Septic System failure is a serious issue. Backups into your home’s plumbing can bring harmful bacteria into your home and cause illnesses. If you see signs of a failed septic system, do not ignore them. Reach out for help immediately for the good of your home, environment and health. To learn more about the causes of septic system failure, read on below.
Poorly Designed Septic Systems may Fail
Septic systems require planning and consideration of multiple factors. To install a new system, things like soil elevation, water use, soil condition, vegetation and more need to be considered, or a septic system may be more prone to failure. Sloping ground is a bigger deal than you may think!
Water always drains down to the lowest elevation, and gets trapped in dips. For a septic system to function properly, the drain field must not be positioned in a dip in the ground, or it will become overwhelmed with water and eventually fail.
If a tank or drain field is positioned where cars drive or park, the drain field will break and cause a failure. A well-designed septic system will be buried where this isn’t a concern. Homeowners also need to know not to build a shed, deck or other heavy structure above it.
Poor Maintenance Can Cause Septic Failure
Septic pumping may be infrequent, but it is necessary for proper maintenance. Septic systems should not be left to fill up, or ignored until they cause problems. Get your tank pumped before it becomes a problem.
You may also want to schedule an inspection of your septic system around your next pumping appointment in order to identify and resolve smaller issues before they become bigger problems.
The ground over the septic system drain field should be maintained by the homeowner year round. Keep grass mowed, and pluck out any tree saplings, or other bigger weeds as their roots could damage the pipes of your drain field.
What Do I Do If My Septic System Fails?
Notify your local health department in case your failed septic system causes a spread of harmful bacteria in the groundwater or other water sources. Then, schedule an appointment with Maui Pumping right away. We provide all the services necessary to inspect, treat, maintain, pump or even install a new system for your home. You can call any time of day, any day of the week, or schedule an appointment through the website.
