The Harms of Excess Water in a Septic System

The septic system ensures a safe and healthy environment within the home by holding and treating wastewater. As such, you want this system to be in its best state.

A significant part of ensuring the optimal functioning of your septic system is to understand factors that may harm the system and cause it to malfunction. Among the serious yet overlooked risk factors is excess water. Discover how excess water can damage your septic system.

How Does Excess Water Overflow Harm the Septic System?

The septic tank is designed to hold a specific amount of wastewater, depending on its size and capacity. So, when water exceeds this capacity, it compromises the tank's ability to process the wastewater effectively.

Additionally, extreme amounts of water can flood the drain field, where the septic tank's effluent gets dispersed. When this happens, wastewater may pool in your yard and leak into groundwater sources, leading to potential contamination.

Excess water also harms the bacteria in the septic tank, thus reducing its effectiveness in breaking down solids. Consequently, the solid particles from the wastewater may pass through the septic tank, leading to a rise in sludge levels. High sludge levels can cause clogging and blockages of the drain lines and septic system components.

In extreme cases, you may experience backflow, in which the septic tank water rises to a level higher than the inlet pipe and flows back into your house.

What Are the Sources of Excess Water?

The first step to protect your septic system is identifying potential sources of excess water that may overwhelm the tank. Here are some common causes.

Stormwater Runoff

This issue happens when your yard cannot absorb water from heavy rains, and the excess water ends up in your septic tank. The problem may be due to poor soil draining capacity or inadequate yard slope. In return, your septic will need a higher waste processing speed, which is not always possible. So the result is an overflow of wastewater from the tank.

Leaky Faucet or Toilet

Sometimes, it takes one leaking or dripping faucet or toilet to add to a lot of water wastage over time. For example, a leaky faucet can use thousands of gallons annually, and if that water ends up in your septic tank, it can cause an overflow.

So, look out for any leaking or dripping fixtures and have a professional fix the issues as soon as possible. This tip does not just save your septic system but also reduces your water bill.

Septic Garbage Disposal

While garbage disposal ensures easier and faster food waste disposal, too much usage of this system adds to the wastewater getting into your septic tank. Therefore, use your garbage disposal system in moderation. Or, switch to a batch-feed model, as this type uses less water.

Washing Machine

If you are on a septic system, use your washing machine wisely to avoid an overflow. For example, try to do full loads instead of several small loads and adjust the water level accordingly.

Guests

If you are having a lot of visitors over, be mindful of how the visitors use the plumbing in your home. For example, flushing multiple times can lead to the septic system overflowing. If you are expecting a large group, you may incorporate portable toilets and invest in septic system inspection and repairs before the arrival of guests.

Now that you understand how excess water can harm your septic system, you can take the necessary steps to protect your system. First, identify potential sources of excess water and take corrective measures, such as reducing water usage in appliances or investing in septic system maintenance if needed.

You can trust Southern Sanitary Systems Inc to provide quality septic services. We are experienced, knowledgeable, and committed to delivering the best solutions for your needs. In addition, we will advise you on preventive measures and suggest septic system repairs if necessary. Contact us for a consultation.