If your septic tank is clogged or blocked, then the chances are you’re going to need to get a professional to come fix it in the most severe cases. However, in a lot of cases, simply using a bacterial/chemical additive like Septifix is going to be enough to fix the issue entirely. If you want to know more about when it’s time to get the big guns, and what’s causing blockages in the first place, then keep on reading to find out!
Why Is Your Septic Tank Clogged/Blocked
Inappropriate Waste
One of the biggest major causes of clogs in septic systems is waste that shouldn’t be there in the first place. Things like baby wipes, sanitary pads, cotton swabs, condoms, and even too much toilet paper don’t break down well and can block the pipes. Over time they can accumulate in the tank, making it less effective and potentially leading to expensive repairs or the need for a new system.
Grease and Oils
Another reason your septic system might be clogged is grease and oils that are waste products from your kitchen. While they most likely leave the kitchen warm, they solidify in the cooler temperatures of your septic tank, which can result in significant blockages in both the tank and the connecting pipes. As these fats build up, they form a thick layer on top of the wastewater or harden into masses that block the flow, often requiring professional cleaning.
If you want to make sure that your septic tank doesn’t succumb to grease and oils, I’d highly recommend using Septifix.
Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance is another common cause of blockages in your septic tank. Not pumping your septic tank regularly allows solids to accumulate to levels that can clog the system. It’s crucial to maintain regular maintenance to remove solid waste before it overflows into the drain field, leading to more severe complications and system failure.
As a rule of thumb, you should be making sure that your septic tank is getting pumped every 3-5 years. But the amount of times you’ll need to pump it will increase if the tank is smaller.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can also lead to severe problems in septic tanks, too. If they grow too close to the tank they can end up causing structural damage and blockages. Drawn to the moisture around septic systems, roots can crack pipes and tank walls as they grow, leading to leaks and backups that compromise the functionality of your septic system.
Excessive Water Usage
Another factor that can clog your septic system is excessive water usage. This puts undue pressure on the system, overwhelming it and leading to backups and blockages. High volumes of water from frequent laundry, long showers, and dishwasher use can flood the system, reducing the time wastewater has to settle and be treated, thus pushing solids into the drain field prematurely.
Design or Installation Issues
Design or installation issues are yet another reason for chronic clogs and failures in septic systems. If a septic system is improperly designed or installed—such as being the wrong size for the household, poorly located, or poorly constructed—it is likely to experience operational problems and have a shortened lifespan. These flaws can cause persistent issues that require frequent attention.
Damaged Pipes
Damaged pipes are a significant concern that can disrupt your septic system’s functionality, too. Movement of the earth, heavy machinery overhead, or general deterioration over time can cause pipes to collapse or break. This prevents the free movement of effluent through the system, leading not just to backups and clogs, but also to the need for extensive repairs.
Household Chemicals
And let’s not overlook chemical disruption, which can severely affect the efficiency of your septic tank. When household chemicals that kill the bacteria necessary for breaking down wastes are introduced into the system, they can disrupt the biological balance.
Chemicals such as strong cleaners, pesticides, and some medications hinder the decomposition of solids, leading to potential system clogs and malfunctions.
This is another problem that Septifix deals with effectively, and why I recommend anyone with a septic tank to be using it regularly.
Cold Weather
Cold weather is often under looked, but it poses a significant risk to septic tanks, particularly when it causes the freezing of pipes leading to and from the septic tank. If these pipes are not buried deeply enough, they can freeze, blocking the flow of wastewater. This blockage can lead to potential backups into the home or overflow onto the property.
Improperly Sized Systems
If your septic tank is too small, then you may also end up getting it blocked or clogged. So, it’s vital that you make sure that your septic system is appropriately sized for the number of users it supports to guarantee its effective operation.
Overflow of Sludge
Another issue is the overflow of sludge, which occurs when the sludge layer at the bottom of the tank becomes too thick, overflowing into the outlet pipe or drain field and causing blockages.
Regular pumping is essential to prevent sludge accumulation to this extent and maintain a functioning septic system. But for a more hands off approach, using Septifix can keep it in top shape.
