Below are frequently asked questions regarding septic care and maintenance.

How does a septic tank work?

A septic tank is a key component of a septic system.

Wastewater Collection: Wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and other household drains flows into the septic tank through underground pipes.

Separation: Inside the septic tank, the wastewater undergoes a natural separation process. Solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sludge. Lighter materials like grease and oil float to the top, creating a layer of scum.

Anaerobic Digestion: Bacteria inside the septic tank begin breaking down the organic solids in the sludge layer through a process called anaerobic digestion. This process occurs in the absence of oxygen and helps to partially decompose the solid waste.

Effluent Treatment: The partially treated liquid in the middle layer, known as effluent, exits the septic tank and flows into the drain field (also called a leach field or absorption field). The drain field consists of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches or beds.

Soil Filtration: In the drain field, the effluent is further treated as it percolates through the soil. Microorganisms in the soil naturally filter out harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, allowing the treated wastewater to safely re-enter the groundwater system.

Evaporation and Transpiration: Some of the liquid in the drain field evaporates into the air, while plants in the area may also absorb and transpire some of the water.

It's essential to properly maintain a septic system by having the tank pumped regularly to remove accumulated sludge and scum and ensuring that the drain field remains free of obstructions. Improper maintenance can lead to system failure and environmental contamination.

How often do I need to have my septic pumped or emptied?

The frequency with which you should pump your septic tank depends on several factors, including the size of the tank, the number of people in your household, your water usage habits, and the volume of solids and wastewater entering the system.

As a general guideline:

Household Size: Larger households typically produce more wastewater and solid waste, necessitating more frequent pumping.

Tank Size: Smaller tanks fill up more quickly and may require more frequent pumping compared to larger tanks.

Water Usage: Excessive water usage, such as frequent laundry, long showers, or running multiple appliances simultaneously, can overload the septic system and necessitate more frequent pumping.

Solid Waste Disposal: Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, grease, oils, and excessive food waste down the drain, as these can accumulate in the tank and require more frequent pumping.

As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to have your septic tank pumped every 2 to 3 years for a typical household. However, it's essential to monitor your system regularly and adjust the pumping frequency based on the factors mentioned above. Additionally, older tanks or systems in poor condition may require more frequent pumping

What types of products or items should I avoid disposing into my septic system?

To maintain the health and proper function of your septic system, it's essential to avoid disposing certain items or substances that can disrupt the natural processes within the tank or cause clogs in the system.

Here are some items and products you should avoid putting into your septic tank:

Non-Biodegradable Items: Never flush non-biodegradable items down the drain or toilet. This includes items like plastics, sanitary products (e.g., tampons, sanitary pads), paper towels, cotton swabs, dental floss, cigarette butts, and diapers. These items can clog the pipes, accumulate in the tank, or damage the septic system components.

Grease, Oil, and Fat: Avoid pouring grease, cooking oil, or fat down the drain. These substances can solidify and create blockages in the pipes and septic tank, reducing the system's efficiency and potentially causing backups.

Household Chemicals: Chemicals like bleach, disinfectants, drain cleaners, paint, solvents, pesticides, and automotive fluids should not be disposed of in the septic system. These chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria responsible for breaking down waste and harm the environment when released into the soil or groundwater.

Excessive Cleaning Products: While small amounts of biodegradable household cleaning products are generally safe for septic systems, excessive use can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the tank. Use cleaning products in moderation and opt for septic-safe or biodegradable alternatives when possible.

Medications and Personal Care Products: Avoid flushing medications, vitamins, supplements, and personal care products down the toilet or drain. These substances can contaminate groundwater and harm beneficial bacteria in the septic tank.

Food Waste: Minimize the disposal of food scraps, coffee grounds, and other organic materials in the garbage disposal or drain. While small amounts of biodegradable food waste are typically broken down in the septic tank, excessive amounts can overload the system and lead to clogs.

