You rely on your septic tank to transport and treat your home’s wastewater. While your septic system may not require a lot of maintenance and be relatively trouble-free, it’s still important to know what could cause it to fail. Below are a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make that may lead to septic system failure.

3 Causes of Septic Tank Failure

1. Excess Water Usage

The size of your septic tank determines how much water can move through your pipes on a daily basis. Running multiple laundry or dishwasher loads in a single day can overwhelm some septic tanks, possibly leading to drain field oversaturation and environmental contamination. To prevent these issues, stagger your loads over an entire week rather than doing all your laundry and dishes in one day. 

2. Overgrown Tree Roots

Although you can plant certain shrubs and flowers in your drain field, avoid trees with large root systems, such as beech, weeping willow, and birch. As tree roots grow, they can encroach on your septic system, leading to broken pipes and drain field contamination. 

3. Nonbiodegradable Waste

Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and other kinds of nonbiodegradable waste should always be tossed in the trash rather than flushed down the toilet. It can take a long time for your septic system to break down this waste, leading to buildup and blockages. Be vigilant. Young children tend to throw toys, crayons, and other stuff into toilets. Use tamper-proof locks on your toilet seats and save yourself a load of septic tank trouble. 

Following these three tips and scheduling routine pumping service can help to prevent septic tank failure. If you’re seeking a septic technician, turn to the team at A-1 Septic Tank & Drain Service in Coldwater, MS. For over 50 years, this family-owned and -operated business has specialized septic system installation, maintenance, and repair, including pumping, drain cleaning, and hydrojet pipe cleaning. They are known for their dedicated customer service and reliable results. Call (662) 895-8950 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their full list of services.