A septic tank system collects and decomposes the sewage from your home. It consists of a tank and a drain field, where the filtered wastewater is discharged into the soil. A septic tank requires regular maintenance to function properly and prevent problems such as sewage backups.
Sewage Backups
A sewage backup is a serious situation when the wastewater from your septic tank flows back into your home. It can cause damage to your property, health risks to you and your family, and environmental hazards to your surroundings.
Common Causes of a Septic Tank Backup
Several things can cause a septic tank backup, such as:
The pipes that attach your home to the septic tank can get clogged by grease, hair, food scraps, or other debris. This can reduce the water flow and pressure in the system and cause a backup.
Warning Signs of a Septic Tank Backup
A septic tank backup can be detected by some of the following signs:
Also, suppose you open the lid of your septic tank and see that the water level is higher than usual. If so, your septic system is not draining properly and is at risk of backing up.
If you notice these warning signs, take action to prevent further damage and health hazards.
Call a Professional
A septic tank pumping service will inspect and repair your septic system. They will diagnose the cause of the backup, pump out your septic tank, clear any blockages in the pipes, fix any leaks in the system, and restore its function.
Turn Off Water Sources
Reduce the wastewater entering your septic system by turning off any water sources in your home, such as faucets, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers. This will help prevent the backup from worsening.
Avoid Using Drains
You should also avoid using any drains in your home until the septic system is fixed. Draining water will only add more pressure to the system and cause more sewage to back up into your home.
Clean and Disinfect Affected Areas
Clean and disinfect the affected areas if any sewage has entered your home as soon as possible. Sewage can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants that can cause diseases. Wear protective gloves, masks, and clothing when handling sewage.
A septic tank backup is a serious problem that can cause damage to your property, health risks, and environmental hazards to your surroundings. Maintain your septic system and watch out for signs of a backup. If you notice any symptoms of a septic tank backup, you should call a professional to fix the problem.
For more information, contact an emergency septic system service near you.
Share13 June 2023
Hello and welcome to my blog. My name is Heather, and a few years ago, my partner and I got a very cheap property up in the mountains practically in the middle of nowhere. I knew we had to build, but there were many elements that I overlooked. I never even considered the idea that we wouldn't be connected to a town sewer system for example. However, I learned quickly as we built our septic tank. Through the process, I also researched a lot of alternatives to ensure we got the perfect septic system for our needs. If you are building on a new property and you don't have the option of sewer, this blog has everything you need to know about septic systems. I truly love to help others, and I hope these posts help you.
