Sewage Backing Up Inside Home
Just because sewage is backing up does not mean that you will need a septic tank pumping or that you need a septic tank cleaning. Check your sewage pipes first for blockages. The most common cause of a tank being full is because the inlet tee inside the tank is blocked or the outlet filter needs cleaning.
Is My Tank Too Full?
Septic tanks are designed to operate with the water level at 6-8 inches from the top of the lid. If your tank is working properly and you put a gallon of water in, a gallon of water should go out. Only when the water is all the way to the top of the lid would it be considered full. A truly “full” tank is typically caused from a blocked filter or a drain field issue.
Drain Fields
Most drain fields will last a customer around 20+ years. Drain fields fail for many reasons but the most common issue is roots or too much sediment in the bottom of the field. Think about a plant that is root bound in a pot; this is what the bottom of the drain field looks like when roots or sediment settle there. When the drain field cannot allow the water to pass through the bottom, your septic tank will back up.
Filter Maintenance
Most systems that were installed after the mid 1990’s are required to have a filter on the outlet side of the septic tank. This filter can become clogged with sediment and cause your system to back up. The filter can be removed and washed, which will allow the tank to return to normal levels. This should be done every 2 to 3 years. This action can be performed by the homeowner. There is a picture of what your filter should look like in the photo gallery.
Should I Use A Septic System Treatment?
Septic system treatments contain bacteria and natural enzymes that help to break down solids that may build up in your tank. Household cleaning products can disrupt or kill the needed bacteria in a septic system. A septic system treatment can be added regularly to keep bacteria and enzymes at a healthy level within your system.
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