What Causes Septic Overflows and How to Respond

Septic overflows happen when a tank reaches capacity or the system becomes blocked. The wastewater doesn’t have anywhere to go, so it will back up into your sinks, bathtubs, or lawn. The causes vary. It could be a full tank that hasn’t been pumped in years, grease buildup in the pipes, or damage caused by thirsty tree roots. A professional technician can determine what went wrong and fix serious issues. They can also provide septic tank pumping in Siler City to reduce the risk of a future mess.

What Is Effluent and Why Does It Need Managing?

Effluent is the liquid that flows out of your tank and into your drain field. A properly functioning septic system filters the effluent through your soil, where it is naturally treated. But if your tank is too full or your drain field is saturated, the system will break down. Regularly removing solids and sludge prevents overflowing effluent. Your drain field will function the way it needs to, and you’ll avoid contamination. It can also prevent premature system replacements. A failed drain field is one of the most expensive repairs, and routine septic pumping in Siler City will keep your tank healthy, so your system can work as intended.

Why Septic Tanks Smell

A quality septic system shouldn’t smell. If you’re catching a whiff of something awful, then you shouldn’t ignore it. It’s usually the first sign that something’s wrong. The rotten egg smell can escape through cracked lids or poor venting, but more often, it means the tank is full or that your drainfield is struggling to process the effluent. Gas buildup from bacteria is normal, but it should stay contained inside the system. If it’s escaping, then there’s a leak or overflow. Septic tank cleaning in Siler City is a simple fix. Removing the sludge from your tank reduces the amount of gas and helps your system breathe. A reliable septic company can inspect your system and find out what the cause is.

Can Your Septic System Handle Increased Water Use?

Are you planning to add an extra bathroom or need to host long-term guests for the holidays? Changing your routine can also affect your septic system. The tank is sized based on how many people are in your household and the average amount of water you use daily. Big shifts could overwhelm your system. Extra water can stir up settled solids and push them into the drain field, leading to clogs and failures. If your water usage is increasing, it’s wise to get ahead with a septic tank pumping in Siler City. Ask a septic company to evaluate whether your tank and drain field can handle the new load. In some cases, you may need an upgrade or make changes to your habits to avoid problems.

Is It Time for Your Septic Tank Cleaning in Siler City, NC? 

Don’t wait for a septic emergency to catch you off guard. Septic Blue is here to provide quality septic pumping in Siler City, North Carolina. Our technicians are trained to handle routine maintenance and more severe septic service repairs. Contact our team if you have questions or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your septic cleaning in Siler City.