Septic System Failures

 

Common Causes of Septic System Failure

  1. Leaking interior fixtures, especially toilets.

    A Failed Leach Field

  2. Excessive water use.
  3. Large volume of laundry water in one
    day.  Laundry loads should be spread
    out through the course of the week.
  4. Water conditioning equipment going
    through septic may harm bacteria
    growth in septic tank and deteriorate
    the tank itself, and may shorten the
    life of absorption facility in certain
    clay-type soils.
  5. Excess number of people using septic system for extended period of time
    beyond the system’s design.
  6. Metal and concrete septic tanks WILL
    corrode and deteriorate.  When they do, they will ruin the leach field.  There is no warning for when the tank will eventually deteriorate.  Once the tank does go, the
    entire septic system must be repaired (this includes the leach fields) which can be
    extremely costly to repair.
  7. Too small of a septic tank will cause a system failure.
  8. Not servicing (or pumping) the septic tank properly.  Only use a reputable company.
    For safety, a service pumping and inspection should be done at least every 3 years.
    Insist on a written report with every pumping and inspection. It’s best to use the same
    service contractor for each pumping and inspection since they can spot changes in the
    system between service calls.  For example, a couple buys a small house, with a septic
    system that can support two people.  The couple then has children which means usage
    of water has now increased.  Your service contractor will be able to see if the system
    can still handle the excess wastewater imposed upon it.  Just like a family doctor, your
    service contractor will know if your system is remaining healthy.
  9. Poor landscaping. Final grading, if not done properly around and over the system,
    can contribute to system failure.
  10. Storm water from gutters, sump pumps, overland flow, footing and and floor drains,
    etc. should NEVER enter the septic system.
  11. Don’t put food, paper towels, sanitary napkins and such into the septic system.
    It is not a landfill.
  12. Heavy use of high strength, non-biodegradable disinfectants including colored dyes
    harm the growth of bacteria in the septic tank.
  13. Don’t rinse paint brushes, rollers, etc. in sink.  These types of chemicals can harm
    bacteria growth and ground water.
  14. Dirty water or suspended solids should not leave tank.
  15. High seasonal ground water (high ground water normally occurs in the spring).

Signs of Septic System Failure

  • Back-up in house or gurgling noise/slow flush.
  • Dark green grass over leach field area.
  • Septage odor.
  • Septic water surfacing in yard.
  • Sludge on top of baffles in septic tank (poop don’t jump).

Specifications on Poly Plastic Septic Tanks

* 5 year guarantee on all our tanks
* No other tank has this guarantee

  • A one piece tank with no seams to leak
  • Safe for the environment – even lids & risers can be sealed tight
  • Can be used for drinking water (potable water)
  • Doesn’t crack by nature like concrete
  • No large equipment needed to install
  • Can be transported on a small pick-up, snowmobile trailer, etc.
  • Deliveries are available upon request