Septic System Failure
Septic systems are often taken for granted because they are out of sight and out of mind. When a septic system is not maintained it becomes less effective in treating household waste. Homeowners are often taken by surprise when the system completely fails leaving them with sewage back up and costly repair bills. While it may seem like the system unexpectedly "Broke", a septic system that is stressed does show warning signs. Our goal is to help you recognize the warning signs of a failing septic system and give you the tools to maintain your system.
Your septic system relies on natural bacteria to break down and decompose you household waste. There are two types of bacteria aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to live and anaerobic bacteria live in the absence of oxygen. The primary bacteria at work in your septic system are anaerobic bacteria. In the absorption field, anaerobic bacteria feed on the remaining solids found in wastewater that was discharged from the septic tank. Over time this process creates a Bio-mat in the absorption field. Simply put, the Bio-mat is a black slime mixture of anaerobic bacteria and their waste feeding on the remaining solid waste particles that were carried to the absorption field in the wastewater. Anaerobic bacteria are slow eaters, the Bio-mat grows thicker and thicker when the supply of food comes faster than the bacteria can eat it. The Bio-mat becomes so thick that the wastewater cannot flow through it causing your whole system to back up and fail.
Another form of bacteria in the waste stream is aerobic. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to thrive. In a passive system, aerobic bacteria are limited in digesting the solids in the waste stream because the system is lacking its primary required resource, oxygen. If oxygen would be present, the aerobic bacteria would be much more effective at digesting the solids in the waste stream. Aerobic treatment units produce oxygen rich effluent to the absorption component. This oxygen rich effluent reduces the food source to the bacteria in the soil absorption field. Experts report that an existing bio-mat becomes more permeable after a an aerobic treatment unit is installed and that over time the soil absorption component becomes 70% to 80% rejuvenated as compared to the original functionality. An aerobic bacteria system can eliminate or substantially reduce the septic system failure rate and extend the useful life of a drain field.
The most common maintenance program consists of pumping the tank every few years and then the system is forgotten about. This pattern can continue for many years, however, there will come a time that your system will need serious attention and costly replacement. Pumping removes the solids build up from the settling tank however it has no direct benefit to the maintenance of the absorption component of the system. Most septic system failures are a result of the absorption component of the system becoming clogged by the formation of a Bio-mat. Septic systems fail when the absorption field no longer accepts and filters the drain water from your home. The septic tank, which is designed to separate and decompose the solid waste from the homes drain water, overflows with excess water and waste when the absorption field no longer accepts water. The result is smelly septic gases; slow running drains, soggy lawn and frequent pumping of the septic tank.
The components of the system are durable, however, the bio-chemical process utilized to convert sewage to mostly clear effluent leaving the system is fragile and can be easily upset. We are all guilty of abusing our septic system at some point in time. It may range from excessive water usage, failure to repair a leaky faucet, or dumping some hazardous solvents or liquids down the drain. A simple rule is, "if you have not or cannot eat it, then it probably will be damaging or difficult for your septic system to process"! Not to say that these materials cannot ever be flushed down the drain, but if flushed too frequently you are bound to have problems!
The effective years of service for a septic system are dependent on many factors. The cause of septic system failure can include: minimal or no septic system maintenance, excessive hydraulic loading from the waste stream, excessive introduction of common household chemicals, excessive use of anti-biotic drugs or chemotherapy treatments, food waste, kitchen grease, laundry lint.
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