If you are one of over 21 million
homeowners that use a septic system, you may have experienced problems
associated with this type of waste disposal system. Slow drains, sewer backups,
spongy ground, sewer smells around the site, and gurgling plumbing are classic
signs of a septic system near or at failure.
Most septic systems should rarely cause you grief, but
problems still occur to residential users. With the right knowledge, however,
you can avoid expensive, inconvenient, and stinky events that indicate a system
failure. Read on to learn more about two main reasons your septic system fails.
1. Bad Design or Construction
How can you expect a system to function flawlessly when
there is a defect in its design or construction? The truth is, bad design or
construction ultimately results in a future septic problem.
A key component in a successful system is the soil. Ground
that is too compact after new construction or dense and impermeable cannot
allow percolation, an important function of the drainfield. On the other hand,
ground that is too coarse or contains too much gravel requires a couple feet of
sand to slow permeation. Fast drainage lets wastewater reach groundwater too
quickly, before aerobic activity can take place and kill microbes.
Sometimes a poorly placed drainfield leads to failure.
Drainfields must reside downslope of a home but take into account placement of
the driveway, utility lines, and outbuildings. Also, drainfields must be sized
accordingly to household needs and soil type. For example, a drainfield in less
permeable soil is acceptable as long as the size is increased to accommodate
percolation and prevent overflow.
2. Little or No Maintenance
You cannot ignore your septic system and expect your toilets
to flush without problems. Many homeowners end up paying little attention to
their system until an emergency forces them into action. Instead, contact
a septic
maintenance
service to handle the maintenance for you. The EPA recommends a professional
inspects your system annually, with a septic pump every 3-5 years.
Your household can enact a maintenance plan simply by how
you utilize your system with regards to water use and what you put down the
drain.
- Use
energy-efficient appliances whenever possible to minimize the amount of
water that ends up in the septic system.
- Look for
low-flow shower and faucet heads and low-flush toilets.
- Dispose
of garbage the right way and don't flush it down the toilet - only flush
human waste and toilet paper.
- Never
pour chemicals into a sink drain that interfere with microbial activity,
such as paint, toxic cleaners, and grease.
Maintenance does not have to be complicated or inconvenient.
In fact, the best way to maintain a septic drainfield is to simply leave it
alone. This means don't park cars or drive heavy vehicles over it, which can
compact the soil and create problems. Also, don't plant trees or shrubs
directly over a drainfield. Roots can quickly breach and weaken the integrity
of a septic system. Instead, ask a professional the best location for new plant
life on your property.
Maintenance is one of the most important ways you can ensure
your septic system performs without any unexpected or odorous surprises. Stick
to a proactive water usage schedule that does not overload a system with too
much water. Water that backs up or slows at the drain means you should slow
your usage.
Despite the best maintenance plan, a septic
system may experience repeated problems if it is a poor design or of poor
construction. In this case, it may be time for serious alterations or repairs.
Contact the professionals at The Nibbler Company. We have experience with a
range of septic systems and offer multiple solutions to your septic problems.
