How Bird Droppings Can Clog Your Soil Stack And Affect Your Septic Tank

The septic tank is one of the most important parts of a plumbing system. If it gets clogged up, it can cause a variety of problems that create difficulties for homeowners. That is why it is so crucial to understand the soil stack, how it connects to a septic tank, and the ways that bird droppings can clog it up.

Understanding The Soil Stack

The soil stack is a section of the plumbing system that helps move sewer and gasses out of a building. They are typically located on the outside and go above the roof of a building. When they work properly, they send all that waste material successfully into the septic tank. In many cases, though, they have an open top that causes the system to be easy to corrupt.

In fact, birds are often attracted to soil stacks because they can provide them with a nesting area or an easy water source. As a result, their waste material often ends up getting inside of the top of the pipe and clogging it up.

When Bird Waste Causes Blockage

Soil stacks typically stick out past the roof by nearly a foot and can be easily affected by bird droppings. For example, if a bird decides to make a nest near one or even on top of one, their waste can wash down the pipe and cause a backup. In these instances, it can go as deep as the septic tank and cause a very severe backup that requires a cleaning operation.

Thankfully, it is possible to both keep birds away from a roof and to prevent their waste from blocking up a soil stack. It will take a little work and some DIY preparation, but this process is one that the average homeowner with little plumbing or septic repair experience can typically do on their own.

Cleaning Is Possible

The first step in this process is ensuring that birds stay away from the roof and the soil stack pipes. Many homeowners install anti-bird devices like slippery spikes, sonic bird repellents, and scent repellents to keep birds away from their home. These are more humane methods of bird management and are preferable to shooting or killing them.

After finishing this process, it is time to clean the soil stack. Start by taking a plumber snake and running it as far down the pipe as possible. In many cases, this will break up the blockage and help restore a septic tank to its proper running order. Homeowners should be able to do this simple act on their own with little difficulty.

However, if they are struggling to manage it or need a little help, it is worth calling a professional for septic maintenance. They will break up any bird droppings that are causing a septic tank backup and restore it to full function. It is a simple and inexpensive process that ensures a strong septic tank.