If your pipes or septic tank have cracks, wastewater can seep out of your septic tank, but other groundwater can also get into your tank, causing it to fill up quickly.
Clogged drain lines are the overarching issue that causes a septic tank to overflow, invasive tree and plant roots are prime suspects when it comes to drain field disturbances. Other than that, the poor garbage disposal is another reason for septic tank backup and overflow.
If the tank is filling that fast it means you aren't draining the grey water properly. You have a break or blockage or something in the pipes leading to your drain/leech field. If the pipe is clogging regularly than someone is flushing something they shouldn't be.
It very much sounds as if your drainfield has blocked stopping outlet water from draining away. There are a few reasons for this, roots growing into the pipes, driving over the pipe area, breaking and blocking them, and also lack of maintenance with the septic tank, by not having it pumped out at regular intervals.
You should always contact professionals if your septic tank is overflowing. However, you may have to wait a few days for the ground to dry out before they can handle your situation.
Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.
Average Septic Tank Pumping Cost Breakdown:
Typical range per pumping: $294 – $514. Average cost per pumping: $395. Repairs: $500 – $1,000, if required.
When heavy rainfall saturates the soil around your septic tank, it limits the system's capacity to release liquids into the soil. This can cause abnormally high levels of liquids to fill up the tank. If you don't see flooding on the grass around your drain field, it's possible your tank may need pumping.
Most septic systems malfunction because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.
Removing the water from your septic tank isn't generally something you can resolve on your own. Clogs or damage to your septic system need to be addressed by a professional. If your septic tank is filled with water because of heavy rain, the issue could resolve on its own once the water is absorbed in the ground.
The average lifespan of a septic system is 15 to 40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained! Think at the sink. Consider what you put into your toilet and sink and the impact it may have on your system. Many common household items can either clog your system or kill the microbes that treat the wastewater.
Greener and taller grass around the drainfield
If you notice taller, greener grass where your leach field is located, it's an indicator that your leach field is not functioning properly. If wastewater can no longer infiltrate the soil, pressure can cause it to rise to the surface.
The average residential septic tank can hold around 950 gallons of water. This number provides a rough idea of the tank's daily processing capability. According to the OSTDS guidelines, an average person is assumed to use 50 gallons per day, so a family of 4 may produce up to 200 gallons per day.
If defective, the house cannot be occupied without a functioning septic system. Either the seller needs to repair/replace, or the buyer does. If the seller doesn't fix it, a discount is usually given to the buyer for the cost of repair/replacement.
Septic Tank is Excessively Full
One of the most common reasons for a slow-flushing toilet is an excessively full septic tank. When the tank reaches its capacity, it can no longer effectively separate solids from liquids.
If your tank is overfilled it could be a number of issues, including your drainfield, a plumbing backup or water overuse. It's important to take the appropriate steps to troubleshoot your system when you're experiencing an overfull tank to avoid having to call out a professional.
Most home insurance policies include protection for "other structures," which includes things like septic tanks, pools and fences. These are covered in the same way as everything else inside your home — provided the damage was sudden and something the homeowners could have done nothing to prevent.
Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have mechanized parts.
Spring: Spring is an excellent time for septic tank pumping. As the ground thaws and snow melts, accessing and servicing your system becomes easier. This season also prepares your septic tank for increased usage during the summer months.
An overflowing septic tank is far from ideal, you need to act quickly to cut down water usage from your house and get the septic system looked at as quickly as possible, as well as inspecting your drainage field. Pump your septic tank if needed and stay on top of your emptying and maintenance schedule.
Stormwater isn't supposed to end up in your septic tank. Unless you have a hole in your tank or your tank cover is damaged, a rainstorm – even one that's heavy – isn't likely to flood your tank. That doesn't mean rain won't affect your septic system, though.
The typical cost of septic tank pumping varies depending on several factors, including the size of the tank, its condition, and the location of the property. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a standard septic tank pumping service.