When it comes to septic tank problems, there’s no such thing as a minor issue. Even seemingly small problems can have disastrous results, both for your property and health. While many aren’t preventable, regular pumping and maintenance will ensure they’re detected early, before they cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Common Septic Tank Problems

1. Tree Root Growth

Trees offer many benefits, but when they’re planted too close to a septic system, they can cause major issues. Because they’re so strong, the roots can actually break through the walls of the tank itself, the pipes, and the soakaway. This can result in a variety of septic tank problems, including contaminated water leeching into the nearby soil.

2. Shifts or Changes in the Ground

Although it’s unnoticeable to the naked eye, the ground throughout your property is constantly moving and changing. Slight shifts can add pressure to the tank, which may result in cracked walls. This can cause leaks and more frequent emptying. If the ground conditions change, becoming more moist than when the system was installed, this can prevent the soakaway from working properly.

3. Damage From Vehicles

While many people know not to drive a vehicle over a septic tank, problems still occur, often from heavy farm equipment rolling over the system. In most cases, the damage is done by unsuspecting neighbors or workers, so it’s important to ensure others are aware of the tank’s location, just in case.

4. Increase in Hydrostatic Pressure

Vehicle damage and ground movement can all place too much pressure on the tank, as can high volumes of water. This is referred to as hydrostatic pressure, and, when it builds, the septic tank can pop completely out of the ground. This problem requires immediate repairs, as the drainage system will back up into your property.

5. Collapsed Baffle or Damaged Dip Pipe

Some septic tank systems have a baffle or dip pipe; others have both. In either case, their purpose is to separate solid and liquid waste, ensuring only the liquid is emptied into the soakaway. If either of these is damaged, the wrong type of waste enters the soakaway, which results in contamination and blockages.

 

If you’re experiencing septic tank problems, odds are one of the above issues is to blame. It’s important to call B’s Pumping Service in Lakeville, MN, to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs. They also perform pumping and maintenance to keep everything in working order, which will help you avoid costly issues. To learn more about this local, licensed, bonded, and insured company, visit their website, or call (952) 469-2573 to request an estimate.