Common Septic Tank Problems

Your septic system is a tank that holds biological waste from your home until the bacteria breaks it down.  Sometimes, problems can occur throughout this process, and some of it, is due to human mistakes in the household.

Water in Tank – if there is more water in the tank than usual, this can cause a problem. It won’t allow for the waste to be broken down properly before the water rises too high.  This will cause the solid waste to clog up the tubes.

Roots in Septic Tank – tree roots in tank and around can cause outside water to get into the tank causing other problems around the tank such as leaking out of the tank. Tree roots can also grow through the walls of the septic tank, which will cause problems.

Chemicals – chemicals such as pesticides, gasoline, break fluid, motor oil, and paint thinners that get into the septic tank in some way will kill the bacteria that is meant for breaking down the solid waste.  These are also toxic chemicals that will ruin vegetation around the area of the septic tank.

Non-biodegradable items – these items won’t break down in the septic tank if they get in.  Waste and toilet paper are the only items that should be flushed down the toilet.  Anything else, even if they are flushable don’t always break down in the tank.

What is the solution?

Sometimes these causes cannot be avoided, but the most important thing to take away from this is that we need to be aware of our septic tank system if we have one.  If you discover a problem with your septic tank system, contact a professional such as Freedom Septic Service.

At Freedom Septic Service, we provide septic system cleaning, grease trap pumping, and septic tank installation. We are licensed and certified to install septic tanks per the latest Maryland state guidelines. Contact Freedom Septic Service at 410-795-2947 today!