Septic system backups are a nasty business, as they can cause unsanitary conditions in your home and water damage. These backups happen when wastewater can’t flow through the system properly and ends up flowing back into your drains. By understanding septic system backups, you can take steps to prevent septic failure and keep your system running smoothly.
- Common Causes of Septic System Backups
The biggest culprit behind septic system backups is the improper disposal of various items. Flushing or pouring things down the drain that shouldn’t be there can lead to septic system blockages. Some common offenders include baby wipes, grease, food scraps, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and many more. Tree root intrusion is also a common cause of septic system backups. Tree roots are notorious for seeking out water sources. If you have mature trees planted too close to your septic system, their roots can infiltrate cracks in pipes or the tank itself.
- Warning Signs of Septic System Backups
The most common warning sign of septic system backups is slow-draining toilets and drains. This is a sign that there is a clog in the system preventing wastewater from flowing freely. You may also notice a sewage odor coming from your drains or around your septic tank when there’s a blockage obstructing wastewater flow. Gurgling sounds in your pipes can also be a sign that there is a blockage in the drain lines or sewer lines. If you notice any of these, it’s important to call a septic professional for repairs.
- The Cost of Fixing Septic System Backups
The cost of repairing a septic system backup can vary depending on the severity of the problem. However, it can be expensive, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Here’s a breakdown of some of the costs you might incur:
- Drain cleaning: $100-$300
- Drain pipe repair: $300-$1000
- Septic tank pumping: $300-$800
- Septic system repair: $1,000-$5,000+
Septic System Backups Can Be Prevented
There are a few things you can do to help prevent septic system backups:
- Be mindful of what you flush down the drain: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing grease, coffee grounds, food scraps, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes, diapers, or medications.
- Don’t overload your septic system: Avoid doing laundry, washing dishes, and showering all at the same time. This can overload your septic system and lead to a backup.
- Have your septic tank pumped regularly: Septic tanks need to be pumped every 3-5 years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in your household. This is one of the essential septic maintenance tasks that not only keeps your septic system in good shape, but it also extends its lifespan. If you’re in need of emergency septic pumping in Simpsonville, look no further than Septic Connection.
- Don’t plant trees or shrubs too close to your septic system: The roots of trees and shrubs can grow into and damage your septic system. If you already have mature trees near your septic system, consider installing root barriers around the septic tank and leach lines to deter root growth.
- A Professional Septic Company Can Help
If you experience septic backups in your home, reach out to experienced septic technicians for help. A professional septic company can help you with all of your septic system needs, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs and septic pumping in Simpsonville. The experts can inspect your septic system, pump your septic tank, and repair any problems that they find. Having a professional maintain your septic system can help you prevent costly backups and extend the life of your septic system.
Contact Septic Connection today for all of your septic system needs.
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