The use of a septic tank is a clean and efficient way to handle the processing of sewage waste within households and small properties. It is for this reason that the septic tank is the most common type of waste treatment system installed within properties which do not feature a connection to a mains sewer.
With that said, septic tanks are not immune to failure, the causes of which are usually due to poor maintenance and the absence of an appropriate emptying schedule. Here, we’ll outline the most common problems you are likely to face and how to rectify them.
- Septic Tank and Soakaway Damage
Every septic tank is connected to a soakaway or drainfield. The purpose of this addition is to provide an area for waste water to leech into during the sewage treatment process.
If this drainfield becomes damaged, you will often find that it causes waste water to leak until the point your external areas are saturated in addition to backing up and causing a blockage within the septic tank itself.
Always avoid parking heavy vehicles on top of your septic tank and soakaway in addition to monitoring for excess ground movement and preventing tree roots from impacting the tanks structure.
- Lack of Maintenance
Despite the fact that septic tanks are designed to process sewage by breaking it down, they still require emptying at least once every 12 months. If this procedure isn’t carried out, the quantity of solid matter present will continue to increase until the septic tank is full and can no longer perform what it was designed to do.
You should ensure that your septic tank is emptied and inspected on an annual basis as this is one of the most important aspects of keeping your sewage system in good working order.
- Heavy Rain and High Water Tables
Periods of excessive rain where the ground becomes saturated with water is a common cause for a variety of problems with septic tank systems. You will usually find that the soakaway is unable to cope with the presence of both the liquid waste it is processing in addition to the groundwater present, causing the entire system to overflow and begin to flood the external area in which it is located.
In these instances, you should try to limit household water usage as much as possible.
Signs of Septic Tank Failure
There are a variety of symptoms which may be a sign that your septic tank requires attention. These include:
- The presence of effluent and sewage waste on your land.
- The presence of strong sewage like odours in or around your property.
- Toilets and drains that gurgle.
- Toilets that drain much slower than they used to.
- The presence of overflowing and waste water backing up, whether within your toilet or your drains.
If you notice the presence of any of these issues, you should call your waste management company for further advice.
JH Willis & Sons: Providing Septic Tank Emptying and Maintenance
The proactive maintenance of your septic tank is paramount to it working as it should. As an experienced waste management company, we can provide your sewage system with the services it requires and reduce the likelihood of a breakdown.
Call us today on 0151 356 0351 to speak to a member of our team for further advice or to schedule a visit to your property. We cover the North West of England in addition to North Wales and can provide you with a total waste management solution.
