If your home has a septic tank, you know that it’s an important part of your plumbing system. But what do you do when the tank begins to back up? Follow these simple steps to get your tank back on track in no time!
If you live in an area served by a septic tank, you know there are times when it can back up. While this can be a major inconvenience, it is not a problem that is impossible to fix. In fact, there are several things you can do to help get your septic tank flowing properly again.
Septic tanks can back up for a variety of reasons, but fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to fix the problem. In this blog post, we will outline the most common causes of septic tank backups and offer some solutions to get your system flowing again. So if your septic tank is backing up, keep reading for helpful tips on how to fix a septic tank that backs up!
What Are the Causes of a Septic Tank Backup?
1. Overloading:
Your septic tank can only hold so much waste before it becomes overloaded and starts to back up. This can happen if too much water is used in the home or if non-biodegradable materials, such as disposable wipes, are flushed down the toilet.
2. Lack of Maintenance:
Regularly pumping and maintaining your septic tank is crucial in ensuring it continues to function properly. Neglecting to pump and maintain the tank can lead to a buildup of waste, causing it to back up.
3. Blockages or Damage:
There may be blockages or damage within your septic tank system that are preventing proper flow and causing backups. This could include roots that have grown into pipes, clogged filters, or broken equipment.
These are one of the major causes of septic tank backups, but there may be other reasons specific to your individual system.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
- Gloves
- Rake
- Septic tank pump
- Water hose
- Septic tank enzymes
- Plunger
With these tools and materials on hand, you can address the various causes of a septic tank backup and get it flowing properly again.
10 Effective Steps on How to Fix a Septic Tank That Backs Up
1. Use Your Home Plumbing Wisely:
This means not flushing non-biodegradable materials, such as disposable wipes, down the toilet and being conscious of water usage in the household. Be careful not to overload your septic system by limiting showers, washing machines, and dishwashers running at the same time. Because even biodegradable materials take time to break down, try to spread out laundry and dishwashing throughout the week rather than doing multiple loads in one day.
2. Schedule Regular Septic Tank Pumping:
Septic tank pumping should be done every 1-3 years, depending on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household. This will prevent waste from building up and causing backups. You can pump by yourself or hire a professional.
3. Inspect Your Septic Tank and System:
Regularly inspect your septic tank and the surrounding area for any potential problems, such as tree roots growing into pipes or cracks in the tank. It is important to address any issues as soon as they are discovered to prevent future backups. Ensure all of your septic system equipment, including filters and pumps, is functioning properly.
4. Use Septic-Safe Products:
Be mindful of the products you use in your household, as some may not be safe for a septic system. Look for cleaning and personal care products labeled as “septic-safe,” or avoid using harsh chemicals that could harm the bacteria in your tank.
5. Avoid Driving or Parking on Your Septic System:
Your septic system, including the tank and surrounding area, is sensitive to weight and pressure. Avoid driving or parking vehicles on it, as this can cause damage to the tank and pipes, leading to backups. Always park on a driveway or in an area not near the septic tank.
6. Divert Surface Water Away from Your Septic System:
Surface water, such as rainwater or water from irrigation, can overload your septic system and cause backups. To prevent this, divert any surface water away from the septic tank and drain field with proper drainage techniques. This may include grading the soil around the area to ensure the proper water flow away from the septic system.
7. Conserve Water:
Conserving water generally can help prevent backups by reducing overall strain on your septic system. Some ways to conserve water include fixing leaks, investing in low-flow toilets and shower heads, and taking shorter showers.
8. Use a Garbage Disposal Sparingly:
While garbage disposal can be convenient for getting rid of food waste, it can also increase the number of solids in your septic tank and lead to clogs and backups. Consider using alternative methods, such as composting organic waste and only using the garbage disposal sparingly.
9. Don’t Plant Trees Near Your Septic System:
Tree roots can damage pipes leading to backups, so try not to plant trees near your septic system or tank. If you already have trees nearby, consider removing them or regularly inspecting for root intrusion.
10. Call a Professional for Help:
If you are unsure about any aspect of maintaining or fixing your septic system, it is always best to call a professional for assistance. They will have the knowledge and expertise to address any issues and prevent future backups properly.
Following these steps, you can effectively fix a septic tank that backs up and keeps your septic system running smoothly. Remember to use your plumbing wisely, schedule regular pumping, inspect the tank and system regularly, and seek help from professionals when needed.
Proper maintenance is key in avoiding septic backups and preserving the health of your household’s septic system. Be proactive in addressing any issues to prevent costly repairs in the future. Happy fixing!
You Can Check It Out to Keep Septic Tank From Filling Up
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Regularly inspect and clean any filters in your septic system.
- Use biodegradable soaps and detergents to prevent chemical buildup in the tank.
- Divert roof drains away from the septic system to prevent excess water from entering the tank.
- Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper to prevent clogs in pipes leading to the septic tank.
- Have regular inspections by a professional to catch any potential issues early on.
These tips can help prevent septic backups and maintain a healthy septic system. Make sure to follow them for the best care of your septic tank.
5 Precautions You Can Take While Fixing a Septic Tank That Backs Up
- Make sure to turn off all electricity to the septic system before beginning any repairs.
- Wear protective gear, including gloves and masks, while handling waste in the tank.
- Have a plan to dispose of waste and solids removed from the tank during cleaning or repairs.
- Make sure you have proper permits and follow all regulations for repairing a septic system in your area.
- Only attempt repairs if you have previous knowledge or experience. Otherwise, it is best to call a professional for help.
Taking these precautions can ensure your safety and prevent any further damage to the septic system while fixing a backed up tank. Always be cautious and well-prepared when handling septic repairs.
What Are the Signs of a Septic Tank That Backs Up?
1. Slow Draining Toilets and Sinks:
When the septic tank becomes full or clogged, it will not be able to process waste and water from your plumbing fixtures properly. This results in slow draining or even backup in toilets and sinks.
You Can Check It Out to Stop Smell From Septic Tank
2. Sewage Backups in Showers, Tubs, and Drains:
Similar to slow draining fixtures, a backed up septic tank can also cause sewage to come up in showers, tubs, and drains.
3. Strong Odors:
A strong sewage smell is another common sign of a backed up septic tank.
4. Pooling Water Above the Tank:
If the septic tank is overfull, it may cause pooling water above the tank in your yard.
If you notice any of these signs, addressing the issue as soon as possible is important to prevent further damage and health concerns.
You Can Check It Out Clean Sewer Vent Pipe
Conclusion
The first step is to identify the problem. If you think that your septic tank may be backing up, you can do a few things to fix the problem. Septic tanks need to be pumped every three to five years to prevent them from becoming overloaded and causing problems. You should also have your septic tank inspected yearly to ensure it is functioning properly.
So there you have it – some key steps, tips for fixing a septic tank that backs up, and signs to look out for. Remember to regularly maintain your septic system and call a professional for assistance if needed. Taking these precautions can ensure the health of your septic tank and prevent future backups.
Hopefully, the article on how to fix a septic tank that backs up was helpful in addressing any issues you may be experiencing with your own septic system. Thanks for reading!
You Can Check It Out To Fix Short Cycling Sump Pump
