Septic Tank Problems System Failure

The Septic System Owners Manual Chapter Review

(Chapter 7) How Does a Septic System Fail?

The effective years of service a standard Septic System can produce is dependent on many factors. The cause of Septic System Problems can include and are not limited to: minimal or no maintenance of the system (pumping of the septic tank), excessive hydraulic loading from the waste stream, excessive introduction of common household chemicals into the waste stream, excessive introduction of anti-biotic

drugs or chemotherapy treatments into the waste stream, food waste, kitchen grease, laundry lint, etc Given sufficient time, the anaerobic bacteria can digest most of the biodegradable causes of failure.

The fact is, most standard Septic Systems do not have adequate time for the relatively slow digestion process of the anaerobic bacteria to adequately perform their function. Over an extended time, the bio-mat grows thicker, reducing flow out of the absorption field and eventually resulting in failure of the absorption component and the beginning septic system problem.

Anaerobic systems are designed around parameters to minimize bio-mat growth. "The clogging mat controls system design, loading rate and life. Maintaining aerobic conditions at the wastewater infiltration surface could substantially reduce or eliminate clogging."

The most common Septic System Care programs consist of pumping the tank every few years and then the system is forgotten about. This pattern can continue for many years, however, there will come a time that your system will need serious attention and costly replacement. Pumping removes the solids build up from the settling tank however it has no direct benefit to the maintenance of the absorption component of the system. Most septic system failures are a result of the absorption component of the system becoming clogged by the formation of a Bio-mat. Septic systems fail when the absorption field no longer accepts and filters the drain water from your home. The septic tank, which is designed to separate and decompose the solid waste from the homes drain water, overflows with excess water and waste when the drain field no longer accepts water. The result is smelly septic gases; slow running drains, soggy lawn and frequent pumping of the septic tank.

The components of the system are durable; however, the bio-chemical process utilized to convert sewage to mostly clear effluent leaving the system is fragile and can be easily upset. We are all guilty of abusing our septic system at some point in time. It may range from excessive water usage, failure to repair a leaky faucet, or dumping some hazardous solvents or liquids down the drain. A simple rule is, "if you have not or cannot eat it, then it probably will be damaging or difficult for your septic system to process"! Not to say that these materials cannot ever be flushed down the drain, but if flushed too frequently you are bound to have problems! The effective years of service for a septic system are dependent on many factors. The cause of septic system failure can include: minimal or no septic system maintenance, excessive hydraulic loading from the waste stream, excessive introduction of common household chemicals, excessive use of anti-biotic drugs or chemotherapy treatments, food waste, kitchen grease, laundry lint. ponding on the surface of your yard above the septic tank, or sewage back-ups into the house. You could experience one or any combination of these Septic System Problems