Septic Field Problems

Problems with your Septic System - There are things you and your family might be doing on a daily basis that could be harmful to your septic tank-especially without proper maintenance. You could be unaware of the objects that shouldn't be put into your septic tank, or that even enough water could potentially damage your tank. This could lead to costly repairs or possible replacement. So it's up to you to prevent these problems from occurring. It may sound like a lot of work, but taking part in this prevention will alleviate the stress of issues in the future and ensure that your tank will last.

Roots can grow into septic tank pipes or lines, and will redirect the waste traffic from your tank and to as far as your lawn. This is a rather common problem, but it can be prevented by making sure the lawn above the tank is mowed and no bushes or trees are growing there. Any root systems more complex than standard grass should be avoided near your septic tank. When landscaping your lawn, try to avoid putting in bushes, or other plants near the area where your septic tank rests.

There are items that may be sent down the drain, as well, that can cause harm to your septic tank. These may include non-biodegradable items, such as dental floss, Q-tips or cotton swabs, or feminine hygiene products. Items such as these can cause your tank to stop up near the surface, and will keep other forms of waste from entering. This will result in bad odors finding their way above ground. If you don't address this issue, pipes could back up and burst-a rather messy and expensive outcome. In this case, preventative measures will save you quite a bit of headache.

Inorganic, foreign materials aren't the only that can cause problems for your septic tank. Even materials such as water or grease can clog or back up your tank. Oil in particular is a complex fat that take the microbes in your system a long time to break down. This results in them staying in solid form for quite a while. This will cause slow drainage, depending on what area of your tank the oil is located. Water, in contrast, is obviously liquid. It can fill your tank quite quickly, however, which can result in the triggering of the overflow, automatic shutdown, and possible leakage. All of this lends to the idea that you should be very conscious what you and your family are putting into your septic tank, and the importance of practicing routine maintenance.

Make sure that everyone in your household is educated on what is appropriate and what could be harmful to flush down the toilet. Remember that improving the function of your tank is the responsibility of everyone using it, so make sure they know how they can contribute to the effort. With a little cooperation, you can help conserve resources and save money on future repairs.

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