5 Things To Know About Septic Backups
When your septic system isn’t functioning properly, waste from your home can be backed up into your yard. That’s not only unpleasant but it can also pose a health hazard to your family. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on the septic system in your yard. If you notice any of these 5 things, you need to call a professional right away.
1. Float Switch Issues
A good float switch is a key component in septic backup prevention. It can alert you when the water level is too high in your tank, allowing you to take action before you have an overflow or backup issue. To make sure your float switch is functioning correctly, try testing it with an ohmmeter. The ohmmeter will test for continuity when the switch is in the closed or raised position.
2. Clogged Filter
One of the most common septic tank issues that causes backups is a clogged filter. In some cases, it can even result in sewage backing up into your home. The effluent filter, also known as an outlet filter, is responsible for catching the waste materials before they are discharged into your drainfield. If it becomes clogged, it can cause serious problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible. It is important to have the effluent filter cleaned on a regular basis.
3. Hydraulic Overload
Hydraulic overloading occurs when excessive amounts of water enter the septic tank at one time, causing wastewater to back up into drains or effluent to surface in your yard. It also affects the septic system’s ability to break down waste and bacteria. Overloading can cause a decline in the number of bacteria in your septic tank and increase the amount of solids that will flow into the drain field. To avoid hydraulic overloading, homeowners should limit their water use by being conservative with their showers, laundry, and dishwashing. Additionally, if possible, they should install a Lint LUV-R washing machine filter to screen out synthetic fibers that cannot be broken down by bacteria.
4. Rainy Weather
Rainy weather can be a boon to gardening and watering your lawn, but it can also present a problem for your septic system. During a heavy downpour, the drain field that your septic system uses to drain runoff from your home can become oversaturated with moisture. This can cause your septic system to overflow and result in considerable damage. To help avoid this happening to you, you should have your septic system inspected and serviced before the next storm hits.
5. Overflowing
Septic systems process household waste without the use of municipal sewers. They consist of a large holding tank and a drain field made from underground trenches. The wastewater enters the septic tank through a pipe from the house, then passes into the drainage field. The waste is then slowly absorbed into the ground, where it is treated by bacteria and sludge. Occasionally a septic system may overflow, or back up into the house. If the septic tank overflow is caused by water that has accumulated due to heavy rain, it can sometimes resolve on its own, but in this case you will need to reduce your water usage for a few days to allow the problem to settle down.
Categorised in: Septic Repair, Septic Service, Septic System Maintenance, Septic Tank Service