3 Ways to Avoid a Septic Tank Backup

Causes of a Septic Tank Backup

• Tank is Full – A septic system uses anaerobic bacteria to break down waste inside the tank. During the breakdown, liquid sludge is produced at the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sludge increases and fills the tank, leaving less room for fresh waste. If you don’t have your septic tank pumped regularly before it overfills, this can lead to backups.
• Improper Drain Field Use - Excessive compaction frequently originates from inappropriate drain field use. Abstain from utilizing your drain field as a stopping region, or as a spot for sheds, decks, or other outside structures. Similarly, never cover your drain field with landscaping plastic, as this decreases exposure to oxygen.
• Chemical Exposure – The household chemicals that seep through the pipes into the septic tank can kill the anaerobic bacteria that break down the waste. When the bacteria is gone, waste gets broken down much slower than usual, exposing a greater risk for backups.

How to Avoid Backups

• Be Selective of What You Flush – If you own a septic system, be careful what you flush down the drain. Only flush it down if you’re entirely sure it can be flushed. Even if it says it’s "flushable", don’t be too quick to trust it. Avoid flushing anything that isn’t "septic safe". The same thing applies to the kitchen drain. Pay attention to food scraps, grease, and any other substances that should not be entering the septic tank.
• Have Your Tank Pumped Regularly - Having your septic tank pumped on a steady schedule is perhaps the most effective way to prevent septic backups and different issues. We suggest getting your septic tank pumped every 2-3 years. During the pumping, our experts will want to see what is happening inside your septic tank and will inform you as to whether there are any issues that you should know about, like damaging root systems. Likewise, our specialists work really hard to inform you about your system since we feel that information is crucial for taking care of your septic system. So, make sure to ask us any questions you have about your septic tank or call us with any form of feedback about your septic tank repair.
• No Garbage Disposals – If your home is on a septic system, you will likely not have a garbage disposal. This is because garbage disposals let chunks of food get into your tank, which can harm the system. Instead of letting the food waste go down the drain, collect them in a garbage bag and throw them out.

Contact Us

If you’re looking for a good septic tank company that you can trust your septic system with, Charlotte Septic Pros is a good option for you. Call or schedule an appointment with us whenever you have trouble with your septic tank.