If you have a septic tank, it is important to keep it from filling up. Septic tanks work by holding waste and water until the solids settle at the bottom and the liquids rise to the top. If the tank fills up too quickly, it can cause sewage to back into your home or your property. There are several things you can do to prevent this from happening.
This guide will discuss how to keep septic tank from filling up too quickly and what you need to do if it does happen. If you have a septic tank, the first thing you should do is have it inspected regularly. This will help to ensure that the tank is working properly and that there are no blockages. Read on for more information.
5 Reasons Why Your Septic Tank is Filling Up
1. Excess Water Usage
One of the most common reasons why septic tanks fill up is excess water usage. If you have a household of five or more people, you should use no more than 50 gallons of water per day. If you are using more than this, it will strain your septic tank and cause it to fill up more quickly. You can reduce water usage by making simple changes, such as turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth and only running the dishwasher when it is full.
2. Too Much Waste Going Into the Tank
Another reason septic tanks fill up is that too much waste goes into the tank. This can be caused by putting cooking oil down the drain, flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet, or dumping coffee grounds into the sink. These things can clog up your septic tank and cause it to fill up more quickly. To avoid this, ensure that you only put biodegradable materials into your septic tank.
3. Not Pumping Your Tank Regularly
To keep your septic tank from filling up, it is important to pump it out regularly. Most experts recommend having your septic tank pumped every three to five years. However, if you have a household of five or more people, you may need to have it pumped more frequently. Failure to pump your septic tank regularly will cause the solid waste to build up and eventually cause the tank to fill up completely.
4. Leaks in Your Septic Tank
Another common reason for septic tanks filling up leaks in the tank itself. These leaks can occur due to cracks in the tank or damage to the seals around the lid. If you suspect a leak in your septic tank, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible. Otherwise, the leak will continue and eventually cause the entire tank’s contents to leak out into your yard.
5. Tree Roots Growing Into Your Tank
Finally, another common reason why septic tanks fill up is that tree roots have grown into the tank. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in sewage, so they will often grow into septic tanks in search of these things. Once they get into the tank, they can clog up pipes and eventually cause the entire system to fail. If you have trees near your septic tank, it is important to have them checked regularly for roots. If you find roots in your tank, they must be removed to prevent further damage.
10 Smart Ways on How to Keep Septic Tank From Filling Up
1. Use Water Efficiently:
One way to prevent your septic tank from filling up too quickly is to use water more efficiently. This means ensuring no leaks in your plumbing and only using as much water as you need for activities like washing dishes or clothes. You should also spread out your usage throughout the day so your tank has time to recover between uses.
2. Don’t Flush Non-biodegradable Products:
When items that don’t break down easily are flushed down the toilet, they can clog up your septic tank and cause it to fill up quicker than normal. Only flush things like toilet paper and human waste down the toilet; everything else should go in the trash. Educate your family and roommates about what can and can’t be flushed to prevent problems.
3. Limit Your Use of Garbage Disposal:
While garbage disposals are convenient, they should only be used sparingly if you have a septic tank. This is because they add a lot of solids into the tank, which can cause it to fill up more quickly. If you use your garbage disposal, run plenty of water down the drain afterward to help move the waste along.
4. Schedule Regular Pumping:
One of the best ways to keep your septic tank from filling up is to pump it regularly. Depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household, you’ll need to pump it every three to five years. This removes all the built-up waste in the tank, so it doesn’t have a chance to clog things up.
5. Dispose of Waste Properly
Proper disposal of all household waste is important to keep your septic tank from filling up. This means putting all food scraps in the garbage and not down the drain and avoiding pouring grease or oil down the drain. You should also avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. Make sure to have any damaged or leaky plumbing repaired as soon as possible to avoid leaks and wastewater buildup in your septic tank.
6. Pump Your Tank Regularly
To keep your septic tank from filling up, you should have it pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. By having it pumped regularly, you can help extend the life of your septic system. Make sure that the company you choose is licensed and insured. Also, be sure to ask about their Pumping and maintenance schedules.
7. Maintain Your Drains
Clogged drains can cause your septic tank to fill up faster than it should. To avoid this, make sure to keep your drains clear of any debris. You can use a drain snake or a plunger to clear the clog. You should also avoid pouring grease or oil down your drain, as these can solidify and cause a blockage. If your drains are frequently clogged, you may need to have them professionally cleaned.
8. Use Septic-Safe Products
When choosing household products, selecting those that are septic-safe is important. This means avoiding products that contain bleach or other harsh chemicals that can damage your septic system. Instead, opt for natural or eco-friendly products with septic systems. Ensure that the products you use in your home are safe for your septic tank.
9. Don’t Overload Your System
Your septic system is designed to handle a certain amount of waste and water daily. If you overload it by putting too much water or waste into it, this can cause it to fail prematurely. To avoid overloading your system, spread your laundry loads over the week, and don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine back-to-back. Ensure that the amount of water going into your septic system is less than the amount removed from it. If you have a garbage disposal, use it sparingly, which can also contribute to an overloaded septic system.
10. Plant Trees Away from Your Tank
If you have trees on your property, it is important to plant them at least 10 feet away from your septic tank and leach field. The roots of trees can grow into and damage these underground components of your septic system, causing it to fail prematurely. By planting trees further away from these sensitive areas, you can help to protect them from damage.
You Can Check It Out to Turn Off Septic Alarm
Additional Tips and Advice to Prevent Septic Tank From Filling Up
- Try to water your plants during the cooler hours of the day, such as early morning or evening.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system for your plants instead of a sprinkler.
- If you have a septic tank, make sure that you have it pumped at least every three years by a professional.
- Use water-efficient fixtures in your homes, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads.
- Don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine until you have a full load.
- Consider installing a rain barrel to collect rainwater for your plants.
- Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products in your home.
- Always make sure to maintain your septic system properly.
Following these tips can help prevent your septic tank from filling up and needing to be pumped more often. Additionally, you’ll save water and money in the process!
Final Words
Though you may not regularly think about your septic tank, taking care of it and keeping it in working order is important. You should now better understand how to keep septic tank from filling up. Although it may seem daunting, keeping your septic tank from filling up is quite simple.
Following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can rest assured that your septic system will continue functioning properly for years to come. However, do you have any other tips for preventing septic tanks from filling up? Please share them with us in the comments below!
You Can Check It Out to Fix Short Cycling Sump Pump
