Here at Advanced Septic Services, we often write about preventing septic system mishaps. A lot of the time our blogs look at warning signs for significant septic problems. These could include bad odors, flooding, and gurgling noises.

But, what are some of the more significant causes for these septic tank emergencies?

For this article, we’ve gathered a general list of septic system emergencies for you. We go over their causes and their consequences.

Septic Tank Emergencies

3 Common Causes for Septic Tank Emergencies

1. Neglecting Routine Maintenance

This is possibly the biggest issue.

If you’re having problems with your septic system, it’s likely from a lack of maintenance. We always say that you should set up regular appointments with your trusted septic professional. But, why?

The reality is that septic systems aren’t going to last forever. Your system is made of components that can weaken or break down over time.

A professional can catch these issues quickly, ultimately saving you money and stress in the long run.

2. Failure to Locate Septic System

Your septic tank line is a series of pipes that carry wastewater from your house to your septic tank and drain field. Like we mentioned above, septic lines can weaken over time. Other causes can include growing tree roots and damages while remodeling the house.

There are some easy tips to avoid these issues. If you are making changes to your property, you want to ensure that you know where you can and cannot dig. Don’t park cars or large vehicles on top of your septic field. You could damage the system below.

3. Oversaturated Drainfield

Some of the leading causes of drainfield saturation including heavy rainfall and failing to pump the septic tank. If you have an oversaturated drain field, it cannot perform properly. The drain field can no longer filter or treat the wastewater from your property.

The bad news is that this can lead to permanent damage. This could mean your entire septic system.

How do you prevent this from happening? This goes back to number 1 in this list. Regular tank pumps mean a healthy septic system. But, you can also limit your household water use in times of heavy rainfall or flooding.

Septic Emergency Consequences

1. Septic System Damage

We listed septic system damage first because it is probably the most significant consequence on our list.

If you go too long without fixing the septic emergency warning signs, you ultimately will experience extensive and high-cost repairs. It could mean replacing a septic tank or a drain field. The longer you wait to repair or pump your septic tank, the worse the problem will be. Don’t be a victim of maintenance failure!

2. Water Source Contamination

Drainfield over-saturation and leaking pipes could contaminate your water source. Untreated sewage carries harmful pathogens that cause illness.

Raw sewage in the water source affects your surrounding neighbors and your local environment. Rivers and streams can be contaminated too. Luckily, the EPA in Florida regulates these contaminants found in local drinking sources.

Catching septic emergency warning signs early means you keep your community and environment safe.

3. Household Contamination

Clogged pipes and backed up septic tanks mean that unfiltered wastewater can travel back up your system and into your house. You do not want raw sewage in your home.

Your household wastewater can contain fecal matter and illness-causing bacteria. Acting quickly on septic maintenance means your family stays healthy.

So, what do you do in the case that you do encounter a septic emergency?

Call your trusted septic professional as soon as you notice a problem. They have the tools for the job and know how to fix the problem correctly.

Never touch raw sewage. If you have to, protect yourself with a face mask, goggles, and gloves. Try to wear old clothes that you can throw away immediately. This will minimize the possibility of getting sick or contaminating the inside of your house.

Do not try to fix the problem yourself. Without proper knowledge and tools, you could be injured or make the problem worse. This could mean the difference between a trip to the doctor or spending more money on final septic repairs.

If you have any questions about whether or not you have a septic emergency, call us at Advanced Septic Services at (352) 242-6100.