Blog

A septic system is a key part of any home not connected to a city sewer system. It ensures proper wastewater treatment and prevents contamination of groundwater. However, only a properly functioning septic system can do these things. This article will provide plumber insights on the factors that can affect the normal functioning of your septic system. But before then, you need to understand how a septic system works.

A septic system consists of a tank buried in the ground and a drain field. Wastewater from toilets, showers, sinks, and laundry drains goes into the tank. The septic tank is a watertight chamber typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. The tank allows solids to settle out of the wastewater and forms layers of sludge and scum. An aerobic bacteria culture in the tank breaks down the solids. Then, the wastewater flows from the tank through a distribution box into the drainage field.

The drain field is a network of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches. The soil beneath the drainage field acts as a natural filter, treating the effluent before reaching groundwater. A properly designed and maintained septic system can provide many years of efficient operation.

Factors That Affect the Normal Functioning of Your Septic System

As you can see, a septic system is a complex system that relies on many factors to function properly. Here are some factors that can affect the normal functioning of your septic system:

The Type of Soil On Your Property

This is one of the most important factors affecting the functioning of your septic system. The soil on your property will determine how well your septic system functions. Different soils have different characteristics that can affect how well they absorb and filter wastewater.

Clay soils have very small particles that compact easily, making it difficult for water to move through them. This can cause problems with your septic system because the water won’t be able to drain properly, and the tank could become full too quickly.

Sandy soils have larger particles and don’t compact easily, so they drain better. This is ideal for a septic system because it allows the water to move through the soil and filter back into the groundwater supply more easily. However, sand soil may not filter out all the impurities in the water, which could eventually lead to groundwater contamination.

The perfect type of soil for a septic system is loamy soil. Loamy soil has a mix of large and small particles that allow it to drain well and filter impurities efficiently. The organic matter in loamy soil helps to break down further and absorb waste products from your septic system, preventing them from leaching into groundwater. In addition, the particles of loamy soil are small enough to provide adequate drainage without compacting too easily.

To ensure your septic system doesn’t fail due to the type of soil on your property, it is important to hire a professional and qualified plumber in Granbury, TX, for installation. A skilled plumber can determine the type of soil on your property and design a septic system that will work well with the soil. If you have sand or clay soil, the plumber may recommend adding a layer of loam to your property to improve drainage and filtration.

The Size of Your Septic Tank

The size of your septic tank is another important factor that can affect the normal functioning of your septic system. This is especially true if your septic tank is too small. It will not be able to treat all the wastewater that flows into it properly. As a result, the effluent that flows out of your tank will be full of harmful bacteria and other pollutants.

A small septic tank is more likely to become overloaded, causing it to fail prematurely. As a result, the effluent from the septic tank will be discharged directly into the environment without being properly treated. This can lead to water pollution and pose a serious health risk to humans and animals. In addition, a small septic tank will need to be emptied more frequently, which can be costly and disruptive.

On the other hand, a large septic tank is more likely to develop anaerobic conditions, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is important to choose a septic tank that is the right size for your needs. You should engage a professional plumber in Granbury, TX, during the design and installation process to ensure your septic tank is the right size. A plumber will consider the number of people in your household, the volume of wastewater produced, and the type of soil on your property to determine the appropriate size for your septic tank.

Excess Usage of Water

Even if you have a right-sized septic tank, too much water can lead to problems. This is because the normal function of a septic system results from a delicate balance between the amount of water entering the system and the amount of time required for the system to treat the wastewater. If this balance is disrupted, it can cause several problems, including clogging, backing up, and overflowing.

Using large amounts of water in a short period can cause the septic tank to fill up too quickly. As a result, the effluent will not have enough time to be properly treated and will be discharged directly into the environment. Additionally, using large amounts of water will cause the soil around your septic tank to become saturated. This will prevent the effluent from seeping into the ground and may cause it to back into your home or yard.

Therefore, it is important to use water wisely and avoid using too much water in a short period. If you have an uncontrolled water source, such as a leaky faucet or running toilet, it is important to hire a plumber in Granbury, TX, to fix the problem as soon as possible. You don’t want to risk damaging your septic system or causing an environmental disaster.

