Why do septic systems malfunction

Each of these devices can add excess water and should not be connected into your septic system. Along with excess water from inside the house, drainage or runoff water outside also may overload the septic system. In particular, water from roofs, roads, or paved areas may be diverted onto the system drainfield. This surface water will saturate the soil to the point that it can no longer absorb additional water.

The result is sewage backing up into the house or on top of the ground. Finally, if the groundwater or surface water is allowed to enter the septic tank, it, too, can overload the system. For this reason, septic tanks are designed to be watertight, and surface water should be diverted from the access covers of the septic tank.

As with all major appliances, septic systems require routine maintenance. The main purpose of the septic tank is to stop solids from entering into the drainfield. If solids do reach the drainfield, they will clog the small spaces or pores in the gravel and soil below, resulting in sewage backing up into the house or surfacing in the yard. The lack of septic tank maintenance is a key cause of premature septic system failure.

You should have your tank pumped every 3 to 5 years depending on use see Septic Systems and Their Maintenance AG for specific guidance on pumping frequency.

Also, you should have the septic tank pumper inspect the sanitary tee outlet or effluent filter to ensure proper function. Houses with septic systems should not have a garbage disposal. But if your home has a garbage disposal or grinder pump, the tank should be pumped more frequently.

Additives, whether biological or chemical, have not been shown to have any beneficial effect on the solids in the tanks or system in general. For this reason, they are not recommended. If your system received its permit from your county health department after January 1, , it must have an effluent filter.

These filters are designed to prevent finer solids from reaching the drainfield. The filters require some additional maintenance. As the filters clog with solids, your drains may work more slowly. When this occurs, a septic tank pumper or the homeowner can clean the filter with a garden hose, making sure the waste on the filter is washed off into the inlet side of the tank, and replace the filter in the tank.

If the filter is clogged, it is often a sign that the tank needs to be pumped. An improperly designed septic system is a failure waiting to happen. It is critical that the system be designed with adequate space and has suitable soil. The space requirements are determined by the amount of sewage flowing into the system and by the soil and site conditions of the drainfield.

In designing a septic system, it is assumed that there are two people per bedroom in a house and that each resident produces about 60 gallons of wastewater a day. Therefore, a septic system is designed to handle a flow rate of gallons per day per bedroom two people per bedroom x 60 gallons per person per day. For nonresidential property, the flow rate is determined by the proposed use.

Soil and site conditions dictate the amount of sewage that can be safely applied to the soil. In general, sandy soils can accept more wastewater than clayey soils, which results in smaller drainfields for sandier soils. Work with your local health department to determine your options. CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.

For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes. Skip to main content. Why Do Septic Systems Malfunction? Malfunction or Failure? System Malfunction A system usually malfunctions because it is either not being used properly or has not been properly maintained. To prevent system malfunction: Avoid excess water use.

Space out water-using activities such as laundry and showers. The National Environmental Services Center has a technical assistance hotline that can be accessed toll free at , or at Skip to main content. Septic Systems. Contact Us. Why septic systems fail Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Whom to contact if you have problems with your septic system Contact a local septic system service provider, your local health department, or onsite wastewater treatment regulatory agency.

Also Read: How do you know when to empty a septic tank. So how do you know if you need a septic drain field replacement and not just a repair?

Signs that you need an immediate drain field replacement include:. Before you do anything, you need to first find your septic tank. The way your septic system works is pretty complex and most of it is underground, so problems with it can often go undetected for long periods of time. Not only that, but when you do discover an issue, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the problem is. Over time, septic tanks fill up with waste and grey water passes through your septic tank to drain lines underground in your yard.

If your tank is getting too full, you may start to notice your drains are getting slow or your toilet is becoming backed up. Each source of water in your home runs through your septic system. If your drains are all draining slowly, you likely have a clog in one of the pipes that drain away from your home. These pipes can often become clogged by items that should not have been flushed down your toilet.

This makes it possible for debris to pass through certain sections and get stuck in others. If you can access this part of the tank, you should be able to easily tell whether or not there is a clog. You may even be able to remove the clog by pushing it through the access port. Another cause of septic tank issues can be tree roots that are in the way. Roots can cause your drain pipes to crack, and as they grow over time, these cracks will widen and cause major damage. They may even begin to clog your sewer pipes.