When we go to flush wastewater down the drain, we expect that it’ll be gone for good—but this isn’t always the case. While your home’s septic system is designed to collect and eat away at waste, there are certain instances where these materials back up through your pipes. This issue can leave you with an awful odor or, even worse, an unsanitary mess. If you’re experiencing these things yourself, it’s important that you understand why. Here are some of the reasons your home septic tank is backing up and how to stop them before the problem gets worse.
Your Pipes Are Clogged
The occasional clogged pipe might seem like a mild annoyance at worst, but unfortunately, they can throw off the water pressure in your plumbing system. Depending on the severity of the blockage, this can start pushing wastewater out of your septic tank and back into your home’s plumbing. As such, you need to address any clogs immediately and take action to prevent them from forming in the future.
The System Has Sprung a Leak
Pipe leaks can cause these issues, too, by weakening the amount of pressure present in your system. The weaker the water flow through your septic tank, the more likely it is that wastewater can push back in the other direction. Make sure you’re inspecting for potential leaks frequently and having a professional service any issues immediately.
Tree Roots Have Infiltrated the Tank
Another reason your home septic tank could be backing up is the growth of tree roots in your yard. Tree roots are incredibly durable and branch out much farther from the trunk than we might think. Should your septic tank be too close, these roots can puncture the system’s outer casing and cause a leak in your yard. This occurrence has led to flooding outside and even backup within the home. Getting your septic system inspected every three years and removing any near roots is vital to the prevention process.
Septic issues aren’t something you want to tackle on your own. Fletcher’s Plumbing is here to help. Not only do we have the proper certification for wastewater disposal, but we also have several decades of experience. If you’re experiencing a backup in your home, our septic tank plumbers are the perfect people to call. Let us get this problem under control so that you can get back to enjoying your home.