Leaking fixtures in the home can cause septic systems to fail.
Constant flowing water into a septic tank reeks havoc on several septic system functions. Excess water can flow into the tank through malfunctioning water fixtures in the house or through leaking septic tanks and collection systems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a malfunctioning toilet can add as much as 200 gallons per day to the septic system. Leaking tanks in heavy rains or other high surface water events could fill within hours. Too much water flowing into a septic tank is detrimental to a septic system. Does this Spark an idea?
High Watering
Baffles in septic tanks prevent floating debris, fats, greases and oils from flowing into the soil dispersal system. Drain fields that slowly accept liquids or septic systems that utilize pumps can be quickly overwhelmed with raising liquid levels. Because baffle designs allow their tops to be open, crust layers that float on the top of the tank wash over the baffle and into the effluent distribution system. This material quickly plugs pipes and is slow to decay.
Stirring the Tank
Designed for retaining solids, fats, greases and debris, septic tanks rely on sufficient retention time to do its job effectively. When high amounts of water are introduced into the tank, sludges can become mixed in with the clear middle portion. This clear layer is what is designed to flow into the drain field and percolate into the soil. Sludge mixed with this effluent can plug drain field lines and organically overload the system.
Drain Field Issues
Drain fields treat waste by providing unsaturated soil where bacteria and organisms live. Treatment occurs when pollutants are consumed, bound in soil particles or utilized by plants. When drain fields become overloaded with liquid, the soil can saturate, and treatment quality is reduced. Untreated or under-treated effluent percolates through the soil and moves into water tables. Nearby water wells for people and animals can become polluted and may need to be temporarily or permanently abandoned.
Drain Field Breakouts
Surfacing effluent occurs when too much liquid has flowed into the drain field, and the soil cannot absorb the water at the higher rate. Liquid forced into the system will go somewhere. Incorrectly installed mound septic systems that may already be hydraulically overloaded remain highly susceptible to high water flows. Untreated sewage contains pathogens and viruses that spread illness when coming in contact with people or animals. Sewage flowing into nearby lakes and rivers contains phosphorus and nitrogen which encourage algae blooms and upset the natural balance of these systems.
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