Harsh Chemicals

Certain harsh chemicals can also damage your septic system and cause it to fail. This includes bleach, paint thinners, and other similar products. These chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria responsible for treating the effluent in your septic tank. As a result, the effluent will not be properly treated and discharged directly into the environment. In addition, these chemicals can damage the components of your septic system, causing it to fail prematurely. Therefore, avoiding harsh chemicals around your septic system is important. When you need to clean any plumbing fixtures or parts of your septic system, it is best to hire a professional plumber to do the job. A plumber understands the delicate balance of a septic system and will take the necessary precautions to avoid damaging it.

Improper Maintenance

Your septic system is a delicate ecosystem that, with proper care, will continue to function as designed for many years. However, if it is not properly maintained, several problems can arise that can impact its normal functioning. For example, if the solid waste in the tank is not regularly removed, it can build up and eventually cause the tank to fail.

If the tank is not pumped regularly, the sludge and scum accumulating on the bottom can begin to rise and clog the exit pipes. This can lead to backups, overflows, and even sewage leaking into your home. To avoid these problems, it is important to regularly hire a plumber to inspect and pump your septic system. Additionally, you should hire a plumber in Granbury, TX, to fix any leaks or problems you may have with your septic system as soon as possible.

Having Trees Too Close to the Septic Tank or Drain Field

Trees are often considered a desirable addition to any property, and while they can provide many benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. One such drawback is the potential for tree roots to interfere with the normal functioning of a septic system. The roots of trees are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in the septic tank and drain field, and they can quickly grow into these areas, causing blockages and damage.

In extreme cases, tree roots can penetrate the tank, causing leaks and damaging the surrounding soil. As a result, it is important to choose plants carefully when landscaping around a septic system. Smaller shrubs and flowers are a better choice, as they are less likely to cause problems. Since plumbers understand how tree roots can damage a septic system, you may want to consider hiring one to assess whether the trees on your property are too close to your septic system. You should also regularly hire a plumber in Granbury, TX, to inspect and remove any tree roots that may have infiltrated the system.

Flushing Non-biodegradable Material

While many homeowners are aware that certain materials should not be flushed down the toilet, they may not realize that these same materials can also have a negative impact on their septic system. When non-biodegradable materials, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, plastic, or metal, are flushed down the toilet, they can clog pipes and damage septic tank components.

These materials can disrupt the natural bacterial process in the septic tank, causing the system to malfunction. Sometimes, you may need to regularly hire a plumber to pump your septic system to remove these materials.

Faulty Installation

Your septic system is a complex network of components that must be installed correctly for it to function properly. Unfortunately, even a small mistake during installation can cause major problems down the road. For example, if the soil around your septic tank is not compacted properly, it can settle over time and cause the tank to collapse. This can lead to sewage backup and expensive plumber services for repairs.

Similarly, if the drainfield is not installed at the correct slope, it can become clogged with solids and fail prematurely. To avoid these costly mistakes, it is important to hire a qualified plumber in Granbury, TX, to install your septic system. With their experience and expertise, plumbers will ensure that your system is installed correctly and will function as intended for years to come.

Driving or Parking On Top of Your Leach Field

Your leach field is an important part of your septic system. It is a network of trenches or beds filled with gravel and other materials that help to remove contaminants from wastewater before it is discharged into the environment. Without a functioning leach field, your septic system will not be able to treat wastewater properly, leading to pollution and public health concerns.

Driving or parking on top of your leach field can damage the gravel and other materials, making it less effective at removing contaminants. In addition, the weight of vehicles can compress the soil, making it more difficult for water to flow through the leach field. As a result, it is important to avoid driving or parking on your leach field to keep it functioning properly.

Don’t Wait Until Your Septic System Becomes A Risk

Your septic system is vital to your home and should be treated as such. You can avoid several problems by understanding how your septic system works and what can affect its normal functioning. Additionally, by regularly hiring a plumber in Granbury, TX, to inspect and pump your septic system, you can catch any potential problems early on and avoid costly repairs.

Need Help With Your Septic System?

If you have problems with your septic system or are simply looking for someone to inspect and pump it, our team of qualified plumbers at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth is here to help. We have years of experience dealing with septic systems and can help you keep yours running smoothly. Don’t wait to hire emergency plumbing services. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

Photo By Studio Harmony at Shutterstock