By avoiding these items and products, you can help maintain the efficiency and longevity of your septic system while protecting the environment and public health. Proper waste disposal practices are essential for the proper functioning of your septic system and the safety of your household and community.

Why are my toilets "gurgling"?

Hearing gurgling sounds coming from your toilet can indicate several potential issues with your plumbing system, including problems with your septic system.

Here are some common reasons why you might hear gurgling noises:

Clogged Drain Vent: Your plumbing system has vent pipes that allow air to enter the drain pipes, preventing airlock and facilitating the flow of wastewater. If a vent pipe becomes blocked by debris, such as leaves or animal nests, it can create suction in the drain lines, leading to gurgling sounds when toilets are flushed or drains are used.

Blocked or Partially Clogged Drain Line: A blockage or partial clog in the main sewer line or one of the branch lines connected to your toilet can cause air bubbles to form in the pipes, resulting in gurgling noises. Common causes of blockages include tree roots intrusion, accumulated debris, or the buildup of grease and solids.

Septic Tank Issues: Gurgling noises from the toilet can also indicate problems with your septic tank or drain field. If the tank is full or if there's a blockage in the drain field, wastewater may not be able to flow freely, leading to air bubbles and gurgling sounds as the air escapes through the toilet.

High Water Level in the Septic Tank: If the water level in your septic tank is too high, it can create pressure in the drain lines, causing air to be pushed back into the toilet bowl and resulting in gurgling sounds.

Ventilation Problems: In some cases, inadequate ventilation in the plumbing system can lead to gurgling noises. This could be due to improper installation or damage to the vent pipes.

If you're hearing gurgling noises from your toilet, it's essential to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage to your plumbing system and septic system. You may need to inspect the vent pipes for blockages, check for clogs in the drain lines, or have your septic tank inspected and pumped if necessary. It's often best to consult with a licensed plumber or septic system professional to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.

Why is water backing up into my shower?

Water backing up into a shower is a common indication of a problem with the drainage system, and it could be related to your septic system.

Here are some possible reasons why water is backing up into your shower with a septic system:

Septic Tank Full: If your septic tank is full or nearing capacity, it may not be able to accommodate additional wastewater entering the system. As a result, water can back up into drains, including showers. This situation often indicates that your septic tank needs to be pumped to remove accumulated solids and allow proper drainage.

Clogged Drain Line: A clog or blockage in the drain line connected to your shower can cause water to back up into the shower stall. This could be due to the buildup of debris, grease, or other materials in the pipes. Over time, these blockages can restrict the flow of wastewater, leading to backups.

Faulty Septic Tank or Drain Field: If your septic tank or drain field is damaged or malfunctioning, it may not be able to effectively treat and disperse wastewater. This can result in backups and pooling water in drains, including showers. Common causes of septic system failure include soil compaction, root intrusion, and hydraulic overloading.

High Water Table: In areas with a high water table, excess groundwater can infiltrate the septic system, overwhelming its capacity to handle wastewater. This can lead to backups and flooding in drains, including showers.

Ventilation Issues: Problems with the ventilation system in your plumbing can cause airlock, leading to slow drainage and backups in drains. Vent pipes allow air to enter the plumbing system, preventing negative pressure and facilitating the flow of wastewater. If these pipes are blocked or damaged, it can disrupt drainage and cause backups.

If you're experiencing water backing up into your shower with a septic system, it's essential to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage and potential health hazards. You may need to have your septic tank inspected and pumped, clear any clogs in the drain lines, or repair any damage to the system. Consulting with a licensed plumber or septic system professional can help diagnose the problem and determine the appropriate course of action.

What are signs of a failing field system with a septic tank?

A failing septic drain field, also known as a leach field or absorption field, can have various signs and symptoms that indicate a problem with your septic system.

