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What to Do in a Septic Tank Emergency

What to Do in a Septic Tank Emergency

Having a backed-up septic tank is never a good experience. If you are one of the 25% of people in the US that own a septic tank, you are bound to experience a septic tank emergency at some point in your life. Having a good idea of how to diagnose a septic tank emergency and an understanding of what to do in an emergency is a great way to keep your sanity when it does inevitably happen. 

Of course, it is important to keep your system checked and pumped every three to five years, but sometimes life gets in the way, or things go wrong regardless. In this article, we will explore some of the issues that you may experience with your septic tank, as well as how to handle them.

How Does a Septic Tank Work Anyways?

Septic tanks have been in use since the 1860s. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that the contemporary septic tank design became widely used. These systems treat wastewater from a home or building that isn't connected to a sewer system. It has two main parts, the tank and the drain field.

The tank is a large, watertight container made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. It is typically buried underground and receives all the wastewater from the home or building, including water from toilets, sinks, showers, and washing machines. When the wastewater enters the tank, it separates into three layers:

  • Oils, grease, and other floatable substances that are lighter than water make up the scum layer, which is the top layer.
  • Water and wastewater that have entered the tank make up the liquid layer, which is the middle layer.
  • Solid waste that is heavier than water makes up the bottom layer, which is known as the sludge layer.

Over time, the sludge layer builds up and must be removed by a professional septic tank pumping service. If the sludge is not removed, it can clog the drain field and cause the septic system to fail.

The liquid layer, which is sometimes called effluent, exits the tank through an outlet pipe and enters the drain field. The drain field is a series of underground pipes or chambers that are surrounded by gravel and soil. 

The effluent is released into the drain field, where it is naturally filtered by the soil and treated by beneficial bacteria and other microorganisms. The treated water is then absorbed into the ground and returned to the water table, while any remaining solids are further broken down by bacteria in the soil.

Common Septic Emergencies

Now that you know how a septic tank works, we can dive into the different common septic tank emergencies that may come up over the life of your septic system. These emergencies may seem horrific at the moment, but are almost always manageable and can be mostly avoided if you keep them properly maintained. 

1. Overflowing Tank

One of the most common septic tank emergencies is an overflowing tank. Eventually, your septic tank will reach capacity and begin to overfill, forcing the water out of the tank and into the drain field. More often than not, this is simply caused by not being pumped regularly; however, if your tank is clogged or the pump is malfunctioning, you may experience this issue.

2. Slow Draining Fixtures and Gurgling Sounds

If your plumbing fixtures are draining slowly or making strange sounds, then your septic system may not be functioning properly. If this continues, it could allow wastewater to overflow into your home, causing damage and foul odors. 

Per usual, these issues are often caused by a clogged or overflowing septic tank. However, your drain field may also be experiencing issues that could cause your tank to back up.

3. Standing Water

If you have random standing water or wet spots in your yard, then you likely have a septic issue. Your system could very well be malfunctioning, especially if there is a foul odor accompanying the standing water. 

Because most drain fields are close to the home, standing water is an easy-to-catch sign that your septic tank requires some help. 

The Best Way to Prevent an Emergency Is to Catch it Before it Happens

To keep your system running without emergencies, it is best to consider your system's preventative maintenance procedures. Most tanks need to be pumped and inspected every 3-5 years. This is the industry standard; however, make sure to inquire with your septic service company, as this number can change based on usage and the size of the tank.

Additionally, don't drive or park over your septic system. Septic tanks are only a few feet underground, and the weight of a heavy vehicle could crush the pipes in the drain field or the tank itself. Keeping excessive rainwater off of your septic tank will also help lengthen the life of your system.

What to Do in an Emergency

If all else fails, and your septic tank is showing signs of failure, don't fret because there are a few things that you can do to assess the situation. First, open up the lid of your septic tank and inspect the water level. If the water level is higher than the outlet, you need to get your tank pumped immediately. After your tank is pumped, your septic service technician can help you assess what to do next.

If the drain field is filled with water, it is best to wait to pump, as your tank may float. Because of the possibility of people getting sick due to the bacteria in the air, it may be a good time to fence off the area until you can have your septic technicians come out and resolve the problem.

Viking Septic Services

In the event of a septic tank emergency, Viking Septic Services has got you covered. Viking Septic Services has a large service area that includes Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Transylvania, and Yancey Counties. 

Our emergency septic tank pumping service can get your system up and running again. Our expert specialists will remove any dangerous solids from your septic tank and drain field, as well as reset your septic tank and drain field. Along with pumping your tank, we will also examine and service the filters and tank to ensure that everything is in working order.

For more information on emergency septic pumping, give us a call at (828) 782-0003 or contact us today!