Structural Damage
Structural damage to septic tanks and their components, whether from wear, tear, or accidents, will obviously cause blockages and create issues throughout the tank and pipes. Cracks in the tank, damage to the baffles, or problems with the lid can all lead to these inefficiencies and blockages that compromise the system’s operation.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Blocked Septic Tank
- Slow Drains: If you notice that sinks, showers, and toilets are draining slower than usual, then it is most likely caused by a blockage somewhere in the septic system.
- Unusual Noises: Gurgling sounds coming from the plumbing system are another sign of a sign of a blockage. These noises occur because the flow is interrupted causing air to get trapped.
- Bad Odors: Foul smells coming from the drains or the area around the septic tank or drain field are one of the strongest indicators of a blockage or other issues within the septic system.
- Water Backup: If water backs up when you flush the toilet or use the sinks, it’s a clear sign that your septic system is not draining properly and may be blocked.
- Standing Water: Pools of water in the yard, especially around the drain field or septic tank area, is another great way of realising that the Septic tank is not properly filtering through the system most likely due to a blockage.
- High Levels in the Septic Tank: If an inspection reveals that the septic tank levels are higher than normal, then it’s clear that waste isn’t leaving as fast as it should be, likely due to a blockage in the system.
- Health of Lawn Over Drain Field: If the grass over your drain field is unusually healthy or lush compared to the rest of your yard, or if you see sogginess or standing water over the drain field, again, it’s a clear sign that waste is not draining properly.
- Alarms: If you have a more modern septic system it may be equipped with alarms that can alert you when the water levels inside the tank are abnormally high… another clear indication of a blockage.
How Do You Unblock A Clogged Septic Tank
Mechanical Pumping
One of the most direct ways to clear a clogged septic tank is through mechanical pumping. This process involves using specialized equipment to remove accumulated solids and sludge from the tank. Hiring a professional service to pump your tank can effectively eliminate the blockage and restore proper function.
Manual Removal
Manual removal is another hands-on method to tackle blockages. This involves using tools such as a septic tank snake or auger to break up and extract obstructions in the pipes. While this method can be labor-intensive, it can be effective, especially when dealing with solid objects that are causing the clog. Again though, it’s best to let a professional help.
High-Pressure Water Jetting
High-pressure water jetting is a powerful technique used by professionals to clear blockages. This method involves using a high-pressure hose to blast water through the pipes, which helps dislodge and wash away any debris, grease, or solidified materials blocking the flow. This method is particularly effective for stubborn grease clogs.
Root Removal
If tree roots have infiltrated your septic system, they can cause severe blockages. In such cases, professional root removal might be necessary. This typically involves using specialized equipment to cut and remove the roots from the pipes, followed by repairs to any damaged sections to prevent future infiltration.
Chemical Cleaners
Certain septic-safe chemical cleaners can be used to break down and dissolve clogs. These products are designed to be harsh on blockages but safe for your septic system. Be sure to choose products that are specifically labeled as septic-safe to avoid damaging the bacteria necessary for waste decomposition.
Bacterial Additives
Using bacterial additives like Septifix can help in unblocking a septic tank. Septifix tablets contain natural bacteria and enzymes that accelerate the decomposition of organic material in the tank. Adding these tablets to your septic system can help break down waste more effectively and clear minor blockages over time.
And the best part is not only will Septifix help the bacteria grow in your tank, but it’s also going to remove any waste caused by chemicals and grease etc!
How Do You Prevent Your Septic Tank From Being Blocked
Preventing your septic tank from being blocked requires regular maintenance and mindful practices. One key step is to schedule regular pumping every 3-5 years to remove accumulated solids and sludge.
Also, be careful with what you flush or pour down the drain; avoid non-biodegradable items like baby wipes, sanitary pads, and grease, which can cause blockages. Using bacterial additives, like Septifix, can help maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the tank, enhancing waste decomposition and reducing solid buildup.
Additionally, conserving water, using septic-safe cleaning products, and protecting the drain field from heavy traffic and root infiltration will keep your system running smoothly and prevent costly clogs.
Recap
As you can see, there are all sorts of things that can end up causing a blockage or clock in your septic tank. And if you feel like your tank is clogged or blocked, then the best thing to do it call a professional. In the meantime, though, I’d highly recommend using Septifix to remove and breakdown any materials that may end up clogging the tank!
If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. I’d definitely recommend checking out this article on the most common problems with septic tanks!