All septic tanks are made to be filled up with wastewater, and in some cases, your tank may need to be emptied every three to five years. On the other hand, if you find that your tank is starting to fill up too quickly, you may need to drain it every few months rather than years. If this is happening to you, it’s important not to ignore it. The sooner you can find out why the tank is filling so quickly, the sooner you can get it corrected.
Your Tank has the Wrong Capacity
If you notice that your tank is constantly filling up or even overflowing, it could simply mean that the size of the tank is just too small in relation to the size of your household. For most tanks, it’s assumed that there are two people per bedroom and that each person uses around 60 to 70 gallons of water a day. So, the size of your septic tank should match the size of your home. If your family happens to be too big for the home, the tank will fill up with more water than it’s designed for. Check your tank size to make sure it’s appropriate for your household.
You’re Using Too Much Water
With an array of modern appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, many homes are using more water than ever before. Even if your tank is the correct size, it still has the potential to become overloaded. This will really come down to your household’s water usage. Things like long baths and lots of loads of laundry will use a lot more water. If this happens more than once within a few hours of time, the wastewater that flows into the tank could be too much for it.
Harsh Chemicals
Any toxic product that goes down your drain can cause your septic tank to fill much faster. Be aware that many chemicals are not recommended since they are bad for the healthy bacteria that live in your septic system. This bacteria helps to break down the solid waste. When there’s not enough of it, it will cause your system to become overwhelmed and may even cause a blockage. There will be much less space for water, causing the tank to fill up. Avoid pouring things like paint, motor oil, solvents, or gasoline into your system whenever possible.
Whether it’s too much water usage, leaks, toxic chemicals, or just a large household, you should try to get to the root of the problem as soon as you can so it can be corrected.
If you live in the Greenville or Anderson areas and need help with septic system installation, maintenance or repair, remember to call Palmetto Pumpers at 864-385-3933 and schedule an appointment today.
