About Plumbers, With Honor

Residential septic tanks and drain fields are designed with the needs of the current household in mind. If you have had your septic system for years, you need to evaluate its efficiency considering changing household factors. Certain changes that occur over time can lower the system's efficiency and increase the risk of frequent sewer backups and septic failure. Therefore, take note of these factors that may affect the efficiency of your residential septic system.

Changes in Domestic Water Usage

Have there been any significant changes in your household's water usage patterns? Septic tanks are designed to handle a specified amount of wastewater based on the household's usage patterns. If you are using more water than the tank can accommodate, wastewater will overflow into your yard or back up into the drains.

Below are some factors that contribute to increased water usage in households.

• Increased users: If your household size has increased over time to accommodate kids or senior loved ones, you need to get a bigger septic tank.
• Working from home: Working from home means you are likely to use more water than you do when working from the office. The increase in water usage can overwhelm your septic tank.
• Changes in water usage habits: Some consumption habits can increase water usage. For example, if you run more loads of laundry than you did in the past, your small septic tank may suffer inefficiencies.

Increased water usage doesn't necessarily translate into septic system failure. Therefore, compare your tank size against your water usage patterns to determine whether you need to replace the system.

Structural and Plumbing Additions

Structural additions that require additional plumbing increase the load on your septic system. The extra showers, faucets, laundry machines, and dishwashers increase the water usage in your home. Consequently, your septic tank has to hold, treat, and discharge more water. If the tank is too small, it will fail within a short time. Therefore, invest in a larger septic tank that can manage the water from additional plumbing fixtures.

Aging Septic System

Septic systems have varying lifespans depending on the tank material, maintenance habits, and ground conditions. An aging system won't be as effective as it was when new. Changes in soil compaction can affect the drain field's efficiency, leading to frequent blockages and sewer leaks. Older systems are also more at risk of tree root invasion, which can cause septic tank and drain field failure. If you have an old septic tank, replace it with a new and efficient system for efficient wastewater drainage and treatment.

Are the above factors lowering the efficiency of your septic system? If your current system is no longer working for your home, contact a sewer contractor for replacement services.