You must know what to watch out for to maintain your septic system. Common problems can include hydrostatic pressure and root intrusion. If you notice any of these, you should immediately contact a professional septic tank company. Also, you should be aware of the age of your tank. Older models may not have double chamber structures or dip pipes.
Roots
Tree roots in a septic tank can wreak havoc on the system, clogging the inlet pipes and causing a backup. It’s best to keep the tank from trees. If the roots get in, they can be treated with special chemicals, but mechanical removal may be necessary. In addition to tree roots, excessive water use can cause tank overflows. Excessive water use disrupts the process of breaking down the solid waste and pushes it into the pipes meant for liquids, which clogs the system. To prevent this, divert water waste away from the tank or contact septic tank repair fort worth. In this way, you will be able to fix it quickly. Tree roots can also block the system by allowing groundwater to get inside and leak nasty things out. This will prevent the septic system from functioning correctly and will create an awful mess in the area surrounding the system. Additionally, tree roots can cause the ground around the septic tank to shift without notice, placing pressure on the tank and causing fractures in the walls.
Chemicals
You should never use harsh chemicals in your septic system. These chemicals can destroy the bacterial communities in your tank, which helps keep the soil free of pathogens. They may also contaminate groundwater sources. Therefore, it is essential to use only natural products. Listed below are some chemicals you should avoid.
Oils in the septic tank can cause clogging, which can lead to foul odors and difficulties with emptying. Excess food particles can also cause problems. Moreover, some chemicals can harm your septic tank, rendering it useless. The use of chemicals can also result in a buildup of nitrogen, which is harmful to the environment.
Many commercial chemical products for septic systems contain sulfuric acid, which is very corrosive in concentrated form. It interferes with the natural breakdown of waste and weakens the concrete structure of your tank.
Hydraulic Overload
Hydraulic overload in a septic tank is a common problem that causes the system to prematurely fail. It happens when too much water enters the tank all at once, agitating the scum and sludge layers. These layers are responsible for breaking down organic waste and forcing it out into the drain field. This excess water also clogs the septic system and drain field.
A septic tank is a system that consists of a drain field and a septic tank. This system typically has a lifespan of 20-25 years. The size of the system depends on the number of people living in the home and the soil’s percolation rate. If the percolation rate is slow, the tank may become saturated, and the drain field may become plugged.
Visitors Increase Water Usage
One of the causes of septic system failure is increased water use. Increasing water usage can lead to clogs and blockages. It also leads to plumbing backups and sluggish waste digestion rates. These problems are preventable by ensuring that your septic tank is properly maintained.
Inspect your septic tank regularly to check for debris and problems. Look for damaged or unsafe covers and baffles. These can ruin the drain field. Make sure to clean your tank every year. If you have a 1000-gallon tank, you should do this yearly. Even if you haven’t been home in a while, your septic tank should be cleaned if you have increased water usage.
Sludge Buildup
There are several ways to prevent sludge buildup in septic tanks. The first step is to maintain the proper level of the tank. It is necessary to check the level regularly to ensure the tank is functioning correctly. Consider adding a bacterial additive to the tank. These additives add aerobic bacteria that decompose solid waste to prevent sludge buildup. These additives are effective for keeping sludge levels from rising and preventing overflows.
During a septic tank’s lifetime, a layer of sludge and scum builds up on the bottom. The sludge layer is the heaviest of the three. It consists of organic and natural waste that has been decomposed by bacteria. The bacteria in this layer help digest the waste in the layers above it.