Problems With Septic Systems
A septic system is used in buildings that are not attached to a community sewer system. Primarily found in rural areas, septic systems allow the sewage or waste products to drain from the building and into a tank called a septic tank. There are some common problems that develop with a septic system if the system is not properly maintained. Does this Spark an idea?
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Clogged Line
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A clogged sewer line is the most common problem with a septic system. The clog can be in or outside the building. The water can begin to back up into the sink or toilet, which tells the homeowner that there is a problem in the septic system. A professional plumber can fix a clog quickly with a "snake" tool, which is a long, steel band with a cutting attachment at the end. The snake tool can be run down through the sewer line or septic line and the clogged can be removed without difficulty. A snake tool can also be purchased or rented if the homeowner wants to fix the clog.
Clogged Filter
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The septic system may have a problem at the tank when the tank filter becomes clogged. Septic tanks are made with two compartments. One compartment stores the larger sludge and the other compartment holds liquid, which is then sent out a pipe to a leach field. Between the two tanks is a filtering system to keep larger waste debris from entering the liquid compartment of the septic tank. Once this filter becomes clogged, the sewer line backs up into the home or overflows the first compartment. Either water begins to back up into the sinks like a clogged line or sewer water begins to stand in the yard over the septic tank.
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Broken Sewer Line
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A broken sewer line is another problem that occurs to the septic system. There can be a variety of reasons the sewer line breaks; weather conditions, old piping or accidental breakage are the most common causes of a broken sewer line. Once the sewer line is broken, it allows dirt and debris into the drainage pipe of the sewer system causing it to clog. The only way to repair a broken sewer line is to dig up the line and replace that section of pipe. A broken line generally has wastewater standing above the line where it has seeped out through the soil.
Full Septic Tank
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The septic system can have problems when the septic tank becomes full of waste sludge. A septic tank is cleaned on a periodic basis as part of septic system maintenance. Most septic tanks have access ports located on top of the tank so the homeowner can open and check the sludge level or have the tank cleaned out. Older septic tanks are buried in the ground, so the homeowner needs to identify the location of the septic tank. If the waste sludge doesn't have anywhere to go and can fill the septic tank over time. Once the septic tank becomes full, problems develop in the septic system. Leaks, standing sewage water in the yard, sewage water backs up into the sinks and odor can develop.
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References
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