5. Lush, Greener Grass Over the Drain Field
While it may seem like a good thing to have lush, green grass, an unusually green patch over your drain field could be a warning sign that your septic tank is leaking, and wastewater is fertilizing the grass. This is often an early indicator of an overfull tank or a failing drain field.
Causes of a Full or Clogged Septic Tank
1. Infrequent Pumping
Septic tanks need to be pumped regularly to remove the solid waste that accumulates over time. If you don’t have your tank pumped on a routine schedule, it can become overfull and lead to backups and clogs.
2. Flushing Non-Degradable Items
Flushing items like wipes, paper towels, sanitary products, or any non-biodegradable materials can cause clogs in your septic system. Even “flushable” wipes can lead to serious problems over time.
3. Excess Water Usage
Overloading your septic system with too much water in a short period of time can cause it to back up. Washing multiple loads of laundry, running the dishwasher, and taking long showers all in one day can overwhelm the system, especially if it’s already nearing capacity.
4. Tree Roots
Tree roots can invade the pipes leading to and from your septic tank, causing blockages or damaging the pipes. If trees are planted too close to your septic system, their roots may cause problems as they seek out moisture from the tank.
How to Prevent Your Septic Tank from Getting Clogged
1. Schedule Regular Pumping
One of the best ways to prevent a full septic tank is to have it pumped regularly. On average, a septic tank should be pumped every 3-5 years, but this can vary depending on the size of your household and the size of the tank. Regular pumping will prevent solid waste from building up and causing backups or clogs.
2. Watch What You Flush
Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Do NOT flush any of the following items down your toilet:
- baby wipes
- dental floss
- feminine hygiene products
- condoms
- diapers
- cotton swabs
- cigarette butts
- matches
- coffee grounds
- cat litter
- paper towels
- napkins
- medications
- paints, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals into your system
3. Conserve Water
Being mindful of how much water you use can help prevent overloading your septic system. Space out heavy water usage tasks like laundry, showers, and dishwashing to avoid overwhelming the system all at once. Installing low-flow toilets and faucets can also help conserve water.
4. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
Avoid pouring harsh chemicals like bleach, drain cleaners, or antibacterial soaps down your drains. These products can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that help break down solid waste, leading to buildup and clogs. Instead, use septic-safe cleaning products.
5. Maintain the Drain Field
Take care of your drain field by avoiding heavy traffic or parking vehicles over it. Compacting the soil can interfere with the absorption of wastewater. Also, avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to the drain field, as their roots can invade and block the system.
6. Use a Garbage Disposal Sparingly
While convenient, garbage disposals can introduce extra solids into your septic tank, which increases the amount of waste that needs to be broken down. If you use a garbage disposal, consider reducing its use or having your tank pumped more frequently to prevent clogs.
7. Install a Filter
Adding a filter to your septic system can help prevent solids from entering the drain field, reducing the risk of clogs. Many newer systems come with filters already installed, but older systems can be retrofitted with one.
When to Call a Professional
If you notice any signs of a full or clogged septic tank—such as slow drains, odors, or backups—it’s important to call a professional right away. A licensed septic technician can diagnose the problem, pump the tank, and make any necessary repairs to prevent further issues.
If you suspect your tank is full or clogged, don’t hesitate to contact a professional like Swift Brothers to assess the situation and help keep your system running smoothly.