Your septic system plays an essential role in handling wastewater and keeping your home safe. But like any system, it can encounter problems if not properly maintained. Septic system issues can lead to costly repairs, unpleasant odors, and even health risks. Learning about the common problems before they arise is the best way to avoid dealing with a stinky, wet basement or plumbing issues.

The truth is, septic systems are designed to efficiently break down human waste. However, they can struggle when tasked with handling other materials. To properly break down waste, septic systems rely on beneficial bacteria that convert solid waste into liquid or gas. This liquid is then safely absorbed by the surrounding soil. However, when something disrupts this delicate balance, problems arise.

In this article, we’ll cover the four most common septic system problems, explain how to identify them, and offer tips for preventing costly repairs.

4 Common Septic System Problems and How to Prevent Them

1. Too Much Water in the Tank

Your septic tank is designed to handle a specific amount of water and waste. If your system gets overloaded with water, it can disturb the breakdown process and cause serious issues. When there’s too much water, solid waste can be pushed out of the tank, leading to clogs, backups, and sewage seeping into your yard or basement.

Excessive water can be caused by several factors, including:

• Overuse of household appliances: If you’re doing multiple loads of laundry at once or running the dishwasher, your septic system may not be able to handle the volume of water.
• Leaky plumbing fixtures: Faucets, toilets, and pipes that leak can send extra water into your septic system, causing it to overflow.
• Inefficient plumbing fixtures: Old toilets and showerheads use more water than necessary.

To avoid these issues:

• Use appliances in moderation: Spread out laundry loads throughout the week, and avoid doing multiple loads at once.
• Install low-flow toilets and showerheads: These fixtures use less water, reducing the strain on your septic system.
• Fix leaks immediately: Even a small leak can add up over time and contribute to excess water entering your septic tank.

2. Improper Waste Disposal

One of the most common causes of septic system problems is improper waste disposal. Your septic tank is only designed to handle three things: human waste, toilet paper, and water. Anything beyond that can cause clogs, backups, and slow drainage. Items like wipes (even those labeled as “flushable”), tampons, diapers, paper towels, grease, and kitchen waste can disrupt the balance in your septic system. Even biodegradable materials don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper.

These materials don’t break down easily and can accumulate in the septic tank, eventually leading to a full tank and reduced capacity to break down waste. When this happens, your septic system may back up or start leaking waste into the surrounding soil, causing unpleasant odors and contamination.

To prevent this issue:

• Only flush toilet paper and human waste: Never flush anything else down the toilet, even if it claims to be biodegradable.
• Dispose of kitchen waste and grease properly: Don’t pour cooking oil, grease, or food scraps down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in the trash.
• Use trash bins for sanitary items: Tampons, diapers, and wipes should always be thrown away in the trash, not flushed.

3. Overuse of Detergents

Many household cleaning products, particularly powdered detergents, contain phosphates that are harmful to your septic system. These chemicals kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that are responsible for breaking down solid waste. Without these bacteria, your septic tank fills up faster, increasing the risk of clogs, backups, and overflows.

Phosphates are particularly problematic when used in large quantities, such as in laundry detergent or dishwasher soap. Even small amounts can impact the effectiveness of your septic system and cause it to deteriorate more quickly.

To protect your septic system:

• Switch to phosphate-free detergents: Use liquid or gel detergents, which contain fewer harmful chemicals.
• Avoid using excessive detergent: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended amounts, as too much detergent can overwhelm your system.
• Consider eco-friendly cleaners: Many environmentally friendly cleaning products are septic-safe and won’t harm the natural bacteria in your tank.

4. Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Your septic system relies on natural bacteria to break down waste. But when harsh chemicals are introduced, those bacteria can be killed. Products such as bleach, drain cleaners, and other toxic chemicals can disrupt the biological process in your septic tank and lead to serious damage. The harmful chemicals can also leach into the surrounding soil, causing environmental contamination.

Additionally, these chemicals can have long-term effects on your septic system. Over time, the buildup of toxins can damage the tank and the soil, causing costly repairs.

To protect your system from toxic chemicals:

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Limit the use of bleach, drain cleaners, and other strong chemicals in your home.
• Use septic-safe cleaning products: Choose products labeled as septic-safe to ensure they don’t harm the bacteria in your septic tank.
• Don’t pour chemicals down the drain: Always dispose of chemicals, paints, and oils through proper disposal methods, not by flushing them.

How to Prevent Septic System Problems

Preventing septic system issues comes down to two main things: proper maintenance and responsible waste disposal. By taking care of your septic system, you can avoid expensive repairs and ensure that it functions properly for years to come.

1. Regular Septic Tank Pumping: A full septic tank can cause backups and malfunctions. Regular pumping every 2 to 4 years will help avoid these problems.
2. Avoid Overloading the System: Be mindful of your water usage. Limit excessive laundry, dishwashing, and showering all at once to avoid overloading the system.
3. Maintain Proper Drainage: Keep your yard clear of debris and make sure water drains properly away from your septic tank and drain field.
4. Schedule Inspections: Regular inspections from a professional plumber can catch small problems before they become big issues.

Protect Your Home and Environment with Best Plumbing & Drainage

Contact BEST Plumbing & Drainage for expert septic system installation and maintenance in London, Ontario. With over 50 years of experience, our skilled team offers septic system repairs, maintenance, and installations to keep your system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. We provide 24/7 emergency service and free estimates. Protect your home, family, and the environment by scheduling regular maintenance—call us at (519) 438-6565 today to learn more about our septic system services and for your free estimate.