A septic system malfunction can disrupt your day-to-day life with inconvenient odors, backed-up drains, and also potentially hazardous environmental issues. Many homeowners in Sedro Woolley, Camano Island, Burlington, Stanwood, Oak Harbor, Mount Vernon, and nearby areas unknowingly contribute to septic system failure by making small mistakes that accumulate over time. Understanding what can go wrong can help you extend the life of a septic system, save money on costly septic system repair, and possibly avoid emergency situations like broken drain fields, septic tank clogging, blocked pipes, and more. Let’s explore the most common causes of septic system problems and how you can prevent them.
10 Shocking Reasons Your Septic System Could Be Failing
1. Overloading the System
Excessive water usage can overwhelm your septic system, leading to septic drain issues. According to the leading septic tank inspection service contractors in Oak Harbor, running multiple large appliances simultaneously, such as washing machines and dishwashers, can push wastewater beyond the system’s capacity. This results in septic system drainage problems and potential septic tank backup.
2. Lack of Regular Maintenance
Neglecting septic system maintenance is one of the top reasons for different septic tank issues. Regular pumping and inspection prevent sludge buildup, which can lead to septic tank clogging and a malfunctioning septic system. Experts at Johnny’s Septic Service INC recommend scheduling pumping every 3-5 years, depending on household size and water usage.
3. Flushing Improper Items
Your toilet is not a trash can. Flooding the system with wipes, paper towels, diapers, sanitary napkins, and grease can clog the pipes and cause severe septic system failure. Top septic tank maintenance and repair contractors in Arlington state that you should flush only septic-safe toilet paper to avoid complications.
4. Tree Root Intrusion
Nearby trees and shrubs can cause faulty septic pipes by infiltrating drain lines, leading to broken drain fields and leaking septic systems. Root invasion is particularly common on old septic systems whose pipes have worn out over time.
5. Poor Installation
A poorly designed or incorrectly installed septic system can result in septic system problems from the start. Septic system failure becomes inevitable if the tank is improperly sized, located in an unsuitable area, or lacks adequate drainage. Always hire licensed professionals, like Johnny’s Septic Service INC, for installation.
6. Damage to the System
Top septic tank inspection, maintenance, and repair contractors in Bellingham reveal that driving heavy equipment or trucks over your septic tank causes problems such as crushed pipes, collapsed drain fields, and structural damage. To avoid costly repairs on your septic system, avoid parking and constructing patios and driveways over the system.
7. Excessive Use of Household Chemicals
Bleach, antibacterial soap, and chemical drain cleaners can kill good bacteria that break down organic substances in the system. Excessive application of these chemicals can cause system contamination, resulting in septic tank overflow. Use septic-safe cleaning products to keep your system healthy.
8. Flooding or Heavy Rainfall
Excessive water from storms or poor drainage can cause soil saturation, leading to septic drain issues and septic pump failure. If your system is prone to waterlogging, installing proper drainage solutions can prevent septic system malfunction.
9. Aging System Components
Even with proper care, an aging septic system will eventually develop septic tank issues. Over time, pipes corrode, tanks crack, and drain fields become less effective. Routine septic tank inspection by a credible firm like Johnny’s Septic Service INC can help determine when components need replacement.
10. Ignoring Warning Signs
According to the leading septic tank inspection, repair, and maintenance service experts in Mount Vernon, foul odors, slow drains, pooling water, and gurgling sounds are all septic system warning signs that should never be ignored. Addressing these early can prevent septic system failure and expensive emergency repairs.
How to Fix Them
1. Schedule Regular Pumping
Regular septic system maintenance prevents clogging and overflow. Johnny’s Septic Service INC offers expert pumping services in septic systems in Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Mount Vernon, Camano Island, Oak Harbor, and nearby communities.
2. Use Water Efficiently
To prevent septic drain issues, conserve water by using high-efficiency appliances, fixing leaks promptly, and spreading out laundry loads throughout the week.
3. Flush Only Septic-Safe Items
Educate your household on what can and cannot be flushed. Sticking to septic-safe toilet paper and disposing of waste properly can prevent blocked pipes and septic tank backup.
4. Keep Heavy Equipment Away from the System
Avoid parking cars, storage of heavy equipment, or construction over the septic system to avoid a broken drain field and faulty septic pipes.
5. Opt for Septic-Safe Cleaning Products
Relying on biodegradable cleaners that are non-harmful to your septic system helps maintain beneficial bacteria within it, preventing system contamination or septic pump failure.
Importance of Professional Septic Services
According to the leading septic tank inspection contractors in Arlington, routine maintenance can extend the septic system’s lifespan, but there are times when only a professional can help. Licensed professionals can conduct septic tank inspections to diagnose specific problems and execute essential septic system repairs. Whether you’re dealing with a malfunctioning septic system or need preventive maintenance, seeking professional assistance ensures its longevity and efficiency.
At Johnny’s Septic Service INC, we take pride in offering comprehensive septic solutions backed by decades of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Our licensed technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose issues accurately and provide reliable repairs and maintenance. A failing septic system can be stressful, and we aim to provide prompt, professional, and transparent services for your home or business. Trust Johnny’s Septic Service INC for expert care, preventative maintenance, and emergency septic solutions.
Final Takeaway
Septic system failures are often preventable with proper care, regular maintenance, and timely repairs. By recognizing early septic system warning signs and avoiding common mistakes, you can extend the lifespan of your septic system and prevent costly emergencies. For over 50 years, Johnny’s Septic Service INC has been the trusted name in Skagit, Island, and Snohomish Counties, providing excellent septic services with integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Originally founded in 1960, the company was taken over by the Graham Family in 2016, continuing its legacy of exceptional service. North Sound Septic specializes in septic pumping, inspections, repairs, and maintenance, ensuring homes and businesses in Bellingham, Stanwood, Camano Island, Mount Vernon, Sedro Woolley, Oak Harbor, Burlington, Arlington, and surrounding areas have efficient and trouble-free septic systems. With a team of licensed professionals, cutting-edge equipment, and a customer-first approach, they are dedicated to safeguarding your property from unexpected septic issues. Contact Johnny’s Septic Service INC today at 360-757-0550 to schedule an appointment and keep your system in top condition.
