Is Your Septic System Failing?

When cleaning winter debris from your yard, some of the last things you want to see are standing water in your drain field or damp spots near your septic tank. Even patches of bright green spongy grass can be concerning. All of these may be signs of septic system failure. Unfortunately, a failing or malfunctioning system can be a costly repair that could risk your and your family's health. But what causes your septic system to fail, what happens when it does, and how do you fix it?

What Causes Septic System Failure?
Most septic systems are self-contained fixtures that use essential bacteria to break down the organic matter that flows out of your home. Through a series of steps, it separates and contains non-decomposing solids from liquid and gas waste that your system further cleans. These wastes are eventually released back into the soil through your drain field. The system is out of sight and usually out of mind until you have a problem with it.

When your system fails or does not work correctly, you risk it releasing untreated sewage into the ground. This untreated or insufficiently treated sewage then causes contamination which can potentially nearby water sources causing infection or diseases among humans and animals.

Lack of Regular Inspections And Maintenance - Just like any other system related to your home, your septic system requires regular inspections and maintenance. The lack of maintenance is one of the number causes of septic system failure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends inspecting your system every 1 to 3 years.

The EPA also recommends removing the non-dissolving solids or pumping your system every 3 to 5 years. The intervals between pumping can vary based on several factors. Some of these include:

• Your tank size and style
• Number of people in your home
• Amount of water used
• Amount of solids accumulated

An inspection by a certified plumbing company can provide better guidelines on how often you need to perform this maintenance portion.

Clogged pipes - Another cause of your septic system not working correctly can be blocked or crushed lines leading from your home to your system or in your drain field. Clogged pipes are often caused by flushing other things down your drain besides human waste and toilet tissue. Some common culprits include:

• Kitty litter
• Paper towels
• Flushable or baby wipes
• Food
• Fats, oils, or grease
• Hair
• Cotton balls
• Feminine hygiene products
• Condoms

Always remember, if it didn't come out of you, it probably shouldn't go through.

Crushed pipes - The small pipes that run from your septic system to your drain field are another integral part of your system. These shallow, perforated pipes not only move liquid waste away from your system but dispense it into the ground, which cleans it further before being absorbed into groundwater.

Since these pipes were only buried two to four feet underground when initially installed, they are easy to crush. You can destroy your lines with any significant weight, such as the weight of vehicles, machinery, or large animals. Always know where your drain field is, and avoid driving or building over this area.

How Do You Fix a Failing Septic System?
Unfortunately, most people cannot fix a failing septic system on their own, but Express Plumbing & Drain can. Depending on what is causing your system failure, wemay be able to repair it and not have to replace it. With more than 25 years of experience, we have extensive training and experience. Call us today so we can come out and assist you in getting things working back as they should.