Septic tank maintenance

March, 2012:

Common Causes of Slow Draining Septic Systems

Are you experiencing a stagnant pool of dirty water for a few minutes to about an hour after you have just showered, used the tub, or washed the dishes? It is quite disheartening to notice the slow draining of your tub or sink and naturally, you should definitely seek out what might be done to help cure the clogs. Lets examine and address some of the most common causes while septic systems drain slowly and what steps you can take to help correct that. 


Slow draining septic systems can be caused by several things: 

1. System overuse

If your household has too many people who give out waste and use water, more than what your septic tank has the capacity for, then expect a slow drain to develop pretty soon. Water usage is of primary concern here because if there is too much water used, then the septic tank takes too long to drain. Plus, the sediments at the bottom of the tank will be stirred up again and then flow into the leach field. This will clog up the system and cause backup flow of the raw sewage into your home and yard perimeter. Excessive water use leads to increased pressures throughout your system. This pressure directly influences the efficiency of your system since bacteria begins to slow down consumption as pressure increases. So, not only does heavy water use increase the transfer of undigested solids to your field at a faster than normal rate, it also continually decreases the speed at which bacteria digest. With undigested raw waste particles lodging into the field pores, a snowball effect is created where your failing system begins to exponentially get worse. 

2. Long maintenance intervals

Maintaining your septic system indeed takes time, attention, and money. But if you adhere to the regularity of the inspection, pumping, and overall maintenance of your septic system, then you will have a happy septic system and a quick-draining home. You should have a schedule already set for this or at least assign a member of the family to remind you of the pumping schedule. Maintaining the system not only includes bacteria additives, a regular system check including a baffle inspection is critical since baffles often times rot away or become unset from their positioning. Once your baffle is gone, correcting a system failure is virtually impossible until the baffle is reset. 

3. Clogs


4. Mechanics

Mechanical issues also case slow drains. There might be some part of the sink or toilet that has become Ill fitted over time which is now causing the slow drain. These should be checked by a service man so that you may use your drainages and fixtures properly and efficiently. While it is not very common, component shifting does occur and can result in a bad pitch which will not allow water to flow properly. Slow flow leads to sludge buildup within the lines in you home and out in your septic field. 

5. Failure


In any scenario, prevention is better than a cure so make use of strainers, and avoid irresponsible use to keep slow drains from happening in the first place. Remember, water is now “liquid gold” when you are dealing with any type of slow drain issue brought upon by a septic condition. Recovering from slow drainage can be achieved so long as you become familiar with the working of your system and understand what you need to do in order to help heal the field.