Here we explain where and why septic tanks might leak why surface water or runoff leaking into a septic tank is bad and why septic effluent leaking out of a septic tank can also be a problem.
Septic tank leaking above ground.
Septic tanks come in all different shapes and sizes and there are both traditional styles and more modern ones.
A worn out septic system may lead to various problems.
We explain why pumping a flooded septic tank does not usually fix anything.
Sluggish or slow flushing toilets.
Waste from your property s toilets sinks showers baths and kitchen appliances all flow through a pipe to your septic tank.
But what causes leach field wet spots.
The top of the septic tank is usually a few feet below the soil.
Check the groundwater level drainfields for septic tanks are normally between 2 to 4 feet from the top of the soil.
The grey water is allowed to pass through the tank and out into the underground drain field lines in your yard.
Ok so let s first look at the basics of how a septic tank works.
Once the tank is full of solid waste you may experience sewage backups in the toilets or slow drains in tubs and sinks.
The seam of the tank is usually several feet below the surface of the ground so there are usually no visual signs over or around the tank that indicate excessive moisture.
The frequency of pumping depends on a few factors.
The leach field is the final.
If you live out in the country you might rely on a septic system to process plumbing waste from your home.
Septic tank tank leaks are one of the things to check for during a septic tank inspection.
Standing water or wet spots above the septic tank or drainfield.
Most septic tanks are installed in a top and bottom section and it s where these two sections meet that we most often find leaks.
If sewage effluent leak out of the septic tank the result is the discharge of inadequately treated effluent into the soils and in the case of a very leaky septic tank the result may also be a too rapid loss of effluent in the septic tank resulting in too rapid build up of solids and total system clogging and failure.
If the ground floods above these levels your septic system may not be able to handle wastewater from your home.
Outside sewage odors specifically those near the septic tank and drainfield.
Some of these reasons are heavy water usage buildup of grease and oil in the drain field and a leaking septic tank pipe.
A septic tank full of solids will overflow into the outlet pipe clogging the leach field and resulting in puddles on the surface of it.
Numerous reasons may lead to the creation of such wet spots.
How to troubleshoot a leach field in a home septic system.
One such problem is the formation of wet spots above the leach field.
Prevent this by pumping the tank regularly.
The symptoms associated with a failing septic tank system and drainfield are numerous.
Slow draining household drains such as sinks and tubs.