If the amount of wastewater entering the septic system is more than the system can handle, then it will inevitably cause the system to backup. Some common indications that your system may be failing are a foul odor and partially treated wastewater flowing up to the ground surface. By the time you can smell or see a problem, however, the damage might already be done. Additionally, a system installed in unsuitable soils can fail. Other failure risks include tanks that are inaccessible for maintenance, drainfields that are paved or parked on, and tree roots or defective components that interfere with the treatment process. The greatest prevention for system failure is to have your septic system inspected and pumped regularly.
There are several obvious symptoms of septic system failures. These symptoms include pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system, sinks or toilets backing up when used, and bright green grass over the drainfield. If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should have your septic system inspected by a professional.
Using the sink or bathtub to clean out paint rollers or flush toxic cleaners will damage your septic system. Oil-based paints, solvents, and large volumes of toxic cleaners should not enter your septic system. Even the introduction of latex paint should be minimized by removing all excess paint and stain from brushes and rollers before rinsing. It's important to remember that your septic system contains a living organisms that digest and treat waste.
For the most part, your septic system’s bacteria should recover quickly after small amounts of household cleaning products have entered the system. Of course, some cleaning products are less toxic to your system than others. As a general rule, the best practice is to not use excessive amounts of cleaning agent and minimize the amount discharged into your septic system.
Although hot tubs are wonderful for relaxing, they can wreak havoc on a septic system. Septic systems are not designed to handle large quantities of water in a short time. Draining a hot tub into your septic system stirs the solids in the tank and pushes them out into the drainfield, causing it to clog and fail. Instead of draining your hot tub directly into you septic system or onto the drainfield, it best to drain cooled hot tub water onto turf or landscaped areas well away from the septic tank and drainfield.
Eliminating the use of a garbage disposal can reduce the amount of grease and solids entering the septic tank and possibly clogging the drainfield. A garbage disposal sends ground up kitchen scraps directly into the septic tank. Once in the septic tank, most of the grindings have to be pumped out of the tank because they are not broken down by bacteria. This can lead to clogging and malfunction of the drainfield. Using a garbage disposal frequently can significantly increase the accumulation of sludge and scum in your septic tank, resulting in the need for more frequent pumping.
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