Common Septic Tank Problems

Over the last several years, we have talked to thousands of people experiencing problems with their septic tank and septic system. Here are the most common septic tank problems people calling in describe to us:

Septic tank overflow

High water level in the tank or water bubbling up from the tank

People describe this condition occurring after the tank has just been pumped. This alarms and upsets them because not only is their septic system unable to handle additional sewage, but it creates an unsanitary condition in their lawn. Additional septic tank pumping is often performed without any performance improvement in the system (this can cause more harm than good for a septic system).

Sewage collecting on ground above drainfield

Sewage water collecting on the ground above the drainfield

This is a condition that people notice getting gradually worse with time. It usually is accompanied by other problems (gurgling pipes or slow drains – see below). Again, this problem upsets people because their system sometimes can not handle more incoming sewage and it also creates an unsanitary condition in their lawn, making this part of their lawn unusable.

Septic Odor

People often describe a rotten egg smell emanating from their septic tank. It is offensive and prevents the homeowner from utilizing their lawn.

Slow flowing drain

Gurgling pipes, slow drains or backups

People know something is amiss with their septic system when this condition occurs. Although it still can accept the additional inflow, they know their septic system’s capacity appears to be reduced and they fear failure may not be too far down the road.

The top two septic tank problems described above are almost always a sign of a septic system that is in a failure mode. The bottom two are signs of a septic system veering towards failure.  The people calling us know this and often have been shocked by the cost of the recommendation they receive from their pumper, contractor or government official to fix the problem: system replacement.

Is your only option to solving any of these problems a new septic system?

Well, first of all, you need to understand how a typical septic system works. Once you have done a little research, you will discover that the problems described above are caused by a biomat generated from the anaerobic bacteria environment in the septic tank clogging the drainfield. Fortunately, there is a proven, efficient and cost effective alternative to system replacement that eliminates the biomat and restores a clogged drainfield. This solution utilizes controlled aeration to convert an anaerobic system to an aerobic system.