Why Is My Septic Tank Backing Up Into My House?

Anyone who's lived in a house with a septic tank dreads the possibility of a sewage backup. There's no way to describe this except to say that septic backup stinks. It's also unhealthy, and you should treat backups carefully and get professional help.

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A septic tank fix can be expensive and disruptive, but a proper repair will last for many years. The best way to prevent problems is to understand how a septic tank functions, take proper care of it and remember to get solids pumped out every few years.

How a Septic Tank Works

A septic tank is a two-compartment tank that separates solid and liquid waste. The solids accumulate in the bottom, while oil and grease float on the top as scum. A pipe allows wastewater to flow into the second compartment for further processing. Natural bacteria digest the solid waste into a liquid discharged to the drain field and clean gas that's vented through a vent pipe. Wastewater leaving the septic tank is further treated by the soil in the drain or leach field. Septic tanks are an effective, safe and natural way to treat human waste.

Signs of a Septic Tank Issues

When something goes wrong, you'll generally notice unusual signs that warn of an impending issue. A common symptom is slow drains, when it takes a long time for baths, showers, toilets and sinks to empty. You may also hear bubbling and gurgling sounds and smell the odor of rotten eggs around the vent. Another indication of a septic tank problem is bright green and spongy grass around the septic tank and drain field.

If you notice anything unusual, contact a professional immediately. If you leave it too long, you're likely to have septic tank backup into your home.

Why Is My Septic Tank Backing Up Into My House?

There are many reasons for septic tank issues. These range from something as simple as a full tank to damage to the tank and leach field to inadvertent harm caused by discharging chemicals and insoluble matter down the drain. Here are seven reasons for septic backup.

Full Septic Tank

Although natural bacteria dissolve some solid matter, over time the tank gradually fills up with solids. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, it's best to have your septic tank inspected every 3 years and the tank pumped out every three to five years.

Short-Term Overload

Septic tanks are designed to accommodate a certain flow of waste from the home. If you have family and friends staying, you'll use more water, and it's possible to overload the septic tank because it can't process the unusually high volume of sewage. This is a frequent problem with holiday homes, especially those that are older. In most instances, the problem will be resolved over a few days, but it's best to have the system checked.

High Water Table

In low-lying areas, particularly after heavy rainfall, the water table can rise to the extent that it interferes with normal draining of the leach field. If this is due to exceptional weather, the problem should resolve naturally, but in other cases, you may need to modify the drain field to accommodate the higher water table.

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Blockages in Pipes

Pipe blockages are common, often caused by insoluble materials and foreign objects such as baby wipes, feminine hygiene products and diapers. Generally they partially or completely block the pipes leading to the septic tank, but occasionally they can block the pipe between the two sections of the tank or even the pipes to the drain field. They cause septic drain problems and prevent the normal flow of wastewater. To avoid these issues, make sure the only thing flushed down toilets is toilet paper and human waste.

Use of Chemicals and Substances That Kill Bacteria

Harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners can kill the bacteria in the septic tank. While bacteria recover over time, you'll be discharging polluted waste into the drain field, and you're likely to get a solids buildup that blocks the septic tank. Also, be careful of antibacterial soaps and house cleaners, as these don’t discriminate between good and bad bacteria.

Malfunctioning Leach Field

The leach field is an essential part of a septic system. Its job is to drain the liquid from the septic tank and, through natural processes, purify the effluent. The field contains fine soil and crushed gravel chips that help the water percolate into the soil. These are easily compacted by vehicles, heavy equipment, lawn tractors or temporary structures and may lead to poor drainage and blockages.

Tree and Plant Roots

Tree roots are good at finding water and can easily force their way through joints and seals, ultimately causing a major blockage. Avoid planting trees and shrubs near sewer lines, above the septic tank and over the drain field.