Is a Burst Septic Tank Possible in Summer?

Several things might impair the septic tank system’s function throughout the summer. Improper usage of the septic tank system is a common cause of septic tank problems. Many people are unaware of the need for routine care and maintenance.

Here are things to think about if you want to keep your septic system in good shape in summer.

Septic Smells

If not properly managed, a septic tank can create solid waste over time. Septic tank odor is caused by waste in the form of sludge reaching the exit and flowing into the drain field. The foul scent originating from the septic system might be amplified by the hot summer weather. If this occurs, be aware that it is an indication of a significant septic tank problem that requires immediate attention.

Water Usage

A septic system is often installed for a residence with a small family. During the summer, though, children are more likely to stay at home, relatives may visit, and friends are more likely to visit. This means that your home generates more wastewater, which is then sent to the septic tank system. Furthermore, because of the epidemic and the ensuing lockdown measures, toilet usage has increased at home. Septic tank systems have also been put under more strain as a result of this.

As a result, excessive water consumption might stress the septic tank and cause the system to overflow. Furthermore, the additional water disrupts the natural balance of live microorganisms in the tank, which is essential for the organic waste to decompose.

Don’t Flush What Shouldn’t Be Flushed

Ensure that only toilet paper and human waste are flushed down the toilet by your family and guests. Otherwise, materials that are difficult to break down might block the septic tank system. It may also result in system failure. Items like as diapers, hair, paper towels, disposable wipes, cotton swabs, and coffee grounds should not be flushed. Additionally, avoid disposing of the rubbish since it puts a burden on septic systems and causes them to fail.

Avoid Chemicals

Do not use chemicals to feed your septic system. Even a little quantity of paints, thinners, solvents, chemical cleansers, or caustic drain openers flushed might harm the essential microorganisms needed for organic waste decomposition. The waste build-up may develop in the absence of biological activity conducted by bacteria, resulting in septic tank failure.

Proper Maintenance 

To keep the septic tank performing at its best, it must be cared for and maintained on a regular basis. Many people believe that the optimum time to pump waste from a septic system is during the summer. However, mechanical upkeep is sometimes exceedingly expensive. Many homes are unable to take such procedures every time their septic tank fails.

Summer Septic Tank Maintenance

With these septic tank tips, you’ll be in a great position to avoid costly repairs and disruptions to your home during the summer.

Get the Tank Pumped

If your septic tank is due for pumping, now is a perfect time to schedule an appointment with Honey Wagon to avoid issues, like septic tank overload. This happens when wastewater flows into the tank faster than its holding capacity. The solids are unable to adequately settle and bacterial activity is limited, limiting the breaking down of solids.

Clean or Replace Your Effluent Filter

Effluent filters assist in catching non-degradable materials before they go into your drain field. They need to be cleaned or replaced every so often to keep your septic system performing optimally.

Watch for Drain Field Problems

During times of heavy summer rain, it’s crucial to watch for signs of drain field stress like pools of water or spongy green grass. The drain field is very important in removing contaminants and impurities from wastewater. Make sure that your gutters aren’t flooding the drain field, which can send untreated sewage into the groundwater and nearby bodies of water.

Tidy Up Your Yard

Take a summer morning or afternoon to tidy up your yard and clear away any debris surrounding the septic system. Debris in your yard can cause water to pool, which disrupts the natural filtering ability of your drain field to treat wastewater.

Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products

Septic tanks need beneficial bacteria to break down solids, but harsh cleaners can kill these little guys. We recommend avoiding heavy-duty cleaners altogether or using them as little as possible. There are many natural and septic-safe cleaning products that you can use instead.

Be Mindful of Water Consumption

With kids out of school, your family might be at home more which means higher water consumption. Make sure your household is mindful of water usage to avoid septic tank overload. You can do this by spreading laundry loads throughout the week, taking shorter showers, and installing energy-efficient toilets and washing machines.

Don’t Pour Grease Down Drains

Summer cookouts are a blast! But clogged drains…not so much. That’s why you should never pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain or garbage disposal because after they cool down, they can form into a clog. Treat your drains right by disposing of these substances in a garbage bin.

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South End Plumbing specializes in leak repairs and water heater installation, so remember, we are just a click away. We also specialize in tankless water heaters – give us a call! South End Plumbing is one of the only companies that will give you a free estimate. Call us at 704-919-1722 or fill out the form online to schedule a visit.