How to Diagnose a Clogged Septic System

Posted on July 28, 2016 by - septic

sink full of water due to a clogged drain

A clogged septic system can originate from the drain lines running to your septic tank, a clogged septic tank effluent filter, or a broken outlet baffle. The first step to troubleshooting a septic system backups is to identify the location of the clog. Millions of Americans rely on septic tanks each and every year in order to help eliminate harmful biohazard products and wastewater that flow from their homes. As long as a septic system receives routine maintenance services they are generally trouble-free, there may be times when a clog occurs. Most often a clogged drain line or pipe is due to waste or material that has accumulated over time, but it is important to check out the whole septic system to confirm you do not have any underlying damage. Septic system blockages can often be repaired with a routine pumping & tank clean out. For more troublesome clogs and backups a septic company may use hydro-jetting to clean your septic drain lines and leach field lines. High-pressure jetting can remove any masses that are causing a septic tank blockage as well as clean pipe walls and remove anything that could cause future clogs.

Septic problems can come in all shapes and sizes, which is why it is doubly important to invest in the services of a professional with an expertise in septic tanks and system design. Quality and service are Septic Medic’s top priorities. We will quickly and efficiently troubleshoot and diagnose clogged septic tank systems and leach field problems in Pike County, Delaware Township, and many other areas in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Contact Septic Medic online or call 570-828-7444 for septic maintenance, pumping and repair services for your septic tank system.

Steps to Troubleshoot Sewage Backup & Clogged Drains

While more often than not, the issue will be due to waste or material that has accumulated over time, it is a good idea to be able to check out the system as a whole, your indoor plumbing and outdoor environment for more problematic issues.

  1. Check the history of clogs: If you have a specific location in your home, a sink or a toilet, that frequently gets clogged then you’ll want to inspect it for properties installation, or explore whether or not that pipe is connected to a larger septic drain line so you can explore where the backup or odor is coming from.
  2. Take a flushable inventory: Often times people do not realize or remember that they cannot treat their septic system the same way you would a public sewer system. Items such as “flushable wipes” and other common household items, are not meant to work with septic tank systems and have a difficulty breaking down and can quickly clog pipes or a septic tank. Over time they can build up until there is a large mass that cannot dissolve and you’ll need you septic system pumped out.Certain chemicals that you use to clean your toilet, sink, or shower can also be problematic. Some chemicals can break down good bacteria in your septic tank and lead complicated issues down the line. Septic Medic’s professionally trained technicians will ascertain what household products or chemicals you are using and let you know if they could be causing clogs or disabling the functions of your septic system.
  3. Use a sewer line camera: A professional septic tank technician can scope the tank and system with a camera to inspect the drain lines for damage or blockage.
  4. Check septic tank filters: Intake and outlet drains can become blocked by floating solid waste or high sludge levels in your tank. Regularly pumping your septic tank can prevent sludge levels from rising and clogging the filters. Outlet baffles help direct wastewater away from the septic tank and into the leach field – when blocked it can result in pipe clogs and premature system failure.
  5. Inspect indoor plumbing and fixtures: If all the pipes leading to the septic tank outside are determined to be clog free then the next step is to check the plumbing within the building or home. This includes checking various plumbing fixtures throughout the home, on the ground floor and any upper floors.
  6. Look outside:  Checking outside the home can be another helpful way to determine the root of the problem. Trees with large roots that could be pushing or creating pressure on underground pipes. In addition, check the leach field to see if there is standing water that is unable to drain.

 

 

Septic Emergency? Contact us immediately at 570-828-7444

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