Here are some common signs of a failing septic field system:

Pooling Water: One of the most apparent signs of a failing drain field is the presence of standing water or soggy areas in the vicinity of the drain field. This water may have a foul odor and can indicate that the drain field is no longer absorbing and dispersing wastewater effectively.

Slow Draining Fixtures: If sinks, showers, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures in your home are draining slowly or backing up, it could be a sign that the drain field is failing. Wastewater may not be properly draining from the septic tank into the drain field, causing backups in your plumbing system.

Foul Odors: Strong, foul odors emanating from drains, toilets, or the area around the drain field can indicate that wastewater is not being adequately treated or dispersed. This may be due to a buildup of sewage in the drain field or the release of gases from decomposing organic matter.

Lush Vegetation: While it may seem counterintuitive, unusually lush or green vegetation in the drain field area can be a sign of a failing septic system. This occurs when the drain field becomes oversaturated with wastewater, providing excess nutrients to plants and promoting their growth.

Sewage Backups: If sewage backs up into your home through drains or toilets, it's a clear indication of a serious problem with your septic system. This can occur when the drain field is unable to handle the volume of wastewater entering the system, causing sewage to back up into the plumbing.

High Levels of Nitrates or Contaminants in Well Water: If your home has a well for drinking water and tests reveal high levels of nitrates or contaminants, it may indicate that untreated wastewater from a failing septic system is leaching into the groundwater.

Greener Grass Over the Drain Field: If the grass over the drain field area appears significantly greener or healthier than the surrounding area, it could indicate that the drain field is receiving excess nutrients from sewage, resulting in enhanced plant growth.

If you notice any of these signs of a failing septic drain field, it's crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your septic system and avoid potential health hazards. Contact a qualified septic system professional to inspect your system, diagnose the problem, and recommend appropriate repairs or replacement. Regular maintenance and proper care can help prolong the lifespan of your septic system and prevent costly repairs.

Why do septic systems fail?

Septic systems can fail for various reasons, ranging from improper maintenance to structural issues.

Here are some common reasons why septic systems fail:

Lack of Regular Maintenance: Proper maintenance is essential for the optimal functioning of a septic system. Failure to pump the septic tank regularly can lead to the accumulation of solids and sludge, which can clog the system and cause backups. Similarly, neglecting routine inspections and maintenance tasks can result in undetected problems that worsen over time.

Overloading: Excessive water usage, especially over a short period, can overwhelm a septic system's capacity to treat wastewater effectively. This can lead to hydraulic overloading, where the system becomes flooded with water and is unable to properly treat or disperse wastewater.

Improper Use of the System: Flushing non-biodegradable items, grease, oil, chemicals, medications, and other inappropriate materials down the drain can disrupt the natural processes within the septic tank and damage the system components. Additionally, using a garbage disposal excessively or disposing of large amounts of food waste can overload the system and lead to clogs.

Damage to Components: Physical damage to the septic tank, drain lines, or drain field can compromise the integrity of the system and lead to failure. This damage can result from vehicle traffic, tree root intrusion, excavation activities, or soil erosion.

Old Age: Like any other infrastructure, septic systems have a finite lifespan. Over time, components of the system may deteriorate or degrade, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the likelihood of failure. Older systems may require more frequent maintenance and eventually need replacement.

Poor Installation or Design: Septic systems must be properly installed and designed to meet the specific needs of the property and the local soil and groundwater conditions. Inadequate system sizing, improper placement of components, or substandard construction practices can lead to premature failure and costly repairs.

Environmental Factors: Factors such as high groundwater levels, soil compaction, soil erosion, flooding, and seismic activity can all affect the performance and longevity of a septic system. Environmental changes or events can exacerbate existing issues or create new challenges for the system.

Addressing these potential causes of septic system failure through proper maintenance, responsible use, regular inspections, and timely repairs can help prevent issues and prolong the lifespan of the system. Consulting with a qualified septic system professional can provide valuable guidance on maintaining and preserving your septic system's functionality.