How does my septic system work?

Your septic tank is where all waste ends up after it goes down the drain. In the septic tank waste is separated, with solids slowly sinking to the bottom and creating a sludge layer while grease and scum float to the top with gray water being the middle layer.

Gray water is the layer that passes on out to the lateral lines where it soaks into the soil and is purified and returns to usable water. As sludge builds up on the bottom of the tank the gray water layer becomes smaller and if a septic tank is not pumped regularly sludge will fill up the tank, and flow out the lateral lines plugging them.

When this happens you will need to add new lateral lines which can become quite costly. As in most things, a little preventive work goes a long way. Cleaning your septic tank on a regular basis will save you trouble and money in the long run.

Why do septic systems fail?

If the wastewater cannot soak into the soil under the drain field bed, sewage may back up into the system creating two problems - wastewater puddling on the ground, or sewage backing up into the house. After flushing the toilet, if the water does not go down, this is telling you the tank or drain field is not receiving water. The water will begin to push up to the top of the drain field and puddle at the surface.

Some possible causes of system failure:

• Poor Soil Conditions
• A septic system placed in unsuitable soil for the flow generated from a house.
• Excessive Water Usage
• A septic system designed too small for the house it serves or too small for the water generated from the house.
• If sludge or scum is allowed to escape out of the septic tank and enter the drain field, the pipe, rock, or sand may become clogged. If this happens the liquid will not be absorbed into the sand. This common problem is caused by a failure to have the septic tank regularly pumped out. It is also important to note that, over the normal operating life of a septic system, this clogging will naturally occur and can eventually degrade a system. Again, regular pump outs are the best preventative service that can be performed.
• High Water Table and Septic System Failures
• During wet or abnormally wet seasons, groundwater may rise into a drain field and force sewage to the surface.
• This is caused by an error in design or sometimes by a significant change in the surrounding landscape.
• Roots and Clogging of Septic System Failures.
• The roots of trees and bushes planted too close to the system can sometimes enter and block the pipes of the system.
• Physical Damage to Septic System Components Causing Septic Failures.
• Cars, Trucks or heavy equipment passing over ANY portion of the system can damage pipes or other portions of the septic system causing a malfunction.

My drain field is not working, now what?

When your toilets back up or wastewater puddles up in your drain field area, chances are you will need to get it serviced or repaired. Call (270) 726-8629 to set up an appointment, or get an estimate for the cleaning or repair.