If you are searching for “Problems with Septic Tanks & Solutions” you more than likely are having a problem with your septic system. Many people will state that they have no idea why they are having septic tank issues because they have never had to pump their tanks, as if that were proof enough that their septic systems were working just fine then just failed. Be aware, many failing septic systems may have been having issues for several decades before there is ever a sign that there is an issue.
Everything that does go down the drain in your home such as laundry machines, water softeners, toilets, sinks, and showers will end up in the septic tank. Your septic tank will be a large volume, mostly watertight tank that will provide the first treatment of wastewater by intercepting the solids and settle the organic matter before the disposal into the drain field.
Most Common Septic Tank Problems
- Septic tank effluent surfacing on your property
- Bad or strong odors coming up from the drains or septic tank
- Pollution of nearby streams or ditches with effluent and/ or sewage
- Slow flushing toilets
- Gurgling of drains
- Ground movement (sinking) near the soak away drain field or septic tank
- Overflowing of toilets
- Overflow at the washing machine wall connection
- Overflow into tub or shower when the sink clears
- Drain examination chambers have standing effluent in them. These need to be empty.
Scum:
Substances that are lighter than water such as fats, oil and grease will float to the top, where it forms a scum layer. This layer floats on the surface of the water in the tank. Aerobic bacteria work’s at digesting the floating solids.
Sludge:
This is the sinkable solids such as a bones, soil, food particles, and grit that settles on the bottom of the tank and create a layer of sludge. The sludge is heavier than the water so it will form a layer along the bottom of the tank. Underwater anaerobic bacteria’s eat the organic materials in the sludge, which give off gases and, then as it dies off becomes a part of the sludge.
Effluent:
This is the clarified wastewater that is left over after the scum has managed to float to the top and the sludge has settled on the bottom. It flows into the septic tank outlet and into the drain field.
Top 10 Reasons For Sewage System & Septic Tank Breakdown
- More people using the septic tank system than usual
- Deterioration of the septic tank itself
- Nature of the soil and its effect on the septic tank soakaway
- Septic tank maintenance
- Sodium binding in the soil
- Depth of the septic tank soakaway drainfield
- Heavy rain and its effect on the septic tank system
- Winter water table and its effect on the septic tank soakaway
- Another house joining the septic tank system
- The age of the septic tank system
Septic Tank Effluent Filters
These are cost effective tools that will help to avoid expensive septic system issues. The main function of the septic tank is to let there be a 24-hour period for a suspended solids and solids to settle out and then begin the digestion of the organic materials within the wastewater stream. Keeping this in mind, you will be able to understand the reason for an effluent filter. The effluent filter will filter out solids that are larger than an eighth of an inch. So it is understandable that the effluent filter does require maintenance every now and again. The maintenance intervals need to be determined by the instructions that came with the effluent filter as well as your wastewater generation habits.
The Beginning of Septic Tank Issues
After using for several years, the build-up of sludge and floating scum will start to reduce the capacity of your tank. This means that waste will go through the tank too fast and then solids will begin to plug up your pipes to the drain field. This causes overfilling that may happen day to day or over years. Heavy water usage like days that you do laundry or when you entertain guests will put pressure on your system and will introduce solids into the drain field. This causes the drain to become filled with water. Once you have an untreated effluent surfacing on the ground or your sewage backs up into the house, you have a real issue. These are really common signs and the outward appearance of septic issues that have been going on for years. Even though there have been numerous studies by various universities, as well as other organizations that have shown that septic aeration is eco-friendly as well as an affordable solution to restoring and avoiding septic tank failure, the waste water industry is really slow to embrace it. This is understandable when you consider that conflict may happen. Imagine if you owned a septic tank pumping company and had to maintain a fleet of trucks, would you want to promote a product that would solve all the issues for your client? A problem with septic tanks means that there will be a steady flow of income since it will need to be pumped at least 3 times a year. If the system fails and is replaced with a new and advanced system, these expensive tanks carry and operating permit. Which under the law, every county health department is responsible for reinforcement. This enforcement includes yearly inspections and pumping that is paid for by the homeowner.
Tank Problems Means Drain Field Problems
The early symptoms and signs of septic tank issues are normally unnoticed by the time it starts showing on the surface and visible signs start happening, the issue is now in your drain field.
You can suspect that the issue is in the drain field if:
- The septic tank is flooded
- Problems happen even though the tank was recently pumped
- The plumbing becomes sluggish over a time period, or when it is used a lot, or during wet months
- There are persistent wet spots or odors over the field
Effective Septic Aeration Pays For Itself In Pumping Costs
It has been recommended quite often that your septic tank be pumped every 2 to 5 years. Although, recent studies have shown that if you add an aerator to your septic tank that works well, you may only have to pump it around every 12 years. A septic tank that does not have aeration will break down around 40% of the solids. Where you add an effective septic aeration it will break down up to 90% of the solids and at a faster pace too.
Phoenix Septic Tank Services
If you are having septic system problems in the greater Phoenix Metro area, A-American Septic Service are happy to help with septic tank pumping and cleaning services. We have all of the tools necessary to fix any and all septic problems, no matter how big or small. Let our technicians use their extensive knowledge of septic systems to help diagnose what is wrong, and give you an affordable solution for fixing the problem. To schedule your service today call us 602-455-3878.
