What you need to know about septic systems
When it comes to dealing with septic systems, things can get a little messy, especially when heavy rains roll through. I recently chatted with Dominic from Poor Pumper Society about some basics of septic systems and what to do when things start going south.
After some serious rains, I noticed my toilet water was draining slowly. The ground around the septic tank was wet, and the clean-out was full of water. Now I’ve been a plumber for over 40 years, but I don’t do septic systems. In Texas, it’s an entirely different license, which is why I brought in the expert.
Dominic’s expert opinion is that this could be due to two main reasons: either there's a clog between the house and the septic tank, or the septic tank is so full that it's overflowing. A clog is the easier fix, usually involving a simple cleanup of the inlet baffle, but an overflowing tank can mean trouble, often indicating a drain field failure.
Septic systems are designed to handle wastewater by allowing it to seep into the surrounding soil, into a predesigned drain field. However, if the soil is already saturated from heavy rains, the wastewater has nowhere to go but up. This can lead to unpleasant situations like water backing up into the house, usually into the bathtub. So, if you notice standing water or overly wet ground around your tank, it might be time to check the system.
Dominic advised that if you have standing water or water backing up, the best first step is to open the septic tank and pump it out. If water keeps coming back into the tank from the outlet pipe, it might mean the drain field is overly saturated or worse, failing.
If you have the luxury of time and the system is only being lightly used, waiting a few days to see if things improve can be a good call. In my case, we’d just had several days of harder than usual rains, but were looking at some clear days ahead, so we had a little time to wait it out.
When it comes to failed septic systems, there are usually only a few options. If you have enough land, you might be able to repair or replace the drain field. However, the age and size of the current system will play a big role in this.
Older tanks might also need to be replaced. Septic tanks produce gas, and that gas can build up inside the tank. Over time, they can become brittle due to that gas build-up inside the tank, leading to potential cave-ins. Just the weight of Dominic and me standing on the septic tank could have caved it in.
As plumbers, it’s crucial to ask homeowners if they’re on a septic system before diving into what seems like a clogged line. Misdiagnosing the issue can lead to tangled sewer cables and unhappy customers. And you’ll still need to call in a septic specialist.
Understanding how septic systems work is essential, not just for septic specialists but for plumbers as well, to prevent unnecessary repairs and frustrations for everyone involved. And if you’re a homeowner, make sure your plumber knows if you’re on a septic system before the come out.
Septic systems can be tricky, especially after heavy rains, but understanding the basics can save you a lot of hassle. Whether you're a homeowner or a plumber, knowing what to look for and when to call in a pro can make all the difference. By learning more about how these systems work and what can go wrong, you’ll be better prepared to handle any septic issues that come your way.
If you’re looking to learn more about septic systems, follow Dominic at Poor Pumper Society and check out his business, Juices Septic and Grease Pumping, in San Saba, Texas. They're the go-to guys for pumping out septic tanks and grease traps.