Septic Tank Leaking

One of the easiest and most important maintenance steps is to watch what goes into the septic system.

Septic tank leaking. Septic tank leaks and flooding. Leaks into the septic tank can occur if ground water or surface runoff are directed towards the septic tank or pipes that carry sewage into the tank or effluent out of the tank. Where leaks occur 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. 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.

Two indicators of leaks. If a septic system is not working properly or is located too close to a drinking water well contaminants from the wastewater can end up in drinking water. Prevent this by pumping the tank regularly. Warning signs of a septic tank leak or damage includes foul odors overly lush vegetation and toilets backing up.

One of the most common problems that can be detected on concrete and sometimes steel and plastic septic tanks is tank flooding due to a drainfield back up or because of surface runoff or groundwater leaking into the septic tank. Septic tanks are susceptible to leaks and other types of damage and these issues are often accompanied by warning signs such as odd smells abnormally lush vegetation and overflowing toilets. 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. If your septic tank was pumped out in the last year or two it is unlikely that it is already full.

If the growth is relentless despite no extra lawn care or extra rain it s a sign your septic system could be responsible. Septic systems and drinking water septic systems provide wastewater treatment for many homeowners who also often get their drinking water from private wells. Septic tank leaks can be the source of that extra moisture. Soggy ground or standing water.

So in you most likely have some sort of a clog between the house and the septic tank or even in one of the branch drainage pipes between rooms and plumbing fixtures. Older systems and even a new system may have issues. You ll need to determine where the clog might be.