Why Your Septic Tank Is Backing Up

If you notice that your septic tank is backing up, this is an emergency that you'll need to resolve as soon as possible. The good news is that some septic tank problems are inexpensive to repair, such as a broken pipe. However, there are other septic tank problems that can cost much more to repair. Here are warning signs to look out for.

Sewage Problems

When a septic tank is backing up, the most common issue you might discover is sewage in your home. This is very unpleasant and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Always keep family members, especially children and pets, away from the sewage since it can be a biohazard. This is especially true if the drain field smells bad or is soggy. 

Septic Tank Inspections

Lift the lid on the septic tank and check the water level. If the water is lower than the outlet, the pipe between the house and the septic tank might be clogged. This problem can be solved by a plumber. Also, there might be plants or something else blocking the drain pipe.

When the water level is higher than the outlet, the problem is related to the septic tank. The fastest way to have the problem resolved is to have your septic tank pumped. While this might not fix the problem in the long-term, you will have more time. Do not pump yet if the drain field is saturated because you might cause the tank to float and break the pipes.

Drain Field Failure

When a drain field fails, this is usually due to the septic tank not being pumped enough. The sludge and scum become so thick that there is no space for the wastewater to pool and for the ingredients to become separated, leading to a drain field failure.

Full Septic Tanks

The tank might simply be full of solid waste. When a tank is full of solid waste, you might notice that your toilet backs up. You might also see that drains take longer to drain water. A full septic tank is likely only the problem if you haven't had your tank pumped in a long while. Otherwise, the problem is more likely to be a clog. Regardless, if you can't figure out what is wrong with your septic tank by looking, you'll want to have your tank serviced by a residential septic tank repair technician promptly.

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