While this scenario is rare, it still happens, and it could be happening due to a variety of reasons. That is why you should ensure that your septic tank is well-maintained and in working order.
In this guide, we will explore several reasons why your septic tank may be leaking into your yard, and how to solve the issue.
What Is a Septic Tank
You need a method to eliminate wastewater from your property if it's not in a neighborhood served by a sewer system. There is no other choice besides using a septic tank and drainage system. Before making a purchase, you must find out the type of system your home has and the location of the tank from your real estate agent.
Septic tanks are subterranean storage areas for plumbing sewage that might deteriorate. Conventional septic tanks are designed to keep wastewater for a while so that sediments can settle to the bottom. These tanks are often made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. After the wastewater has settled to the bottom of the tank, microbes break down the remaining sludge, and the remaining liquid wastewater is then pumped into the drain field.
If the septic tank fills up eventually, it could have negative effects on the environment and human health. Knowing the telltale signals of a full tank and what to do when it happens is crucial.
Why Is My Septic Tank Leaking?
Septic tanks leak for a variety of reasons, many of which stem from a lack of maintenance. Maintaining your septic tank doesn't have to be hard and is best handled by a professional. However, understanding why your septic tank is leaking can be helpful when explaining an issue to your septic service provider.
Tree Roots
Because septic systems are in the ground, they are affected by other subterranean objects. Tree roots can wreak havoc on your septic tank, causing blockages in your drain field that can eventually cause your tank to overfill and leach out sludge before it has been fully broken down. Tree roots can also grow into the actual tank, causing it to break apart and allow unprocessed waste to leak out into your yard.
Waste That Is Damaging to the Tank
When too much solid material that is not easy to break down enters your tank, you may begin to experience backups. These backups can force waste to escape from the tank prematurely in the system allowing waste to leak. Products that you should not flush include:
- Paper Towels
- Food Products
- Caustic Chemicals
- Feminine Products
- Baby Wipes
By not flushing these products into your septic system, you can assure that they will last longer between pumps.
Delayed Maintenance
When a tank is not properly maintained when maintenance is due, the buildup of solid waste will clog the system. Septic tanks should be cleaned out every three to five years, depending on the size of your tank and the amount of water that you use. Your septic tank service provider should be able to help you with this information.
Compacted Drain Field
If the surface above your drain field experiences a lot of heavy traffic and bad weather, it could be crushed in a way that will not work properly. It is important not to drive over your drain field, and septic tank for that matter, as a compacted system can cause serious backup issues leading to a leaky septic tank.
Septic tanks are a vital part of our home, and making sure that they are well-maintained and working properly is very important. Having a working knowledge of what a septic tank is, as well as some of the problems that you may experience when owning a home with a septic system, is a good idea.
At the end of the day, working with a professional septic service company to maintain your septic system will make your life easier, and the waste-processing bacteria happy. If your system is experiencing leaks and you are in the Asheville area, then it is time to make an appointment with Viking Environmental and Septic Services. Contact us today!