How to Avoid Septic Tank Flooding

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A septic tank usually has around 1,500 gallons of capacity for a three-bedroom house. Care has to be taken when performing water-related chores such as laundry and bath-taking to make sure the septic tank isn't overloaded. When the septic tank gets to a certain level, the waste water enters the leach-lines and "leaches out" or "percolates" through those lines. The lines are sitting on a bed of gravel and are filled with holes which allow the leaching to take place.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Make certain tree roots do not penetrate your leach-lines; this may impede the "leaching" process by preventing wastes from leaching through the lines properly. Do not plant deep-rooted trees or plants near your septic tank or leach-lines.

Step2

Stagger water-related chores like laundry loads and bathing to prevent septic tank back-up into your plumbing system. When this happens, it not only makes a mess but is a health hazard. A septic treatment put down the toilet once a month will eat septic waste and help a great deal with back-up problems.

Step3

If you are experiencing septic tank back-up frequently, you may need to reduce your water use or replace the septic tank with a larger version. Many old houses have inadequate waste systems (if at all) which are sometimes just holes in the ground, as there were no building codes in those days.

Step4

Do not flush the following items: baby-wipes (unless they're the flushable kind), paper towels (they are made to absorb, not break down when wet), baby diapers, hair balls, cigarette butts, grease or any other item that will plug up the "S" bend. A plumber will have to be called to run a snake to retrieve the item.