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Top Causes of Septic Tank Failures and How to Prevent Them in 2024

Home — Blog — Top Causes of Septic Tank Failures and How to Prevent Them in 2024

Why Septic Tank Maintenance Matters

Septic tanks are vital for waste management in rural homes and businesses, but a failing system can lead to unpleasant odours, environmental hazards, and costly repairs. Understanding the root causes of septic tank failures and learning how to prevent them ensures a clean, efficient, and regulation-compliant system.

At Pro Septic Tanks, we provide professional septic tank services, including emptying, maintenance, and installations, across the UK. In this guide, we’ll delve into the most common causes of septic tank failures and how to prevent them effectively in 2024.

Septic tank maintenance protects not only your property but also the surrounding environment. A poorly maintained system can cause contamination of nearby water sources, legal fines due to non-compliance with septic tank regulations 2020, and expensive system replacements. Proactive care and professional inspections can save you time, money, and stress.

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Overloading the System

What Happens:

Septic tanks are designed to handle a specific capacity. Overloading occurs when the tank processes more wastewater than it is built for, leading to untreated waste spilling into the soakaway or backing up into your property. Overloading can happen due to excessive water use, such as running multiple appliances simultaneously or during times of high occupancy.

Prevention Tips:

  • Schedule Regular Emptying: A septic tank that is not emptied regularly will have reduced capacity, making it more likely to overflow. Work with experts offering pro septic tank emptying services to avoid this issue.
  • Install Water-Saving Devices: Low-flow toilets, efficient showerheads, and water-saving appliances can help reduce the strain on your septic system.
  • Spread Water Usage Throughout the Day: Avoid running washing machines, dishwashers, and baths all at once. Spacing out water use reduces peak pressure on the system.

By managing water usage and maintaining your tank, you can prevent overloading and prolong the life of your system.

Infrequent Septic Tank Emptying

What Happens:

If solids are not removed from the tank periodically, they build up and reduce the tank’s capacity. This can cause blockages, overflow into the soakaway, and even damage the system’s structure.

Prevention Tips:

  • Adhere to Recommended Schedules: The frequency of emptying depends on your tank size and usage. For a household of four, tanks should typically be emptied every 12 to 18 months. Commercial properties may require more frequent emptying.
  • Find Local Professionals: Search for septic tank emptying near me to locate trusted service providers like Pro Septic Tanks who can ensure timely maintenance.
  • Monitor Your Tank: If you notice slow drains, foul odours, or lush vegetation near the tank, it may be time to empty it.

Skipping regular emptying not only risks failure but can also result in expensive repairs or replacements.

Improper Waste Disposal

What Happens:

Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down waste. Non-biodegradable items, chemicals, and grease can disrupt this process, causing blockages, reduced efficiency, and potential contamination.

Prevention Tips:

  • Flush Responsibly: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing wipes, feminine hygiene products, or diapers, as these items do not break down in the system.
  • Dispose of Grease Properly: Pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain can clog pipes and reduce system efficiency. Instead, dispose of these in the bin.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Cleaning agents, paints, and solvents can kill the bacteria necessary for your septic system to function. Use septic-safe cleaners to maintain a healthy bacterial balance.

Teaching all household members or employees about proper waste disposal can significantly reduce the risk of system failures.

Structural Damage

What Happens:

Over time, septic tank failures can suffer structural damage due to ground movement, tree root intrusion, or heavy vehicles driving over the system. Cracks or leaks can lead to contamination and system failure.

Prevention Tips:

  • Regular Inspections: Schedule septic tank inspections to identify and address cracks or weak points early.
  • Choose a Safe Location: When installing a tank, ensure it is far from large trees and traffic areas. Certified septic system installation contractors can advise on the best placement.
  • Install Protective Barriers: Use bollards or markers to prevent vehicles from driving over the tank area.

Taking these steps minimises the risk of damage and ensures your system stays leak-free and functional.

Faulty Soakaway Systems

What Happens:

The soakaway system allows treated wastewater to drain into the surrounding soil. Blocked or damaged soakaways can cause waterlogging, backups, and unpleasant odors. This is particularly common in areas with clay soil or heavy rainfall.

Prevention Tips:

  • Maintain Your Soakaway: Engage professionals like Pro Septic Tanks for septic soakaway installation Dorset or repairs if drainage issues arise.
  • Improve Drainage: Consider additional drainage solutions in areas prone to flooding.
  • Empty Tanks Regularly: A full tank can overwhelm the soakaway, leading to backups and long-term damage.

Proper maintenance of both the tank and soakaway ensures efficient wastewater dispersal and prevents costly repairs.

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Outdated or Non-Compliant Systems

What Happens:

Septic tanks installed before recent regulation updates may not meet modern standards, particularly for discharge into watercourses. Non-compliance with septic tank regulations 2020 can result in fines or orders to replace the system.

Prevention Tips:

  • Upgrade to a Modern System: Work with experienced septic system installation contractors near me to replace outdated systems.
  • Conduct Regular Checks: Have your system inspected to ensure it complies with current regulations and is functioning optimally.
  • Use Certified Installers: Certified septic tank installers ensure compliance and proper functioning of your system.

Keeping your system up-to-date ensures not only compliance but also better efficiency and longevity.

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Keep Your Septic System 2024-Ready

Don’t let a septic tank failure disrupt your home or business. Contact Pro Septic Tanks today for professional services. Whether you need septic tank emptying, septic tank repair Hampshire, or a new installation, our team is here to help.

Call us today or visit our website to schedule a service. Ensure your septic system operates at its best all year round.

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