Signs of a Problem

While it's best to maintain your septic system by having it pumped and inspected every two or three years, certain problems with your system may require immediate attention:

• Slow running drains
• Gurgling drains
• Sewage odors in or outside of the home
• Wet or spongy spots over the weeping field
• Bulges or depressions over the weeping field
• Surfacing water/sewage over the tank or weeping field area
• Back-up in the home

Some of the problems listed above are not necessarily indicative of a problem with your septic system. Blockages within the internal plumbing of your home can cause back-up and slow/gurgling drains. Smells outside generally relate to the septic system, but smells in the home may originate from dry floor drains or other drains that have been allowed to dry out.

If you're experiencing a problem with your septic system, please call and allow us to help you find a solution.

 

The baffle

The outlet baffle is a T-shaped pipe attached to the outlet pipe leading to your weeping field. This small component of your septic system has a very important job - it prevents sludge from entering your weeping field.

The original tank baffle is concrete or plastic. Eventually this baffle breaks down and will fall off. The baffle should be inspected every time your tank is pumped. If it is missing, a replacement baffle made of plastic piping can be installed by our technician.

The basics

Your septic system is an underground sewage treatment plant, right in your back yard. Your septic system may seem like it's out of sight and out of mind, but unlike city services, your septic system requires regular maintenance and added caution about what you flush and wash down the drain.

Your septic system will look similar to this:

(Source: Ontario Ministry of the Environment)

Everything you flush or wash down the drain enters the tank through the inlet pipe pictured on the left. Most tanks have two chambers: the primary (closes to the house) and secondary sides. Some older tanks may consist of only a single chamber.

When the waste enters your tank, the solids (things like toilet paper and organic solids) sink to the bottom where bacteria in the tank assist in breaking down those solids into sludge. Any grease and soap scum float to the top, while liquids remain in the middle and slowly flow into the secondary side of the tank. From there, the effluent (liquids) flow through the baffle and into the weeping field or weeping tile.

The weeping tile is a network of perforated pipes under your lawn. It allows the effluent to slowly seep away into the ground. They come in many configurations. Yours may vary from the diagram above.

Effluent seeps away through the weeping field, while sludge and grease are left to build up in your septic tank. Eventually these solids will need to be pumped out of your tank, otherwise they will continue to build and cause problems. Excessive amounts of sludge lead to septic system malfunction including blockages leading to back up into the house, and over flowing of the tank. Solids that enter the weeping field contribute to septic system failure by plugging your weeping field and preventing effluent from being absorbed by the ground.

Your septic system should be maintained with a regular routine of pumping the tank of sludge, along with an inspection to inform you of the condition of your system. Most families will require septic tank pumping every two or three years. This is only a general guideline that will vary depending on your family's usage, the size of your tank, and the condition of your system.

Regular septic tank pumping (combined with caution surrounding what is allowed into your tank) will keep your septic system running well for years to come.