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Septic Tank Problems

Homeowners tell us, "I don't know why I'm having septic tank problems. I have never had to pump my tank before?' This is not proof that their septic system worked fine and then suddenly failed. Be aware that failing to pump tanks is the primary cause of premature septic system tank problems.

All waste water that goes down the drains in the house including toilets, showers, sinks, laundry wash machine, and water softeners flows into your septic tank. The septic tank is a watertight large,tank that provides the first step of treatment of the household wastewater. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank before dispersion of the waste-water effluent to the drain field. Below is an illustration of a standard septic tank without problems.

Scum Layer: Material that is lighter than water such as fats, oils, and grease float to the top forming the scum layer. This scum layer floats on the surface of the water in the tank. Anaerobic bacteria digest the floating solids.
Effluent Layer: Effluent is the mechanically clarified wastewater zone below the scum layer and above the sludge layer. The anaerobic bacteria has reduced the organic material about 30%-40% Material in this layer flows through the septic tank outlet baffle into the drainfield.
Sludge Layer: The heavy solids such as soil, grit, and unconsumed organic material settle to the bottom of the tank and form the sludge layer. The sludge is more dense than water and forms layer along the bottom of the tank. Rarely is the layer flat because the flow through the tank carves troughs in this layer. Anaerobic bacteria consume the organic material in the sludge, producing sulfide gases in the process. When they die they become part of the sludge layer.

Septic aeration's most commonly and frequently asked questions.

Do Septic Additives Work? The simple answer is No. Learn why they don't work and how avoid getting talked into using them.

Why Does Septic Aeration Restore Systems? Aerobic bacteria is the basis why septic aeration works very well. Learn why aerobic bacteria are more effective then anaerobic bacteria.

Septic Tank Effluent Filters One of the most effective products to avoid septic system problems is an effluent filter. The primary function of a septic tank is to allow a period of about 24 hours for solids to settle into the sludge layer and allow the anaerobic digestion of organic material in the septic tank. Some material does not settle properley so it is the function of the effluent filter to catch this material. A typical effluent filters will filter out solids that are larger than 1/8 of an inch in any dimension The effluent filter will require periodic maintenance. The intervals for maintenance will depend on many factors such as a homeowner's water use habits and what types of material is allowed to flow into the septic tank.

Over years of use, the accumulation of the bottom sludge and floating scum will reduce the effective capacity of the tank. If the combined volume of the sludge and scum equal 30% of the tank volume, a typical 1000 gallon tank will only equate to 700 gallons as illustrated in the "problem septic tank". This allows organic waste to pass through the tank too fast, and solids eventually clog the pipes in the drain field. The pass through of solids ofthe tank can occur any time over a span of years or even day to day. Excessive water use such as laundry days or entertaining guests overloads your system and allows solids into the drainfield. Overtime the pipes become clogged and your drain field becomes saturated with water. In a short time untreated wastewater begins pooling on the ground or you have sewage back up into your house and you have a full blown problem. These common signs and symptoms expose the presence of septic problems that may have existed for years.

There are numerous studies performed by universities and other organizations that have proven that septic aeration is eco friendly and an affordable solution to restore and avoid septic system failure, however, the waste water industry is very slow to embrace it. The lack of embracement of the technology is understandable considering that a conflict of interest does exist. For example, if I own a septic tank pumping company and have to maintain a fleet of pumping trucks I would not promote a solution that could solve my client's septic problems. A problematic or failing septic system can be a steady stream of income since it will need to be pumped 2-3 times per year. When the system fails and replaced with an expensive advanced system these new septic systems require an "operating permit". Under most law, the County Health Department is responsible for code enforcement. The enforcement may include an annual or biannual inspection and excessive pumping increasing the cost to the homeowner.

The initial signs and symptoms of septic tank problems are typically not noticed until well after the problem has moved to your drain field. You can expect the problem is in the drain field if:

You have odors or persistent wet areas over the field.
Your plumbing becomes slow-moving over a period of time, or it becomes sluggish when it's used heavily, or during wetter months
problems continue even after the tank has been recently pumped
the septic tank is flooded above normal levels
click here to learn more about drain and leach field problems

To Learn More Visit These Related Topics

Cesspool & Seepage Pit Problems: Knowledge of Cesspool & Seepage Pit and the dissimilarity of the two Identify common problems and solutions.
Drain Field Problems: Knowledge of leach field and drain field functionality, common leach field problems, septic tank problems lead to drain field problems that are easy to diagnose.
How Septic Aeration Works: Knowledge of septic system aeration functionality, how and why septic aeration works to fix septic tank problems and drain field problems.

Controlled Septic Aeration Can Pay for Itself by Reducing Pumping Frequency

It is typically recommended that septic tanks are pumped every 3-5 years. A failing system may require pumping several times per year. Adding a septic aerator to a septic tank, will allow the standard pumping of every 3-5 years Septic tanks without aeration break down approximately 30%-40% of the organic solids. Adding controlled septic aeration breaks down 90% or more of the organic solids at a much quicker rate.