In this blog, we will share the top 5 causes of septic tank problems and how to fix them.
Out of sight, out of mind. That’s how most people like their septic tanks. Designed to be buried underground, they help people to live happily in areas where there isn’t a sewage connection.
But, as with most things in life, problems can arise. And septic tank problems are the kind of issues that you’ll want to get resolved fast for obvious reasons; not least the associated odours, pollution and/or structural issues they can cause, all of which can get worse and be a risk to public health if ignored.
At Mantair, we have been solving all kinds of septic tank problems for decades. Here are the top 5 causes of septic tank problems and how to fix them.
1. Lack Of Regular Maintenance
Like most appliances and systems in and around properties, a septic tank should be regularly inspected. It’s worth doing all that you can to keep your tank in the best condition, because in our experience, lack of maintenance is the biggest cause of septic tank problems. Being buried underground makes the tanks easy to forget about, of course. But ensuring that your tank is regularly checked by an expert will allow small problems to be dealt with before they grow into bigger issues.
How To Fix It:
Regularly having your septic tank inspected, cleaned and emptied will give you a good chance of avoiding all kinds of problems, which is why all tanks are required to be emptied on an annual basis. Whatever the case, scheduling a maintenance inspection carried out by an expert is highly advisable.
2. Unstable Ground
It really doesn’t take much movement of the surrounding area to upset your septic tank. Whether it’s rain eroding the soil or a heavy vehicle such as a tractor or lorry driving over the land above your tank; disturbing the ground around a septic tank can cause its walls to crack. This will allow ground water to seep into your tank, stopping it from effectively separating solid and liquid waste, leading to all kinds of undesirable problems.
How To Fix It:
Regular inspections are again the answer, as catching a ground movement problem early can reduce its severity. To avoid heavy vehicles causing the problem, if possible, it’s a good idea to fence off or clearly signpost where your septic tank is located, so that any passing traffic can avoid the area.
3. Tree, Plant And Shrub Roots
It’s eye-opening how far and wide tree and plant roots can grow underground. You might think you’ve placed your tank well clear of greenery, but over time roots can extend outwards for surprisingly long distances. Left unchecked, these strong roots can pierce the walls of your septic tank and enter the associated pipework.
How To Fix It:
If trees and plants are already affecting your septic tank, you can arrange for a root removal to be carried out. If you’re worried about plant, tree and shrub roots affecting your septic tank in the future, barriers can be installed to stop them spreading toward your tank. If you are planning to install a septic tank, be sure to locate it in an area that’s free from plants and trees as much as possible, so as to avoid root problems occurring.
4. Baffle Collapse Or Dip Pipe Damage
It’s likely you’ve not heard of either a baffle or dip pipe before. But your septic tank is likely to have one or both. They play an important role inside your tank, preventing any solid waste escaping into your soakaway system. Problems with either can cause all kinds of effluent to escape, which nobody wants.
How To Fix It:
You should call in an expert to replace the faulty part/s as soon as you can, as your septic tank needs a baffle and/or a dip pipe (which is sometimes called a T-pipe) to work properly. Dip pipes can sometimes be knocked off whilst the tank is being emptied, so will need to be returned to their original position.
5. Ageing
Like us humans, septic tanks tend to encounter more problems the older they get. That said, there are some tanks in use that are over 100 years old. And whilst they still might be doing a good job, they won’t be working as efficiently as newer models. They are also likely to lack features that are common to tanks made in more recent times, such as dip pipes and double chambers. The issues that can affect older septic tanks include a greater likelihood of blockages and cracking.
How To Fix It:
There really is only one solution to a septic tank that’s passed its retirement age, and that’s to invest in a new one. Buying a more recent model is likely to save you the cost of repairs in the long run. And you’ll have a tank with all the modern features that enable it to operate with optimum efficiency and effectiveness. Alternatively, you could also look to upgrade to a sewage treatment plant.
Other Septic Tank Problems
That completes our run-down of the top 5 causes of septic tank problems and how to fix them. Of course, there are other issues you might experience with your tank, including an incorrectly installed tank, and the thankfully rare issue of hydro-static pressure, in which a high amount of water under the tank can cause it to rise out of the ground!
Contact Us Today
Mantair is proud to be a family-run business, and one of the most established, trusted and recognised brands when it comes to solving septic tank problems. If you are experiencing any of the issues outlined above, or perhaps have another problem not highlighted here, our team is ready to help. For more information, please call us on 01255 853890 or send us an email at enquiries@mantair.com.